Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
It’s hard to cover the broadband options of a state like Hawaii and give individual cities the attention they deserve. That’s why we also compile lists of the best internet providers in cities across the US, including those in Hawaii. We tackle details such as internet connection types, maximum speeds, cheapest providers and more. Check back later if you don’t find the city you’re looking for below. We’re working to add more locations every week.
Spectrum has the cheapest starting price for internet in Hawaii at $30 per month for speeds up to 100Mbps. Hawaiian Telcom also offers plans starting at just $40 per month.
Provider | Starting monthly price | Max download speed | Monthly equipment fee |
---|---|---|---|
Spectrum Internet Advantage Read full review | $30 | 100Mbps | $10 router (optional) |
Hawaiian Telcom Symmetrical Fioptics 400 | $40 | 400Mbps | $10 (optional) |
Spectrum Internet Premier Read full review | $50 | 500Mbps | $10 router (optional) |
T-Mobile Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($40 with eligible mobile plan) | 245Mbps | None |
Verizon 5G Home Internet Read full review | $50 ($35 with eligible mobile plan) | 300Mbps | None |
Viasat Bronze 12 Read full review | $65 | 25Mbps | $15 |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
How many members of your household use the internet?
The best internet deals and top promotions in Hawaii depend on what discounts are available during that time. Most deals are short-lived, but we look frequently for the latest offers.
Hawaii internet providers, such as Spectrum and Viasat, may offer lower introductory pricing or streaming add-ons for a limited time. Many, including Verizon, run the same standard pricing year-round.
For a more extensive list of promos, check out our guide on the best internet deals.
The FCC reports that 100% of households in Hawaii are eligible for broadband speeds of at least 25Mbps down and 3Mbps up. The most recent Ookla speed test data ranks Hawaii's average download speeds 13th among all states (and Washington, D.C.) at about 226Mbps. Spectrum, Hawaiian Telcom and Verizon 5G Home will be your best bets for those speeds and higher.
Regarding speed potential and reliability, I'd prefer a fiber-optic connection like the one you get with Hawaiian Telcom over a cable one from Spectrum. Fiber internet is equipped to support much faster upload speeds and is less susceptible to speed fluctuations during peak usage times.
Provider | Starting monthly price | Max download speed | Max upload speed | Data cap | Connection type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hawaiian Telcom Fioptic 1Gig | $70 | 1,000Mbps | 1,000Mbps | None | Fiber |
Spectrum Internet Gig Read full review | $70 | 1,000Mbps | 35Mbps | None | Cable |
Verizon 5G Home Plus Read full review | $70 ($45 with eligible mobile plan) | 1,000Mbps | 75Mbps | None | Fixed wireless |
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Source: CNET analysis of provider data.
Most internet connection plans can now handle basic productivity and communication tasks. If you're looking for an internet plan that can accommodate videoconferencing, streaming video or gaming, you'll have a better experience with a more robust connection. Here's an overview of the recommended minimum download speeds for various applications, according to the FCC. Note that these are only guidelines and that internet speed, service and performance vary by connection type, provider and address.
For more information, refer to our guide on how much internet speed you really need.
Internet service providers are numerous and regional. Unlike the latest smartphone, laptop, router or kitchen tool, it's impractical to personally test every internet service provider in a given city. What's our approach? For starters, we tap into a proprietary database of pricing, availability and speed information that draws from our own historical ISP data, partner data and mapping information from the Federal Communications Commission at FCC.gov.
It doesn’t end there: We go to the FCC’s website to check our data and ensure we consider every ISP that provides service in an area. We also input local addresses on provider websites to find specific options for residents. We look at sources, including the American Customer Satisfaction Index and J.D. Power, to evaluate how happy customers are with an ISP's service. ISP plans and prices are subject to frequent changes; all information provided is accurate as of publication.
Once we have this localized information, we ask three main questions:
While the answers to those questions are often layered and complex, the providers who come closest to "yes" on all three are the ones we recommend. When selecting the cheapest internet service, we look for the plans with the lowest monthly fee, although we also factor in things like price increases, equipment fees and contracts. Choosing the fastest internet service is relatively straightforward. We look at advertised upload and download speeds and consider real-world speed data from sources like Ookla and FCC reports.
To explore our process in more depth, visit our how we test ISPs page.
Although some amenities are less accessible or affordable in Hawaii than in other parts of the US, broadband connectivity and pricing are as good in Hawaii as anywhere. Spectrum is the best high-speed internet source throughout much of Hawaii, but Hawaiian Telcom's fiber service could be the better value if available at your address.
If neither offers service where you live, T-Mobile Home Internet is a decent option for low-hassle broadband. And as a last resort, satellite provider Viasat is available throughout the Aloha State.
Does Hawaii have fiber internet?
Yes. Hawaiian Telcom is the largest fiber-optic provider in Hawaii, with service available to approximately 46% of residences.
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Is Spectrum or Hawaiian Telcom better?
Like many fiber versus cable versus DSL provider comparisons, the answer will come down to which connection type is available at your address. If your address is only wired for cable internet from Spectrum or DSL from Hawaiian Telcom, Spectrum will be the better choice for speeds and overall value.
If your address is serviceable for fiber internet from Hawaiian Telcom, you'll likely find the local provider to have better pricing and speed consistency than Spectrum.
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Is Xfinity available in Hawaii?
Xfinity does not offer home internet service in Hawaii, but the provider does have hotspots in many places throughout the state. So, if you are visiting Hawaii and have Xfinity at home, you may be able to connect to Xfinity's Wi-Fi hotspot network during your stay.
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Source: cnet.com