Connectivity Projects
Expanding High-Speed Internet Across Hawaiʻi
Hawaiʻi is making major investments to bring fast, reliable internet to communities across the state. Through the Connect Kākou initiative, state leaders and partners are working together to build infrastructure and improve access—so residents can stay connected, use online services, and take part in today’s digital world.
These efforts include new fiber lines, satellite service for remote areas, and new undersea cables that connect the islands and link Hawaiʻi to the rest of the world.
Together, these projects are helping build a stronger digital future for Hawaiʻi.
Broadband Expansion Through BEAD
Hawaiʻi has been awarded approximately $149 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding to expand internet access across the state.
This program focuses on areas that do not yet have reliable high-speed internet. About 7,000 homes and businesses are eligible for these upgrades.
Under the approved plan:
- Approximately 82% of locations will be connected through fiber-optic infrastructure.
- Approximately 18% will be served through low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology in areas where fiber is not practical.
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with service rolling out as projects are completed. Hawaiian Telcom and Amazon LEO will begin notifying residents when service becomes available in their area.
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Modernizing Interisland Networks
In addition to community broadband expansion, Hawaiʻi is also improving how the islands are connected to each other.
The Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link (HIFL) project, led by Ocean Networks Inc., will install approximately 400 miles of subsea fiber-optic cable connecting the islands through five segments. This project will replace older systems that are operating beyond their original design life, and provide faster, more reliable service between islands.
Strengthening Hawaiʻi’s Global Connections
Hawaiʻi plays an important role as a connection point between the United States, Asia and the Pacific. New undersea cables will increase internet capacity and improve our connections to other parts of the world.
Google is developing several new cable systems through its Pacific Connect Initiative, which will land in Hawaiʻi. These projects will support faster, more reliable internet and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s role as a global hub.
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Expanding Access for the Lāhui
The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands is expanding broadband access with support from two federal Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grants. These investments will help bring high-speed internet to rural communities and new DHHL developments.
The funding also supports technology for community spaces, planning for future infrastructure, and programs that build digital skills and workforce training so beneficiaries can fully benefit from improved connectivity.