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Spectrum vs Hawaiian Telcom in Honolulu
Hawaiian Telcom fiber brings faster, symmetrical speeds and slightly wider reach, but Spectrum cable remains a solid backup on blocks fiber hasn’t touched yet.
Hawaiian Telcom wins this matchup on nearly every front in Honolulu. Its fiber tops out at 2850/2850 Mbps with symmetrical uploads, a perfect 100/100 speed score, and wider ~98% coverage—all at the same $30/mo starting price as Spectrum. Spectrum’s cable is still capable, with up to 1000 Mbps down and ~92% coverage, and it’s a fine fallback if fiber hasn’t reached your block. But when both land at your address for the same price, Hawaiian Telcom is the smarter pick for almost everyone.
At a glance
Spectrum vs. Hawaiian Telcom, side by side.
| Provider | Type | Top speed | City coverage | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum |
Cable | 1 Gig 35 Mbps upload |
92% | $30/mo | Solid cable option |
| Hawaiian Telcom |
Fiber | 2 Gig 2 Gig upload |
98% | $30/mo | Top fiber speeds |
Coverage map
Two different questions, two views. Top speed shows who offers the faster plan where you can actually get it. Coverage shows who reaches more of each ZIP. Or pick a single provider to see just its footprint.
Neighborhood breakdown
Coverage in Honolulu shifts block to block, so the winner can change with your exact address. Hawaiian Telcom’s ~98% fiber reach edges Spectrum’s ~92%, but neither is universal, and the fastest fiber plans reach fewer homes than the coverage figure suggests. Always check both at your specific address before deciding.
| ZIP | Neighborhoods | Coverage | Top speed | Speed Score | Winner | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | Hawaiian Telcom | Spectrum | Hawaiian Telcom | Spectrum | Hawaiian Telcom | |||
| 96816 | Kaimuki, Kahala, Wilhelmina Rise, Palolo | 98% | 97% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 86 | 99 | Hawaiian Telcom |
| 96817 | Kalihi, Liliha, Nuuanu, Kapalama | 84% | 69% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 83 | 94 | Hawaiian Telcom |
| 96819 | Kalihi Valley, Kalihi Kai, Mapunapuna, Airport | 95% | 94% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 85 | 99 | Hawaiian Telcom |
| 96822 | Manoa, Makiki, Punahou, University | 100% | 97% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 86 | 99 | Hawaiian Telcom |
| 96815 | Waikiki, Diamond Head, Kapahulu | 91% | 48% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 85 | 90 | Hawaiian Telcom |
| 96813 | Downtown Honolulu, Chinatown, Nuuanu, Punchbowl | 69% | 62% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 80 | 92 | Hawaiian Telcom |
| 96821 | Aina Haina, Niu Valley, Waialae Iki | 100% | 99% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 86 | 100 | Hawaiian Telcom |
| 96825 | Hawaii Kai, Kalama Valley, Portlock, Koko Head | 98% | 89% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 86 | 98 | Hawaiian Telcom |
| 96814 | Ala Moana, Kakaako, Sheridan | 75% | 50% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 81 | 90 | Hawaiian Telcom |
| 96826 | McCully, Moiliili, Kapiolani | 96% | 82% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 86 | 97 | Hawaiian Telcom |
| 96818 | Salt Lake, Aliamanu, Foster Village, Moanalua | 95% | 85% | 1 Gig | 2 Gig | 85 | 97 | Hawaiian Telcom |
Speed Score (0–100) blends each provider’s coverage and top speed in that specific ZIP, so it moves as availability changes street to street.
Which is better for…
The right pick comes down to what you actually do online.
Get connected
Pick your provider and check availability at your address.
- 1 Gig down · 35 Mbps up Cable
- 1 Gig down · 35 Mbps up Fiber
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Check my addressFrequently asked questions
Is Hawaiian Telcom or Spectrum available at my address in Honolulu?
Hawaiian Telcom covers about 98% of Honolulu and Spectrum about 92%, so both are likely but not guaranteed at any given address. Coverage varies block to block, so enter your exact address on each provider’s site to confirm before you commit.
Which is actually cheaper, Spectrum or Hawaiian Telcom?
Both start at $30/mo in Honolulu, so they’re tied on the advertised entry price. These are promotional starting rates, so confirm the post-promo rate, any equipment fees, and contract terms with each provider before signing to know what you’ll really pay.
Which is faster and is it enough for gaming and 4K?
Hawaiian Telcom is faster, with fiber up to 2850/2850 Mbps and a 100/100 speed score versus Spectrum’s up to 1000/35 Mbps and 83/100, where available. Both easily handle 4K and gaming, but if you upload a lot or want symmetrical speeds, choose fiber.