Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
What is the Best Internet Provider in Hawaii?
When searching for the best internet provider in Hawaii, FASTNET’s top choice is Spectrum. This provider delivers gigabit speeds and offers widespread availability across Hawaii, from the Big Island to Kauai. Spectrum’s plans accommodate diverse budgets, featuring straightforward service terms, including unlimited data and a complimentary modem.
If Spectrum’s services aren’t available in your location, Hawaiian Telcom is a commendable alternative. Distinguished by its fiber-optic network, unlike Spectrum’s cable infrastructure, it matches or surpasses Spectrum’s top speeds. Should wired internet options be limited in your area, T-Mobile’s 5G home internet, priced at $50 monthly, provides a viable fixed wireless broadband solution.
For those prioritizing speed, Spectrum and Hawaiian Telecom offer plans reaching up to 1,000Mbps without data limitations or contract prerequisites. Seeking the most affordable internet plan? Both Spectrum and Hawaiian Telecom provide options commencing at $30. Moreover, qualified mobile subscribers may access home internet from Verizon or T-Mobile for as low as $35 monthly.
Best Internet in Hawaii in 2025
Hawaii Internet Providers Compared
Provider | Internet Technology | Monthly Price Range | Speed Range | Monthly Equipment Costs | Data Cap | Contract | FASTNET Review Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hawaiian Telcom | Fiber | $30-$120 | 400-3,000Mbps | $10 gateway (optional) | None | None | N/A |
Spectrum Read full review |
Cable | $30-$70 | 100-1,000Mbps | Free modem; $10 router (optional) | None | None | 7.2 |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$55 for eligible mobile customers) | 87-415Mbps | None | None | None | 7.4 |
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
Fixed wireless | $50-$70 ($35-$45 with qualifying mobile plans) | 50-250Mbps | None | None | None | 7.2 |
Viasat Read full review |
Satellite | $100 | 25-150Mbps | $15 monthly or $300 one-time fee | 60-500GB | 2 years | 6.1 |
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Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.
Internet Breakdown by City in Hawaii
Covering broadband options across a state like Hawaii presents challenges in providing specific city-level detail. Therefore, we also create directories of top internet providers in cities throughout the U.S., including those in Hawaii. These delve into details such as connection technologies, peak speeds, and most economical providers. Check frequently, since we’re constantly incorporating new locations each week.
Cheap Internet Options in Hawaii
Hawaiian Telecom offers the most affordable starting price for internet in Hawaii at $30 per month for speeds up to 400Mbps. Spectrum also offers a $30 plan, although it only provides speeds of 100Mbps.
What’s the Cheapest Internet Plan in Hawaii?
Provider | Starting Monthly Price | Max Download Speed | Monthly Equipment Fee |
---|---|---|---|
Hawaiian Telcom Symmetrical Fioptics 400 | $30 | 400Mbps | $10 (optional) |
Spectrum Internet Advantage Read full review |
$30 | 100Mbps | $10 router (optional) |
Hawaiian Telcom Symmetrical Fioptics 600 | $40 | 600Mbps | $10 (optional) |
Spectrum Internet Premier Read full review |
$50 | 500Mbps | $10 router (optional) |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review |
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan) | 318Mbps | None |
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review |
$50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan) | 250Mbps | None |
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How to Find Internet Deals and Promotions in Hawaii
The most advantageous internet deals and special promotions in Hawaii usually depend on current discount availability. While most offers have a limited lifespan, we continually monitor for the latest opportunities.
Hawaii’s internet providers, including Spectrum and Viasat, might provide reduced initial costs or bundled streaming subscriptions over designated periods, while others, like Verizon, maintain consistent year-round pricing.
For an exhaustive list of promotions, you are invited to explore our internet deals guide.
Fastest Internet Plans in Hawaii
The FCC indicates that all Hawaiian households have access to broadband speeds of at least 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload. Recent Ookla data ranks Hawaii 13th among states (and Washington, DC) for average download speeds, at approximately 226Mbps. (Note: FASTNET and Ookla share a parent corporation, Ziff Davis.) Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom are the ideal service providers for these and enhanced speed capabilities.
Regarding speed and reliability, a fiber-optic connection from Hawaiian Telcom is preferable to Spectrum’s cable option. Fiber internet excels in supporting higher upload rates and minimizes speed variations during peak usage.
Fastest Internet Plans in Hawaii
Provider | Starting Monthly Price | Max Download Speed | Max Upload Speed | Data Cap | Connection Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hawaiian Telcom Fioptic 3Gig | $120 | 3,000Mbps | 3,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Hawaiian Telcom Fioptic 1Gig | $60 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review |
$70 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
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Source: FASTNET analysis of provider data.
What’s a Good Internet Speed?
Most current internet plans manage basic productivity and communication effectively. However, for videoconferencing, streaming, or gaming, a more stable connection enhances the outcome. Below are the FCC’s prescribed minimum download rates for various applications, but note that actual speed and performance may differ depending on your provider, location, and connection type.
For more information, see our guide which addresses the question of how much internet speed do you really require.
- 0 to 5Mbps enables essential online activities like browsing, email, and low-resolution streaming.
- 5 to 40Mbps allows better video streaming and videoconferencing quality.
- 40 to 100Mbps should adequately support modern telecommuting, streaming, and online gaming for one user.
- 100 to 500Mbps accommodates one or two users for simultaneous high-bandwidth activities.
- 500 to 1,000Mbps supports three or more users engaging in simultaneous high-bandwidth activities.
How FASTNET Chose the Best Internet Providers in Hawaii
Given the abundance of regional internet providers, direct testing of each within a specific city is impractical. Therefore, what methods do we apply? We depend on an in-house database encompassing data on pricing, speed capabilities, and location availability sourced via historical information, associate data, and mapping specifics provided via the FCC website.
Moreover, to confirm data correctness, we check available ISP options at FCC.gov. Also, we perform address-specific availability evaluations on provider websites and assess customer satisfaction levels by consulting resources such as the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power. Knowing that pricing and plan details change regularly, we strive to ensure information is per print deadlines.
With the data generated for a specific local address, questions we ask are:
- Does the ISP offer appropriately high internet speeds?
- Do the ISP’s customers gain quality service based on their plan’s cost?
- Are the ISP’s customers satisfied with their service quality?
Ultimately, the ISPs that most closely satisfy these variables represent our most highly recommended options. Considering factors involving the most economical internet plans includes looking at plans with minimal expenses, accounting for variables, such as equipment pricing, contract details, and potential price variance. When addressing the fastest possible internet access, key measurements like published upload and download rates, blended with real-world evaluations originating from performance metrics published via Ookla and official FCC findings, contribute to results.
To examine our procedure in more dimensions, you are invited to explore our how we test ISPs page.
What’s the Final Word on Internet Providers in Hawaii?
Although some resources available in Hawaii are less accessible, high-speed availability and affordable pricing are competitive compared to other US locations. Throughout Hawaii, Spectrum offers solid high-speed capabilities, although Hawaiian Telcom’s fiber solutions often provide superior value.
If both companies restrict service to your location, T-Mobile Home Internet poses an option of suitable connectivity. And, as a final solution, service from Viasat provides connectivity options statewide.
Internet Providers in Hawaii FAQs
Does Hawaii have fiber internet?
Yes. Hawaiian Telcom is Hawaii’s leading fiber provider, servicing approximately 76% of private residences.
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Is Spectrum or Hawaiian Telcom better?
Whether fiber, cable, or DSL is available can determine quality. When only cable connectivity via Spectrum or DSL via Hawaiian Telcom applies to your location, Spectrum may be the optimum option for total worth and general connection speeds.
Alternatively, fiber from Hawaiian Telcom is also worthy of consideration. Potential customers may find that Hawaiian Telcom can provide greater value and consistency compared to Spectrum.
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Is Xfinity available in Hawaii?
While Xfinity lacks direct access to home internet in Hawaii, the company does host wireless hotspots across locations throughout the state. Therefore, visitors residing in homes that host Xfinity, may be able to access available networks during any stay.
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