Guides

Internet in Hawaii: providers, services. wifi portable, SIM Card and eSIM | April 2024

logo Roams
Last update: April 1, 2024
Roams UK
Author: Roams UK
154 people have read this post in the last 12 months
In a nutshell

When travelling to Hawaii we must consider what is the best option for internet. We can choose between eSIM, wifi, prepaid SIM, or roaming. We will have to assess which one best meets our needs. From Roams, we recommend the Holafly eSIM, which gives you unlimited data for 5 days for £19. Plus, with the code ROAMS you'll get an instant 5% discount.

Get an eSIM from Holafly

Internet in Hawaii: which options to choose

The sun, the beach, the sea and the good weather are some of the many attractions that this island paradise has for tourists from all over the world. Therefore, the need for internet in Hawaii is included in the trip.

Whether it's to let your friends and family know you've arrived safely, to make them jealous on social media or to use the apps on your smartphone, having mobile data in Hawaii is a must nowadays.

Our expert opinion

Internet usage is on the rise. For this reason, when travelling it is always best to have unlimited data plans, if possible. This allows you to surf freely, without worrying about overcharging or being stranded when you run out of gigabytes.

author's photo
Roams UK

In addition, although we sometimes worry about our dependence on the internet these days, having a network connection in Hawaii will help us make the most of our trip. This is because of the features we have access to that open the door to more options on our trip.

Before we go into detail about the different alternatives for internet in Hawaii, we show you a comparison table, so you can take a quick look at the main options.

How much internet costs in Hawaii
Service Price/Days Data
eSIM Hawaii Holafly
  • From £19/15 days
  • Unlimited
SIM Card in Hawaii
  • From £34/9 days
  • Unlimited
Wifi Hawaii
  • Portable
  • Public

  • From £6/day
  • Free

  • 10GB/day
  • Unlimited
Roaming in Hawaii
  • From £6/1 day
  • From 1GB

eSIM in Hawaii: the best choice for tourists and travellers

When it comes to travelling to a foreign country, mobile internet is a necessity for everyone. Reliability of service, technical support in your language and value for money are some of the pillars when comparing options.

In this respect, eSIMs are gaining ground over classic SIM cards. The reason? You can enjoy different data plans without having to change your mobile phone, reduced price and quick activation via QR, among other benefits.

With eSIMs you can have several phone numbers on the same mobile phone and, if you prefer, an internet plan in Hawaii that avoids the high costs of roaming. In addition, you don't have to transfer your phone numbers, as you can keep your old operator for when you return. So you can use eSIMs simply to have a high-speed connection during your stay abroad.

Below is a comparison table of the different companies and plans available for internet in Hawaii.

Internet rates with eSIM in Hawaii
Company Data Price/Days Support TrustPilot
Holafly
  • Unlimited
  • Desde £19/5 days
  • English, Spanish, etc.
  • 4,5/5
Airalo
  • 1GB
  • From £5/7 days
  • English
  • 3,7/5
Flexiroam
  • 500MB
  • From £4/3 days
  • English
  • 3,9/5

After comparing the different options, Roams recommends the Holafly eSIM. In the list below, we show you both the advantages and disadvantages of this company:

Advantages and disadvantages of signing up for an eSIM to travel to Hawaii with Holafly
Advantages
  • Includes unlimited data.
  • You keep your WhatsApp number at all times.
  • You have 24/7 customer service in English.
  • You keep your SIM card, and you don't run the risk of losing it.
  • It is very easy to set up and activate.
  • No subscriptions or signatures.
disadvantages
  • No phone number or SMS included, but you can use WhatsApp.
  • You cannot share data with another person.

As you can see, the advantages of getting a Holafly eSIM for internet in Hawaii are many. On the other hand, the disadvantages can be made up for with the same services that internet brings.

Even if you can't make analogue calls, you always have the option of calling via WhatsApp or FaceTime (iOS). Having internet in Hawaii opens many doors.

eSim USA
Mobile
Prepaid: 5 days expiry
Data Unlimited

Coverage
AT&T
Connection speed 4G
Pay as you go£195 days expiry
taxes included

Also, depending on the number of days you are going to stay on this island paradise, you can choose one or another tariff to suit your trip. If, on the other hand, their offers don't convince you, you can sign up for internet in Hawaii with other companies such as:

  • Airalo
  • SimOptions
  • Flexiroam
  • Truphone


Best prepaid SIM Card in Hawaii

In case your phone does not support eSIMs, you can consider getting a prepaid SIM card for mobile data in Hawaii. This can be done before you start your trip, or you can buy them on the spot.

If you decide to buy a SIM card in Hawaii, you can do so at airports (Honolulu, Hilo, Hoolehua...) as well as in mobile operator shops, not forgetting supermarkets.

The main US companies that offer prepaid SIM cards for surfing the internet in Hawaii are:

  • T-Mobile: You will have to recharge it in official shops, authorised establishments or supermarkets to be able to use their SIM card.
  • AT&T: You have the option of buying a SIM card with data for Hawaii and recharging it, or choosing a data tariff from those available.
  • Verizon: This works in the same way as the first one. You will need to buy it and top it up at authorised locations to be able to surf the internet.


Wifi portable or wifi free in Hawaii?

The third alternative for internet in Hawaii is wifi. Here you have the option of renting a pocket wifi or relying on open networks. One of the main advantages of this is that you don't have to worry about the compatibility of your device. With that in mind, we'll explain more about wifi in Hawaii below.

Pocket wifi: portable internet in Hawaii

Pocket wifi, or portable wifi, consists of renting a mobile router that you can connect to at any time. There are several companies that offer this service and, although it is not the cheapest option, it allows you to connect several devices at the same time.

The two most popular companies in the area are:

  • Miowifi: for £7/day, you can connect to the internet in Hawaii. However, you will have to add shipping and return costs to this price, if any.
  • WifiVox: to use their pocket wifi service, you will have to pay £6/day and have unlimited connection through 4G.

One of the main disadvantages of portable wifi is that the vast majority of companies do not have or offer insurance for theft, loss or damage. In this case, in addition to being left without internet, you will have to pay compensation to the company.

Our expert opinion

If you are looking for unlimited data, the eSIM Holafly for Hawaii is still a better option. As well as being cheaper by comparison, it means you do not have to worry about carrying a device with you wherever you go if you want to enjoy the internet.

author's photo
Roams UK

Free wifi in Hawaii: the low-cost alternative

If you want to save on all the costs involved in getting internet in Hawaii, public wifi is probably the way to go. However, these types of networks are very insecure when it comes to surfing the net.

Because they are open networks, anyone can access them. Unlike home internet or prepaid mobile data, the connection is not encrypted, so your data can easily be stolen.

While free wifi is useful in certain cases, avoid using sensitive applications while using your connection as much as possible. From your bank app to your email account: any personal data you enter while using public wifi can be stolen by a stranger.

Another problem with free wifi is that it is only available in certain places. Airports, certain squares or some establishments offer it, but you will be stranded as soon as you leave them.

In addition to the lack of availability, Roams strongly discourages you from using this type of network, as it is so insecure for you and your personal data.


Data roaming in Hawaii: the last alternative to have internet

If the previous alternatives do not convince you, you will have to opt to activate roaming in Hawaii with your usual operator. However, you must take into account the costs that this may entail depending on who you have a mobile phone line contract with.

So that you are clear about the roaming options available to you, we would like to point out that telephone companies in the UK vary their prices.

Therefore, the best thing to do is to call your operator and ask them about roaming charges. That way you can compare prices and make your decision.

However, on a cost-benefit basis, the Holafly Hawaii eSIM is the best way to have internet on the island without any surprises on your bill.

Buy an Unlimited data eSIM for Hawaii with a 5% OFF. Code ROAMS


Advantages of having internet in Hawaii

One of the main pros of having internet in Hawaii is being able to make modifications to your sightseeing plan if necessary. In case the weather doesn't allow you to make a plan, you can always look for an alternative route with Google Maps. To do this, we recommend downloading the Wifi Map app and you will have everything at hand.

Download Wifi Map App
Disponible en Google PlayConsíguelo en el App Store

Also, if there are any problems with your accommodation, you can change your booking online without having to travel to another location. With apps like Booking or AirBnB you only have to contact support to make the arrangements from your mobile.

Many apps use the internet in the background. This means that, although we are not using them directly, they are connected to the network with functions such as geolocation or updates. You should take this into account when choosing a data tariff. If you are on a limited plan, you could run out of data before you know it.


Tips before travelling to Hawaii

Every trip and every corner of the world has its own particularities. If we are prepared before embarking on this new adventure, we will be able to enjoy every moment more and suffer less from unforeseen events that could spoil our trip.

For this reason, here are 5 tips you should read before travelling to Hawaii:

  • Beware of the rain: being a tropical island, there are always some areas where it is raining. You should take this into account so that you always have a plan B.
  • Book a car in advance: to move around the island, the best option is to rent a car and move around freely. It is more comfortable and not very expensive.
  • Don't arrive at night: if your flight arrives late in Honolulu, be careful. The airport closes at night, and you'll be in a much bigger hurry.
  • For your suitcase: don't forget to pack a mackintosh, comfortable walking shoes and plenty of sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
  • Patience: Hawaii is a very touristy place, and sometimes the crowds slow things down. Stay calm and you'll enjoy yourself much more.

We also recommend that you plan in advance the routes with the places you are interested in visiting. This way, you will be able to distribute the days according to what you most want to see, and you won't leave anything to do.


FAQs: internet in Hawaii

How to get internet in Hawaii??

You can get internet in Hawaii through an eSIM, prepaid SIM, roaming or wifi. At Roams, we recommend the Holafly eSIM for Hawaii as the ideal choice, for its services and ease of use. In particular, the tariff offered by is, in comparison, the best alternative.

Is it possible to have free internet in Hawaii?

Yes, through public networks, such as those at airports, you can connect to the internet for free in Hawaii. However, Roams does not recommend relying on public wifi networks as their connections are easily vulnerable. Personal data such as access to your bank account or e-mail could be exposed.

What coverage is available in Hawaii?

The main islands have 4G and 5G coverage across much of their territory. However, on several islands there is little or no internet connectivity at all. In this regard, the operator that provides the best connection is T-Mobile. For this reason, it is always advisable to ask the company with which you sign up for your mobile data plan which networks it uses.

When is the best time to watch Hawaii?

In general, summer (May-October) is usually the best time to see Hawaii due to the low rainfall. However, the entire archipelago is located in a tropical zone, so sporadic rainfall occurs at any time of the year.

Our methodology
Roams offers a free information and comparison service, which tries to help anyone find the product that best suits their needs. To ensure that the data presented is correct, extensive market research and product analysis is carried out. Our database of mobile phone and internet rates is updated every day. The content is frequently reviewed by a team of writers with previous experience and/or specific training in telephony.

Personas que han participado en este post:

Roams UKRoams
Actualizado por Roams UK

Roams offers its advice on recurring-use services to enhance consumer savings. Its expertise is already valued by thousands of users, who trust Roams comparisons in different sectors to hire the best option.

Laura Burón
Edited and revised por Laura Burón