Hilo, HI Internet
Internet Providers in Hilo, HI
Compare every internet provider in Hilo, HI: coverage from FCC filings, plan prices checked monthly, and an address check for your street.
The 30-Second Verdict
UpdatedSpectrum is the best overall choice, with cable speeds up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 80% of Hilo. If Hawaiian Telcom fiber reaches your address, it is the faster choice, with speeds up to 2,850 Mbps reaching about 54% of the city.
The local picture is more nuanced: in Waiakea ZIP 96720, Hawaiian Telcom leads with fiber speeds up to 2,850 Mbps reaching about 58% of the ZIP, while Spectrum covers about 34% with cable speeds up to 1,000 Mbps. In ZIP 96721, Hawaiian Telcom’s fiber reaches about 65%, making it the clear local winner, while Spectrum reaches about 30%. Those numbers show why an address near the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo or Hawaiʻi Community College can look different from a home in Kaumana, Keaukaha, or Downtown Hilo. T-Mobile is worth checking as a budget fixed wireless option, with speeds up to 100 Mbps reaching about 33% of the city, but students should verify reliability for Zoom, streaming, and gaming. Coverage can change street by street, and older copper infrastructure may still limit some apartments and homes, so confirm the exact address before choosing.
Best Internet Providers in Hilo, HI
Best plan here: Internet Gig 1 Gig — faster than 71% of all internet options in Hawaii
- Internet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable1,000 MbpsDownload71Our score$60Per month
- Internet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable500 MbpsDownload67Our score$40Per month
- Internet 100$30/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)Cable100 MbpsDownload19Our score$30Per month
Source: Spectrum official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Mid-pack advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks around the middle of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Good
Good
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
Spectrum Internet Gig offers up to 1000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, enough for multiple simultaneous streams, video calls, gaming, and other demanding household use. Its 71/100 Speed Score is above Hilo’s 43 city average, making this cable plan a solid, reliable option. Availability remains address dependent, with the plan listed for about 80% of Hilo, so confirm that Gig service reaches your home before signing up.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Spectrum
Spectrum’s top option is up to 1,000 Mbps download and 35 Mbps upload, which is strong for streaming, video calls, gaming, and multiple connected devices. Cable service is a good choice for most households, but availability is address-dependent across about 80% of Hilo, so check your address first; the lower-priced plans offer up to 500 Mbps or 100 Mbps download and may be less suitable for busy modern households.
Available Plans
Cable
Hawaiian Telcom
Speeds up to 3,000 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 MbpsDownload71Our score$50Per month
- Fioptics 600 Mbps InternetFiber600 MbpsDownload67Our score$40Per month
- Fioptics 100 Mbps InternetFiber100 MbpsDownload19Our score$30Per month
Source: Hawaiian Telcom official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Among the fastest advertised speeds in the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks near the top of every option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
At $100/mo, Fioptics 3 Gig Internet offers strong value for households that need up to 3000 Mbps download and 3000 Mbps upload, with a 99/100 Speed Score. This fiber plan is a top-tier option, and Hawaiian Telcom’s headline score is above Hilo’s city average of 43. Availability is address-dependent, since the 3 Gig plan reaches about 55% of Hilo, while the $50 Fioptics 1 Gig plan offers up to 1000 Mbps both ways with a 71/100 score.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Hawaiian Telcom
At $30 to $100 per month, Hawaiian Telcom offers strong value through fiber, ranging from up to 100 Mbps download and 500 Mbps upload to up to 3,000 Mbps in both directions. The 3 Gig plan is available to about 55% of Hilo, while the 1 Gig, 600 Mbps, and 100 Mbps plans reach about 60%, so check your address first because the fastest options may not be available everywhere, and the 100 Mbps tier may feel limiting for busy modern households.
Available Plans
Fiber
Copper
Copper
Fiber
Best plan here: T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps — faster than 67% of all internet options in Hawaii
- T-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload67Our score$45Per month
- T-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless500 MbpsDownload67Our score$55Per month
- T-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid MastercardFixed Wireless400 MbpsDownload67Our score$35Per month
Source: T-Mobile official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
T-Mobile Rely Home Internet suits budget-conscious households with everyday streaming, browsing, and work needs, offering up to 400 Mbps download and 50 Mbps upload for a Speed Score of 67/100. Its fixed wireless service is competitive in Hilo, where the city average is 43, but performance can vary more than with wired connections. The 400 Mbps plan is available to about 58% of the city, so check your address before choosing it, and note that the promotional price requires a qualifying bundle.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About T-Mobile
T-Mobile is a reasonable fit for households that want a straightforward fixed wireless connection for everyday browsing, streaming, and work, with plans offering up to 500 Mbps download and up to 60 Mbps upload. Its Speed Score of 67/100 is below average, and availability is address-dependent, with the listed plans reaching about 58% of Hilo, so check your address first and compare faster fiber or cable options if they are available.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: 5G Home — faster than 67% of all internet options in Hawaii
- 5G Home$60/mo for 12 months (w/ Auto Pay & postpaid mobile unlimited plan that includes 5G Ultra Wideband; requires bundle)5G Fixed Wireless300 MbpsDownload67Our score$60Per month
Source: Verizon official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Good
Adequate
Adequate
Good
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless connection offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, making it suitable for everyday streaming, browsing, and connected-home use, though performance can vary more than with wired connections. Its Speed Score of 67/100 is above Hilo’s city average of 43, so it is a competitive option where available. This plan reaches about 7% of Hilo, so check your address to confirm that Verizon’s 5G Home service is available.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Verizon
Verizon’s 5G fixed wireless service offers up to 300 Mbps download and 75 Mbps upload, which is adequate for streaming, video calls, and everyday use, though its 67/100 speed score is below average statewide. Availability is highly address-dependent, reaching 6.8% of Hilo, so check your address first to see whether this $60-per-month bundled plan is an option.
Available Plans
Licensed Fixed Wireless
Best plan here: Residential Max 400 Mbps — faster than 67% of all internet options in Hawaii
- Residential Max 400 MbpsSatellite400 MbpsDownload67Our score$130Per month
- Residential 200 MbpsSatellite200 MbpsDownload46Our score$85Per month
- Residential 100 MbpsSatellite100 MbpsDownload19Our score$55Per month
Source: Starlink official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Adequate
Poor
Poor
Adequate
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
Satellite internet can support everyday streaming, browsing, and remote work, but its higher latency may be noticeable for gaming and other real-time uses. Starlink’s Residential Max plan offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload, with a Speed Score of 67/100 and availability to 100.0% of Hilo, placing it above the city’s average of 43. Because satellite performance is more limited than wired alternatives, check what else is available at your address before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Starlink
Satellite internet can bring connectivity to homes across 100.0% of Hilo, but its higher latency may be noticeable during video calls, gaming, and other real-time activities. Starlink offers up to 400 Mbps download and 40 Mbps upload for $130 per month, with lower-priced options at $85 and $55, so it is a useful choice where wired service is unavailable, though you should check for fiber or cable first if they are offered at your address.
Available Plans
Ngso Satellite
Best plan here: Viasat Essentials — slower than 81% of all internet options in Hawaii
- Viasat EssentialsSatellite55 MbpsDownload19Our score$69.99Per month
- Viasat UnleashedSatellite34 MbpsDownload17Our score$99.99Per month
Source: Viasat Inc official site · checked monthly · availability varies by address
SPEED SCORE
Below-average advertised speed for the state
This plan’s advertised maximum download ranks below most options filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed; faster plans are usually listed here.
The Speed Score is the percentile of this plan’s maximum advertised download speed among every internet option filed with the FCC in this state. It is not a measured speed test: actual throughput varies by address, wiring and time of day. Enter your full address to see which plans are serviceable at your home.
EST. CAPABILITIES
Poor
Poor
Poor
Poor
THE TAKEAWAY
Our recommendation for Hilo
Viasat is a limited-performance choice compared with alternatives, with its top plan scoring 19/100, below Hilo’s city average of 43. Viasat Essentials offers up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed offers up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $99.99 per month, and both plans are available to 99.9% of Hilo. Because satellite service can have higher latency than cable or fiber, check what other providers are available at your specific address before choosing.
Speeds and reach below are what the provider files with the FCC for each technology tier, by census block. The plans it actually sells here, with their own speeds and prices, are under Pricing & Plans; the two can differ.
About Viasat Inc
Viasat Inc is mainly an adequate fallback, not a first choice, because its satellite plans offer below-average speeds and can have high latency. Viasat Essentials is the better value at up to 55 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload for $69.99 per month, while Viasat Unleashed costs $99.99 for up to 34 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload; since both reach about 100% of Hilo, check your address for faster fiber or cable service before choosing satellite.
Available Plans
Gso Satellite
Cheapest and Fastest Internet Plans 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
- StarlinkResidential Max 400 Mbps400 MbpsDownload67Our score$130Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- SpectrumInternet Gig 1 Gig$60/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)1,000 MbpsDownload71Our score$60Per month~79.5%CoverageCable
- Hawaiian TelcomFioptics 3 Gig Internet3,000 MbpsDownload99Our score$100Per month~54.5%CoverageFiber
- SpectrumInternet Premier 500 Mbps$40/mo for 12 months (new residential customers only (no Spectrum service in past 30 days); limited-time offer; not available in all areas)500 MbpsDownload67Our score$40Per month~79.5%CoverageCable
- StarlinkResidential 200 Mbps200 MbpsDownload46Our score$85Per month~100%CoverageSatellite
- Hawaiian TelcomFioptics 1 Gig Internet1,000 MbpsDownload71Our score$50Per month~60.2%CoverageFiber
- Hawaiian TelcomFioptics 600 Mbps Internet600 MbpsDownload67Our score$40Per month~60.2%CoverageFiber
- T-MobileT-Mobile Rely Home Internet 400 Mbps$35/mo for 12 months, then $50/mo (qualifying credit, postpaid voice line, and new Internet line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard400 MbpsDownload67Our score$35$50Per month~57.5%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile Amplified Home Internet 500 Mbps$45/mo for 12 months, then $60/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload67Our score$45$60Per month~57.5%CoverageFixed Wireless
- T-MobileT-Mobile All-In Home Internet 500 Mbps$55/mo for 12 months, then $70/mo (new Internet line, qualifying credit, postpaid voice line required; requires bundle) · $200 virtual prepaid Mastercard500 MbpsDownload67Our score$55$70Per month~57.5%CoverageFixed 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 Spectrum Internet 100 at 100 Mbps, reaching about 80%, for $30/month promotional pricing for 12 months.
Its cable tier offers broad Hilo availability and supports shared studying, streaming, and video calls.
Check first: Confirm address eligibility and new-customer status; the promotion is unavailable in some areas.
Best Fit
Remote Workers
Choose Hawaiian Telcom Fioptics 1 Gig at 1,000 Mbps, reaching about 60% of Hilo.
Fiber upload performance supports video meetings, cloud work, and large-file transfers where available.
Check first: Verify fiber availability because the 1 Gig tier reaches only about 60% of Hilo.
Best Fit
Gamers & Streamers
Choose Hawaiian Telcom Fioptics 3 Gig at 3,000 Mbps, reaching about 55% of Hilo.
Its fiber tier is Hilo's fastest option, with matching 2,850 Mbps uploads where available.
Check first: The fastest fiber tier has limited reach, so check your exact address before choosing it.
Best Fit
Rural & Edge-of-City Homes
Choose Starlink Residential 200 at 200 Mbps, available everywhere in Hilo.
Satellite availability reaches every address, including homes outside wired-provider footprints.
Check first: Check the address for wired alternatives before selecting satellite service.
Internet Providers by ZIP Code in Hilo
Waiakea 96720
Hawaiian Telcom is currently the strongest option for Fastest fiber availability.
Hawaiian Telcom fiber reaches about 58% of ZIP 96720 at up to 2,850/2,850 Mbps.
ZIP 96721
Hawaiian Telcom is currently the strongest option for Broadest high-speed fiber.
Hawaiian Telcom fiber reaches about 65% of ZIP 96721 at up to 2,850/2,850 Mbps.
Waiakea 96720
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
Who is the best internet provider in Hilo, HI?
Spectrum is the best overall provider, with cable up to 1,000 Mbps reaching about 80% of Hilo. Hawaiian Telcom is faster where available, offering fiber up to 2,850/2,850 Mbps to about 55% of the city, so it wins only when your address qualifies.
What is the fastest internet in Hilo, HI?
Hawaiian Telcom fiber is fastest, reaching about 55% of Hilo with speeds up to 2,850/2,850 Mbps. Spectrum's 1,000 Mbps cable tier reaches about 80%, making it the more broadly available high-speed choice when Hawaiian Telcom fiber does not reach your address.
Which internet provider covers the most of Hilo, HI?
Hawaiian Telcom has the largest non-satellite overall footprint at about 81% of Hilo, while satellite service is available everywhere. Coverage varies by technology: Hawaiian Telcom's fastest 2,850 Mbps fiber tier reaches only about 55%, so confirm the plan at your address.
What is the cheapest internet plan in Hilo, HI?
The cheapest plans are tied at $30/month promotional pricing: Hawaiian Telcom Fioptics 100 Mbps reaches about 60%, and Spectrum Internet 100 reaches about 80%. Spectrum's price is for 12 months for new residential customers without Spectrum service in the past 30 days and is unavailable in some areas.
Can I get fiber internet in Hilo?
Hawaiian Telcom fiber reaches about 60% of Hilo for its 1 Gig, 600 Mbps, and 100 Mbps tiers, while its 3 Gig tier reaches about 55%. Check your exact address because fiber availability varies substantially across Hilo, including ZIP 96720 and ZIP 96721.
What internet speed do I need in Hilo?
A 100 Mbps plan supports basic households, while 500 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps suits roommates, streaming, gaming, and remote work. Spectrum's 1,000 Mbps tier reaches about 80% of Hilo, while Hawaiian Telcom's 2,850 Mbps fiber reaches about 55% where available.
Which internet providers serve Waiakea in ZIP 96720?
Hawaiian Telcom fiber reaches about 58% of ZIP 96720, while Spectrum cable reaches about 34%. Waiakea addresses should check both providers because Hawaiian Telcom offers the fastest listed technology, but Spectrum provides a separate wired option with broader citywide cable reach.
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
A state-wide percentile of each plan’s maximum advertised download speed against every option filed with the FCC in the state, all technologies on one scale. It is not a measured speed test.
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
The Speed Score is a state-wide percentile from 0 to 100. It answers one question: of every internet option filed with the FCC in this state, across every technology, what share is slower than this plan’s maximum advertised download speed?
What goes in:
- The plan’s maximum advertised download speed, as the provider files it with the FCC and lists it for sale.
- Every other serviceable option in the state from the FCC Broadband Data Collection, counted by the census blocks it reaches.
Speed Score = share of the state’s filed options with a lower advertised download speed
A score of 85 means this plan’s advertised speed beats 85% of the options filed in the state. Fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless and satellite are all on the same scale, so a 1,000 Mbps plan scores the same whoever sells it.
What it is not: a measured speed test. It does not include latency, upload speed, reliability or congestion. Real throughput at an address varies with wiring, equipment and time of day.
How providers are ordered on this page: each provider’s tier scores are averaged across the census blocks it serves, then multiplied by the share of the city it reaches. Wired providers rank ahead of wireless-only ones, and satellite last, because their filings describe a signal footprint rather than a plant. The same rule sets the title and the 30-second verdict.
Data source: FCC National Broadband Map (Broadband Data Collection), republished roughly twice a year; provider plan lists checked monthly.
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.