Hawai‘i to Become the First Fully Fiber-Enabled State by 2026

In an ambitious push toward a connected future, Hawaiian Telcom, in collaboration with federal, state, and county leaders, has unveiled a $1.7 billion initiative to position Hawai‘i as the first fully fiber-enabled state in the U.S. by 2026. This monumental investment not only places Hawai‘i at the forefront of broadband innovation but also ensures access to state-of-the-art fiber connectivity for homes and businesses statewide, including underserved rural communities.

A Decade in the Making

Hawaiian Telcom has been laying the groundwork for this achievement for over a decade. By the end of 2026, the company will complete Hawai‘i’s only 100% fiber network. This transformative effort has already reached 60% of Hawai‘i’s households and businesses, with the remaining 40% on track to be completed by the end of next year.

Connecting Every Island

With the goal of connecting fiber directly to every corner of the state, Hawaiian Telcom has been making significant progress. We completed our fiber build out on Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i in 2023, with Kaua‘i to be completed next month. Maui is expected to be fully connected by the end of this year, with O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island slated for completion by late 2026. 

Hawaiian Telcom’s efforts have been supported by a strong public-private partnership. $107 million in federal and state funding through various broadband infrastructure programs is helping to accelerate the deployment. This underscores the importance of collaboration to achieving digital equity and meeting the evolving connectivity needs of our island community.

A Vision for Hawai‘i’s Future

With this historic initiative, Hawaiian Telcom aims to enhance the quality of life, strengthen infrastructure, and build a resilient local economy. “We’re leveling the playing field for every resident in Hawai‘i, enabling all to experience the benefits of reliable fiber internet service,” said Su Shin, Hawaiian Telcom president. “Our focus is on improving quality of life, building resilient infrastructure, and strengthening our local economy.”

“We are incredibly proud of Hawaiian Telcom’s commitment to elevate Hawai’i as a leader in broadband connectivity with the goal of being the first state in the nation to be fully fiber-enabled,“ said Governor Josh Green, MD. “This is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships and a clear demonstration of how we can create lasting value for our community by working together.”

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