Phones in Paradise

Cell Phones ("Mobiles", if you will) in Hawai'i

Introduction

We're told that roaming rates for cellular telephones in Hawai'i can be gargantuan. Here's an idea or two to deal with this.

In the Condo

You have a conventional telephone in your unit with free local, inter-island, and inter-state calling. Calls to Canada, Mexico, most European nations, China, and most US Territories are also toll free (The complete list is here.) It allows incoming calls (but do you really want to give someone your phone number in Hawai'i?). We are striving for tolling free calling throughout North America, most of Europe, and parts of Asia; look for details near the telephone handset in the condo.

Your Mobile Phone, Your Provider

Your normal provider may have a vacation roaming deal. Although it might appear expensive, that option - when available - should be priced against some of the alternatives discussed below. It may be cheaper or the convenience may be worth a bit more than less convenient alternatives.

Your Mobile Phone and WiFi Calls

We have Time Warner Oceanic cable service in our units providing television, broadband internet, and telephone service. Time Warner Oceanic belongs to the "CableWiFi" consortium. That organization provides WiFi access in many restaurants, stores, and other public places (including South Maui Fitness!) in Maui. (CableWiFi login information is provided elsewhere on this site and in your "welcome" e-mail.) If your cell phone can make calls over WiFi then you'll be in touch both in the unit and at many establishments on Maui.

Your Mobile Phone with a Temporary Cellular Service Provider

If you don't mind "messing" with your phone a bit, it may be possible to modify your mobile handset to use a local carrier. At one end is Tracfone with their "Bring Your Own Phone" (BYOP) SIM card kit. Once you check compatibility of your phone, you can buy that kit on-line or in a store such as Walmart. Minutes are purchased in blocks and they typically expire after 90 days to a year. The data plan will consume minutes as well so you may need to be careful about e-mail and surfing when you're on the cell network rather than WiFi.

Using one of the incumbent US cellular phone carriers is also an option. Most of them - AT&T/Cingular, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint, and more - have good-to-great coverage on Maui generally and throughout Kihei. And they have retail sites across Maui so you can walk in with your (unlocked!) cell phone and walk out with cell service. The 'deals' these companies offer for short-term / vacation service change often. Careful attention to the terms of the contract you'll need to sign is important - auto-renewal, data limits and costs, and so forth.

Temporary Phone

If you don't want to modify your cell phone - a very understandable position - you have the option of purchasing another phone for use when traveling around Hawai'i. It's possible to buy a very inexpensive, basic phone (calls and text messages only) with the prepaid minutes packages noted above. On-line companies and stores in Maui offer these phones.

Endnote

There's no question that the convenience of a mobile telephone is a wonder of the modern era. There are safety and security aspects, too. However, you may also want to consider if you really need to be in touch 24/7, as it were, while on vacation. For some of us, that may not be an option or may be a scary thing to consider. On the other hand, being unreachable for at least part of your vacation may be a new and delightful experience for you.

< 2017-01-19 >