Is Hawaii Considered International Calling?

Calling Hawaii from anywhere in the mainland United States is not considered international calling. Hawaii is one of the 50 U.S. states, so phone calls between Hawaii and other states only incur domestic long distance charges.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the details around calling Hawaii and whether it’s treated as international or domestic. We’ll cover topics like the history of Hawaii’s statehood, phone rates and regulations for calling Hawaii, how to dial Hawaiian numbers, and what telecommunications providers service the islands.

History of Hawaii Statehood

Hawaii was an independent kingdom

Before becoming a part of the United States, Hawaii was an independent kingdom ruled by a monarchy. The Hawaiian islands were first settled by Polynesians around the 4th century.

The Kingdom of Hawaii was established in 1795 by King Kamehameha I, who united the islands under one rule. The kingdom flourished during the 19th century, with a thriving economy based on agriculture and trade.

Hawaii was annexed as a U.S. territory

In 1898, Hawaii was annexed by the United States and became a U.S. territory. The annexation was controversial and marked a turning point in Hawaiian history.

The decision to annex Hawaii was driven by economic and strategic interests, as the islands were seen as a valuable asset for the U.S. Navy.

The sugar industry in Hawaii also played a significant role in the decision, as American businessmen had invested heavily in plantations on the islands.

Hawaii officially became the 50th state in 1959

After being a U.S. territory for more than six decades, Hawaii officially became the 50th state of the United States on August 21, 1959.

The road to statehood was not without challenges, as there were debates and concerns about the cultural identity and rights of the indigenous Hawaiian people. However, through a referendum, the majority of Hawaiian residents voted in favor of statehood, and Hawaii was admitted into the Union.

Today, Hawaii is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and diverse population. It continues to be a popular tourist destination and is an important part of the United States both economically and culturally.

Regulations for Calling Hawaii

When it comes to making phone calls to Hawaii, there are certain regulations in place to ensure fair and affordable communication.

Let’s take a look at some of the key regulations that apply to calling Hawaii.

FCC regulates interstate calling

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for regulating interstate calling within the United States, including calls to Hawaii.

This means that if you are making a phone call from a different state to Hawaii, you will be charged according to the rates set by your service provider for interstate calls.

These rates may vary depending on your calling plan, so it’s always a good idea to check with your service provider to understand the costs involved.

No international calling charges apply

Despite being located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii is not considered an international calling destination. Since Hawaii is part of the United States, there are no additional international calling charges when making calls to or from Hawaii.

This is great news for both residents and visitors to Hawaii, as it means that calling friends, family, or business contacts in Hawaii is treated the same as making a domestic call within the United States.

It’s worth noting that while there are no international calling charges for calling Hawaii, regular long-distance charges may still apply if you are calling from a different state.

It’s important to review your calling plan or contact your service provider to understand any potential charges that may apply.

How to Dial Hawaiian Area Codes

Hawaii uses area codes 808 and 967

When it comes to dialing Hawaiian area codes, there are two main codes to keep in mind: 808 and 967.

The 808 area code is the original and most widely used area code in Hawaii. It covers the entire state and is associated with the Hawaiian islands.

The less commonly used 967 area code is primarily used for overlaying the 808 area code, ensuring that there are enough phone numbers available for the growing population.

Dialing format from U.S. mainland

If you’re calling Hawaii from the U.S. mainland, the dialing format is relatively straightforward. Simply dial 1, followed by the Hawaiian area code (either 808 or 967), and then the seven-digit phone number.

For example, if you’re calling a number in Honolulu with the 808 area code, the format would be: 1-808-XXX-XXXX. Remember to include the 1 before the area code, as it is the country code for the United States.

It’s important to note that if you’re calling Hawaii from outside the United States, you’ll need to use the appropriate international dialing code for your country before dialing the Hawaiian area code.

For example, if you’re calling from the United Kingdom, you would dial 00, followed by the country code for the United States (1), and then the Hawaiian area code and phone number.

If you’re unsure of the specific dialing format for your country, it’s always a good idea to check with your local telephone service provider or refer to the international dialing codes provided by reputable sources such as CountryCode.org.

Telecom Providers and Rates

Major wireless carriers in Hawaii

When it comes to telecommunication services in Hawaii, there are several major wireless carriers that dominate the market. These include Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. Each of these carriers offers a range of plans and services to cater to the diverse needs of consumers in the islands.

Verizon, known for its extensive coverage and reliable network, offers a variety of plans that include unlimited talk, text, and data. AT&T, another popular choice, boasts a strong presence in Hawaii and offers competitive rates for both local and international calling.

T-Mobile, known for its affordable plans, also provides reliable coverage and international calling options. Lastly, Sprint, which recently merged with T-Mobile, offers a range of plans that cater to different budgets and calling needs.

Also read: Will My Cell Phone Work In Hawaii?

Comparison of calling rates

Calling rates vary among the different wireless carriers in Hawaii. It’s important to compare the rates offered by each provider to determine which one best suits your needs.

As you can see, the rates for local and international calling can vary significantly among the different carriers. It’s important to consider your calling habits and the destinations you frequently call when selecting a plan.

Additionally, some carriers offer international calling packages or add-ons that can provide more affordable rates for specific countries or regions. It’s worth exploring these options to ensure you get the best value for your money.

For more detailed information on calling rates and plans, you can visit the websites of the respective carriers:

• Verizon
• AT&T
• T-Mobile
• Sprint

Conclusion

In summary, Hawaii is considered part of the domestic U.S. telephone network. Calling Hawaiian numbers from other states incurs the same long distance rates as calling any other state, without international charges.

When dialing Hawaii, use the full 10-digit number including the 808 or 967 area code. Major cell phone carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint all provide service across the islands.

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