HILO, HI
Find internet providers in Hilo, HI
Find internet offered in Hilo, HI – easily compare options from multiple providers to find the plan that best fits your needs.
FindBetterInternet was created by two guys with years of first-hand industry experience selling internet services online. Frankly, what we found left a lot to be desired. Internet providers can pay for their listings to be placed higher up the page, cookies can be captured, and your data can be shared for banner ads that stalk your online profile for the next week. We built FindBetterInternet to be different.
Our methodology translates the complex treasure trove of 115m locations on the FCC Broadband Map into one simple resource. We layer on pricing to help you sift through what’s good value.
We hope this is helpful for you and appreciate all the community’s support with this project. If you find it helpful, we do make a commission if you buy internet from a link on our address-check page. We pour that back into maintaining the site.
Every price and coverage figure on this site traces back to FCC Broadband Data Collection filings (the National Broadband Map); here’s exactly how we do it.
Shop and compare 6 internet providers for Hilo, HI
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedIn Hilo, HI, your best bet is Hawaiian Telcom, covering about 81% of the city. Its fiber reaches 54% of the city, with speeds up to 2,850 Mbps, while the rest of its footprint may still use slower copper lines. Spectrum is a close city-wide runner-up at 79.5%, with cable reaching 80% of the city and speeds up to 1000/35 Mbps. In Waiākea, ZIP 96720, Hawaiian Telcom’s 2,850 Mbps fiber tier reaches 57.9% of the ZIP, ahead of Spectrum at 33.6% with cable speeds up to 1000/35 Mbps. ZIP 96721 is even more fiber-heavy, with Hawaiian Telcom’s fiber reaching 64.9% and Spectrum’s cable 29.8%. Students at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo and Hawaiʻi Community College should check apartment-specific wiring, since old copper lines can cause trouble for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. That same street-level caution matters in Kaumana, Keaukaha, and around U.S. Coast Guard Station Hilo. For a budget-minded alternative, T-Mobile offers fixed wireless with speeds up to 100/20 Mbps reaching about 33% of the city, while Verizon reaches about 7% at up to 50/5 Mbps. Confirm the exact address before signing up, because building wiring and service boundaries can change from one block to the next.
Hawaiian Telcom
Speeds up to 2,850 Mbps
Plans range $30–$100 /mo *
Best plan here: Fioptics 3 Gig Internet — faster than 99% of all internet options in Hawaii
- Fioptics 3 Gig InternetFiber3,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$100Per month
- Fioptics 1 Gig InternetFiber1,000 MbpsDownload88Our score$50Per month
- Fioptics 600 Mbps InternetFiber600 MbpsDownload67Our score$40Per month
- Fioptics 100 Mbps InternetFiber100 MbpsDownload67Our score$30Per month
Source: Hawaiian Telcom official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
At $50/mo, Hawaiian Telcom’s Fioptics 1 Gig Internet offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload with an 88/100 Speed Score, making it an excellent choice for fast, balanced household use. For maximum performance, the $100/mo Fioptics 3 Gig plan offers up to 3000 Mbps download and 3000 Mbps upload with a 99/100 Speed Score, above the city average of 60. Fiber availability is address specific, and the 3 Gig plan is available to 54.5% of Hilo, so confirm your address before counting on this top-tier option.
About Hawaiian Telcom
At $30/mo, Hawaiian Telcom offers Fioptics fiber with up to 100 Mbps down and 500 Mbps up, while $50/mo buys up to 1000 Mbps down and 1000 Mbps up, making it an excellent value for homes that can get fiber. The 100 Mbps, 600 Mbps, and 1 Gig plans are available to 60.2% of Hilo, while the $100/mo 3 Gig plan reaches 54.5%, so check your address because the strongest options are address-dependent.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Best plan here: Internet Gig — faster than 88% of all internet options in Hawaii
- Internet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/moCable1,000 MbpsDownload88Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier$40/mo for the first 12 months, then $50/moCable500 MbpsDownload46Our score$40Per month
- Internet AdvantageCable100 MbpsDownload46Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows excellent speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and indicates this provider offers some of the best speeds available in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
With up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, Spectrum’s Internet Gig plan can handle 4K streaming, video calls, gaming, and many connected devices at once. As a cable plan with an 88/100 Speed Score, it is a solid option and is above the city average of 60. Internet Gig is available to 79.5% of Hilo, so confirm your address, and note that the 500 Mbps and 100 Mbps plans both score 46/100.
About Spectrum
Spectrum’s cable plan offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, which is an excellent fit for streaming, gaming, video calls, and busy households. Cable service is available to 79.5% of Hilo, so check your address, and consider the 500 Mbps plan as a lower-cost option, while the 100 Mbps tier may feel limiting for heavier modern internet use.
Available Plans
Cable
Best plan here: Residential – Max — faster than 67% of all internet options in Hawaii
- Residential – MaxSatellite400 MbpsDownload67Our score$130Per month
- Residential – 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload67Our score$85Per month
- Residential – 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload67Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
Satellite internet can support everyday browsing, streaming, and remote work, but its higher latency may make video calls and gaming less responsive than wired connections. Starlink is competitive on speed in Hilo, with a 67/100 Speed Score above the city average of 60, and plans offering up to 100↓/25↑ Mbps for $55/mo, up to 200↓/25↑ Mbps for $85/mo, or up to 400↓/30↑ Mbps for $130/mo. Each listed plan shows 100.0% availability in Hilo, but confirm service at your specific address and check whether another connection type is available if low latency matters.
About Starlink
Satellite internet gives Starlink broad reach across Hilo, but its higher latency can make gaming, video calls, and other real-time activities feel less responsive than fiber or cable. Plans range from $55/mo for up to 100 Mbps to $130/mo for up to 400 Mbps, with each available to 100.0% of Hilo, so it is a practical choice where wired service is unavailable, though you should check your address for faster fiber or cable options first.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: All-In Home Internet — faster than 67% of all internet options in Hawaii
- All-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo5G Fixed Wireless498 MbpsDownload67Our score$70Per month
- Rely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless354 MbpsDownload67Our score$50Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
Price-conscious households seeking a practical connection for streaming, browsing, and work may find T-Mobile’s 5G fixed wireless competitive, with a Speed Score of 67/100 above Hilo’s city average of 60. Rely Home Internet offers up to 354 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for $50/mo promotional, then $60, while All-In offers up to 498 Mbps down and 55 Mbps up for $70/mo promotional, then $80, and both score 67/100. Fixed wireless performance can vary more than wired service, so confirm your address is within the 57.5% availability for these plans and check other available technologies if you need the most consistent connection.
About T-Mobile
Households that want a reasonably fast connection for streaming, video calls, and everyday use may find T-Mobile a good fit, with All-In Home Internet offering up to 498 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $70/mo promotional pricing, then $80/mo, or Rely Home Internet offering up to 354 Mbps download and 55 Mbps upload for $50/mo promotional pricing, then $60/mo. Both plans are available to 57.5% of Hilo, and their 67/100 Speed Score reflects adequate rather than excellent fixed wireless performance, so check your address for fiber or cable first if you have heavy usage, many users, or demanding upload needs.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 5G Home Plus — faster than 67% of all internet options in Hawaii
- 5G Home Plus$45/mo promotional rate, then $70/mo5G Fixed Wireless1,000 MbpsDownload67Our score$45Per month
- 5G Home$35/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload67Our score$35Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
5G fixed wireless can support streaming, video calls, and everyday internet use, though performance may vary more than wired connections. Verizon’s 5G Home Plus offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, while 5G Home offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, and both have a 67/100 Speed Score, above Hilo’s city average of 60. Both plans are available to 6.8% of Hilo, so verify your address before counting on service or the faster tier.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service is an adequate, address-dependent option for everyday browsing and streaming, with 5G Home offering up to 300 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up, and 5G Home Plus offering up to 1000 Mbps down and 75 Mbps up, although its 67/100 Speed Score is below average and wireless performance can vary. Both plans reach only 6.8% of Hilo, so check your address carefully and compare fiber or cable first if available, since those options are typically more consistent for busy households, remote work, and uploads.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 73% of all internet options in Hawaii
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload27Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload27Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Local data shows below average speeds for your area
This score is based on local bandwidth data and is an indicator that there are better options in your area.
The calculated local speed score is based on real-world data showing average speeds in your area. Speed Scores are not static and fluctuate based on the location being checked for serviceability. Average speeds within a ZIP Code may not be reflective of your specific location. Enter your full address to access the most accurate speed score.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
Viasat is a limited-performance option in Hilo, so consider checking what other providers are available at your address first. Its satellite plans have a Speed Score of 27/100, below the city average of 60, with Essentials offering up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99/mo and Unleashed offering up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99/mo; both plans are available to 99.9% of the city.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly a fallback option, so check for faster fiber or cable service at your address first. Its satellite plans reach 99.9% of Hilo and offer up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, or up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload, but both have a below average Speed Score of 27/100 and may feel limited for modern households, especially with gaming, video calls, or multiple users.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Every plan available in Hilo
All 16 product lines from the 6 providers with published pricing here, showing the price you would be quoted today and what it reverts to.
Showing 10 of 16 plans
- SpectrumInternet Gig$60/mo for the first 12 months, then $70/mo1,000 MbpsDownload88Our score$60$70Per month~79.5%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential – 100 Mbps100 MbpsDownload67Our score$55Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload67Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- StarlinkResidential – Max400 MbpsDownload67Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Hawaiian TelcomFioptics 3 Gig Internet3,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$100Per month~54.5%CoverageFiber
- Hawaiian TelcomFioptics 1 Gig Internet1,000 MbpsDownload88Our score$50Per month~60.2%CoverageFiber
- Hawaiian TelcomFioptics 100 Mbps Internet100 MbpsDownload67Our score$30Per month~60.2%CoverageFiber
- Hawaiian TelcomFioptics 600 Mbps Internet600 MbpsDownload67Our score$40Per month~60.2%CoverageFiber
- T-MobileRely Home Internet$50/mo promotional rate, then $60/mo354 MbpsDownload67Our score$50$60Per month~57.5%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
- T-MobileAll-In Home Internet$70/mo promotional rate, then $80/mo498 MbpsDownload67Our score$70$80Per month~57.5%Coverage5G Fixed Wireless
Prices are the current promotional rate where one is advertised. Sourced monthly from each provider’s own site; availability varies by address.
Best Fit by Household Type in Hilo
Best Fit
Students & Roommates
Choose Hawaiian Telcom Fioptics 100 Mbps Internet, reaching 60.2% of Hilo at 100 Mbps.
That tier suits shared coursework and streaming for students at University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
Check first: Fioptics 100 Mbps reaches 60.2%, so confirm availability at your exact address.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Hawaiian Telcom Fioptics 3 Gig, delivering 3,000 Mbps where available and reaching 54.5% of Hilo.
Its highest tier fits demanding video calls, large uploads, and home-office traffic where fiber is offered.
Check first: Fioptics 3 Gig reaches 54.5%, so verify fiber service at the exact address.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Spectrum Internet Gig, offering 1,000 Mbps and reaching 79.5% of Hilo.
Spectrum's 1,000 Mbps tier supports multiple simultaneous high-resolution streams across its Hilo footprint.
Check first: Confirm cable service at your exact address; Spectrum's 79.5% plan reach is not universal.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential – 100 Mbps for 100 Mbps satellite service reaching 100.0% of Hilo.
Its listed 100.0% reach makes it the broadest option for homes needing satellite service.
Check first: Confirm address-level eligibility even though this plan reaches 100.0% of Hilo.
Top ZIP-Level Insights in Hilo
Waiākea
Hawaiian Telcom is currently the strongest option for High-speed fiber.
Waiākea's ZIP 96720 breakdown lists Hawaiian Telcom fiber at 57.9%, ahead of Spectrum cable at 33.6%.
ZIP 96721
Hawaiian Telcom is currently the strongest option for Fiber-first households.
In ZIP 96721, Hawaiian Telcom's 64.9% fiber listing leads Spectrum's 29.8% cable listing.
Waiākea
Hawaiian Telcom is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
Hawaiian Telcom leads this ZIP with 57.9% best-address share.
ZIP 96721
Hawaiian Telcom is currently the strongest option for multi-user homes, remote work, gaming, and 4K streaming.
Hawaiian Telcom leads this ZIP with 64.9% best-address share.
Hilo Internet FAQs
What is the fastest internet provider in Hilo?
Hawaiian Telcom is fastest in Hilo with Fioptics 3 Gig at 3,000 Mbps, reaching 54.5% of the city. Check your address because its 3 Gig reach is smaller than Hawaiian Telcom's 81.0% overall city footprint.
Can I get fiber in Hilo?
Yes—Hawaiian Telcom's Fioptics 100 Mbps, 600 Mbps, and 1 Gig plans each reach 60.2% of Hilo; Fioptics 3 Gig reaches 54.5%. Your address still needs checking, especially because these fiber tiers do not share one identical footprint across the city.
What is the cheapest internet option in Hilo?
Hawaiian Telcom Fioptics 100 Mbps Internet is Hilo's cheapest plan at a promotional starting rate of $30/mo for 100 Mbps, reaching 60.2% of the city. It is the lowest listed price among all six providers, but confirm availability at your address before ordering.
What internet speed do I need for working from home and streaming in Hilo?
Fioptics 100 Mbps Internet reaches 60.2% of Hilo, making 100 Mbps a practical starting point for working from home and streaming. Larger households should compare faster tiers at the exact address instead of assuming the fastest tier is offered.
Which internet provider covers Waiākea?
In Waiākea's ZIP 96720 breakdown, Hawaiian Telcom leads with 57.9% fiber coverage. Spectrum is listed at 33.6% there, while Starlink reaches 6.6%, so verify your exact address before choosing an internet plan for your household needs.
How We Analyze Internet in Hilo
FCC Broadband Data
We use the FCC National Broadband Map, updated twice a year with provider-reported coverage at the census block level.
Speed Score
Our proprietary score weights technology type (fiber=100%, cable=85%, etc.) with download (70%) and upload (30%) speeds, ranked as a state percentile.
Coverage Calculation
Provider coverage shows what percentage of census blocks in Hilo report service availability from each provider.
Data Coverage for Hilo
How We Calculate Speed Score
Our Speed Score is a state-level percentile ranking (0-100) that shows how a provider’s service compares to all other internet options available in your state.
The Formula:
We calculate a raw performance score using:
Technology Factor × (Download Speed × 70% + Upload Speed × 30%)
Technology Factors:
Not all connections are equal. We weight each technology based on real-world reliability and performance:
- Fiber: 100% – Fastest, most reliable technology
- Cable: 85% – High speeds, shared neighborhood bandwidth
- Fixed Wireless (Licensed): 70% – Dedicated spectrum, weather-dependent
- Copper/DSL: 65% – Distance-limited, aging infrastructure
- Fixed Wireless (Unlicensed): 60% – Shared spectrum, variable performance
- Satellite (LEO): 40% – Low-earth orbit (e.g., Starlink), higher latency
- Satellite (GEO): 15% – Geostationary orbit, significant latency
Percentile Ranking:
After calculating raw scores, we rank every service option in your state by geographic coverage (census blocks served). A score of 85 means this service performs better than 85% of all internet options available in your state.
Data Source: FCC National Broadband Map data, updated twice a year.
How We Calculate Capabilities
Estimated Capabilities predict how well each internet plan supports common household activities based on speed requirements and connection type.
Rating Scale:
- Excellent – Optimal performance, handles peak usage easily
- Good – Reliable performance with minimal issues
- Fair – Functional but may experience slowdowns during heavy use
- Poor – Not recommended; expect frequent buffering or lag
How We Rate Each Category:
Streaming
Based on download speed. 4K streaming requires 25+ Mbps per stream; HD requires 5+ Mbps. We account for multiple simultaneous streams.
Multi-device
Evaluates total bandwidth capacity divided by typical household device count (phones, tablets, smart TVs, computers). Fiber and cable handle many devices better than DSL or satellite.
Gaming
Considers both upload speed (for sending game data) and latency (ping time). Fiber and cable excel here; satellite connections struggle due to inherent signal delay.
Whole Home
Assesses whether the connection can reliably serve an entire household during peak evening hours. Factors in technology type (shared vs. dedicated bandwidth) and total speed capacity.
Note: Actual performance depends on your specific location, network congestion, and equipment quality.