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In 2025, you can order a Hawaii SIM card online, get it at a store once you land, or go an entirely different route and try using a travel Hawaii eSIM instead.

This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a Hawaii SIM card, including where to buy the best SIM card plans, current SIM card prices, and tourist registration requirements. We’ll also cover why travellers are switching to travel eSIMs to stay connected for the most peace of mind abroad. 

Where to buy a SIM card in Hawaii?

You can purchase a prepaid SIM card before your trip, find one at Hawaii’s airports or local stores, or skip the search altogether and instantly activate a digital eSIM. Buying a Hawaii SIM card varies based on whether you prefer to get connected before your flight or after landing.

Buy a SIM card for Hawaii before you travel

If you want to land with mobile data ready to go, you can purchase a travel SIM card for Hawaii online from a third-party retailer and have it shipped to your home before departure. 

Remember to order your SIM card well in advance to make up for any potential shipping delays. Here are a couple of international SIM retailers that deliver to Australia, the USA, the UK, and Canada:

  • SimOptions
  • Amazon 
  • OneSIM card
  • TravelSim

It’s also worth familiarising yourself with the SIM registration process since you’ll be responsible for activating your SIM card to use mobile internet in the US

Buy a SIM card after you land in Hawaii

If you prefer to buy your Hawaii SIM card in person, you’ll find several locations upon arrival and after a little bit of exploring: 

  • Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (Honolulu Airport): Look for T-Mobile and AT&T kiosks in the arrival terminals. 
  • Local carrier stores: Visit T-Mobile stores, AT&T outlets, or Verizon retailers in Honolulu, Waikiki, Maui, and Kauai to purchase Hawaii prepaid SIM card plans. 
  • Convenience stores: ABC stores, Walmart, and Target sell prepaid Hawaii SIM card plans. 
  • Electronics stores: Head to Best Buy or Costco to get SIM card plans for Hawaii. 

Choose a digital eSIM for Hawaii 

This is the most convenient and flexible way to use your phone in the US for tourists. If you have an eSIM-compatible phone, you don’t need to wait for shipping or swap out your physical SIM card for a new one. 

Providers like Holafly offer eSIMs for Hawaii (and the United States, plus 200 other destinations) that you can activate instantly by scanning a QR code. You can enjoy unlimited data and excellent coverage on AT&T’s network all across the islands. 

How much is a SIM card in Hawaii?

Tourists can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $60 USD for a prepaid SIM card in Hawaii, depending on how comprehensive your SIM card plan is, data usage needs, roaming flexibility, and overall budget. 

Best prepaid SIM cards for Hawaii

You can choose a Hawaii SIM card from the top mobile operators in the area: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Each provider offers a few prepaid SIM card options; here’s a brief overview

T-Mobile SIM card for Hawaii

T-Mobile offers three different SIM card plans for tourists in Hawaii (and other destinations in the US) with varying data allowances: 

  • 10 GB and high-speed hotspot sharing at $40/month
  • Unlimited data and 3G hotspot sharing at $50/month
  • Unlimited data and 5G hotspot sharing at $60/month

All plans also include unlimited talk and text within the United States. Once you use up the high-speed data limit, you’ll be able to use unlimited data at capped speeds. Make sure to calculate your data usage to avoid running out of data too quickly. 

AT&T SIM card for Hawaii

AT&T offers a selection of prepaid plans for travelers in Hawaii and other states in the US: 

  • 5 GB high-speed data for 30 days at $30 plus taxes and fees
  • 30 GB high-speed data for 30 days at $45
  • 50 GB high-speed data for 30 days at $55
  • Unlimited high-speed data for 30 days at $65
  • 16 GB high-speed data per month for 365 days at $300

Most of these plans also allow hotspot sharing and unlimited calls and texts within the US. That said, the prices above only apply if you activate AutoPay, and cost around $10/month more without the AutoPay option enabled.

Verizon SIM card for Hawaii

Verizon offers some popular plans for travelers visiting Hawaii and other destinations in the US: 

  • 15 GB and hotspot sharing at $35/month
  • Unlimited data and hotspot sharing at $50/month
  • Unlimited data and hotspot sharing + 50 GB premium network access at $60/month

The prices above apply if you’ve got AutoPay enabled. Not having AutoPay adds an extra $10/month to every plan.

Holafly’s eSIM for Hawaii: No queues or delivery times

With Holafly’s eSIM for Hawaii, you don’t have to worry about delayed shipping or waiting in line to get a SIM card after a long flight. The biggest advantage of an eSIM vs a physical SIM card is that you can purchase and activate your plan instantly. 

The entire process takes around five minutes and involves scanning a simple QR code. Use your travel eSIM to find the best places to eat or the best Hawaiian islands to visit. 

With Holafly’s eSIM plans, you can enjoy: 

  • Unlimited data plans 
  • 5G network speeds wherever possible
  • Instant connectivity and activation via the Holafly app and QR code
  • 24/7 customer support 
  • Flexibility to match your eSIM plan to your trip
  • Daily hotspot allowance 
  • A monthly eSIM subscription option, Holafly Plans, offering flexible data plans for longer trips

Get online as soon as you land, and take advantage of high-speed internet to navigate to your accommodation, communicate with local vendors, and update your loved ones. If you’re travelling to other destinations in the states, check out our eSIM for the USA

How to register your Hawaii SIM card

You’ll have to follow specific tourist requirements when registering your local Hawaii SIM card. When purchasing the SIM card in person, a staff member will likely help you. Online SIM card purchases mean you’ll have to figure out the activation process yourself. 

Here’s what you will be asked for at the counter, supermarket, or online:

  • Valid photo identification and/or passport (and a copy)
  • Local contact details 
  • An unlocked phone (from your home carrier) that supports Hawaii frequency bands 
  • Proof of stay/accommodation (in some cases)
  • Working payment method (local currency in cash or a credit/debit card)

While you can access local prepaid plans, providers, and rates, getting a local physical SIM card can still be a hassle, especially after a long flight.

With a digital SIM, you can skip the lines, avoid lengthy registration processes and paperwork, and get instantly connected the moment you land. 

What is the best SIM card for Hawaii?

Picking the best SIM card for Hawaii depends on what you’re looking for on your travels. Are you prioritizing high data allowances or unlimited calls/texts? The right choice depends on your connectivity needs and budget. Each top provider in Hawaii has its strengths. 

However, if your priority is convenience, no SIM swapping, and a straightforward activation process, an eSIM for Hawaii is the ideal choice. 

Check out our other guides on how to buy and what the best options are for a:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreigner get a SIM card in the USA?

Yes, foreign visitors can buy a prepaid Hawaii or USA SIM card or eSIM from mobile carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. 

How to get a SIM card for Hawaii?

You can buy a SIM card for Hawaii online before your trip, at Honolulu Airport, or at mobile carrier stores and convenience shops across the islands.

Can I use my Australian phone in Hawaii?

Yes, as long as you have an unlocked phone (isn’t locked to a specific carrier) and supports US network bands, your Australian phone will work in Hawaii. 

Mahnoor Bangush

Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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