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Kūnoa North Project


Committed to Putting Hawaiʻi at the Cutting-Edge

The world is rapidly evolving. Every day, there are new digital discoveries. New devices are requiring more bandwidth. Faster internet speeds have become a necessity. And artificial intelligence is being integrated into more tasks than ever before, making reliable, high-speed broadband the key to keeping pace with these changes and reimagining our future.

The Kūnoa North Interisland Fiber Optic Cable System

Hawaiian Telcom secured a total project investment of $87 million for a new interisland fiber‑optic cable system to upgrade and strengthen Hawaiʻi’s internet infrastructure. This includes a $37 million grant awarded by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and a $50 million company match to fully fund the $87 million project.

A major undertaking — one of Hawaiian Telcom’s biggest projects in recent history.

It’s the first northern route to further support Hawaiian Telcom’s $1.8 billion investment to create a geographically diverse and resilient interisland network to fully fiber enable the entire state. It will involve laying new fiber optic cables on the ocean floor between the islands and adding six landing sites to link pivotal areas. Yet we know we must do this responsibly and respectfully. Prepare for the future, while preserving our cultural heritage and history. The result will be a more resilient internet network that benefits everyone in our islands, benefitting Hawaiʻi families and businesses.

Supporting Connect Kākou

Connect Kākou is a State of Hawaiʻi initiative designed to make high-speed, reliable internet service more accessible and affordable, and support digital equity in our islands. Our state government is investing $400 million in federal funds to expand our broadband infrastructure. Hawaiian Telcom’s Kūnoa North project supplements these other projects to help create a robust broadband system in our islands

connect

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Benefitting Everyone in Hawaiʻi

Fiber optic cables provide ultra-fast, high-capacity internet connections — even faster than satellite systems like Starlink.

Safer to Use

Fiber optic cables transmit data using light through hair-like glass fiber cables. They do not emit electromagnetic radiation or shed chemicals. And, unlike electrical cables, they do not generate electromagnetic fields.

Fast Data Transfers for Everyday Use

Fiber can transfer more data than satellites and is ideal for streaming, telehealth, remote work, and distance learning—especially when many in your home or business need to be online at the same time to collaborate and share ideas.

Not Prone to Weather Impact

Fiber is more reliable and less susceptible to weather or physical obstructions, while rain, trees, or buildings can disrupt satellite signals.

Low Latency


Fiber offers low latency or delays in data transmission. Fiber enables near-instant data transmission. This is essential for artificial intelligence applications and real-time applications such as video calls, remote operation of medical equipment, and online gaming.

Future-Proof Solution


Fiber infrastructure can support future bandwidth demands with minimal upgrades making it a long-term solution. Satellites have limited capacity and lifespans.

Broadband Components


First Mile: The first mile refers to trans-Pacific fiber network, connecting Hawaiʻi to the world.

A map of north american connected to Hawaii, Guam, Phillipines, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.

Middle Mile: The middle mile is the backbone of broadband. This includes interisland undersea and land cables. Kūnoa North is Hawaiian Telcom’s middle mile project.

Another company, Ocean Networks, based in Georgia, is also engaged in a middle mile project called Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link. This project is overseen by the University of Hawai'i with support from the Research Corporation of the University of Hawaiʻi .

A map of the Hawaiian Island's undersea cables

Last Mile: The last mile refers to the fiber connection to each individual home or business to complete the connection. Hawaiian Telcom has a name for this: Fioptics and Fioptics+.

Hawaiian Telcom brings fiber internet to businesses and homes.

Proposed Landing Sites

The points at which the undersea cables reach the shore are called “landing sites.” Hawaiian Telcom has invested significant amount time and resources to identify these ideal landing sites and will be collaborating with the community to ensure minimal disruption to these areas during the installation of the middle mile assets. Hawaiian Telcom plans to have six landing sites at the following locations.

Kauai



Kilauea

Oahu



Hale‘iwa & Kāne‘ohe

Maui



Waiehu & Hāna

Hawai‘i Island



Kohala

Kauai



Kilauea

Oahu



Hale‘iwa & Kāne‘ohe

Maui



Waiehu & Hāna

Hawai‘i Island



Kohala

If you have suggestions or ideas about the Kūnoa North project,
please contact us.

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