Save money on your next flight

Skyscanner is the world’s leading flight search engine, helping you find the cheapest flights to destinations all over the world.

ABC is one of the major broadcast television networks in the United States, offering popular shows to viewers across the country. For those living in or visiting Hawaii, you may be wondering what channel you can find ABC programming on.

This article will provide a comprehensive guide to accessing ABC in Hawaii, including which channels it is available on, how to access those channels, and tips for ensuring you don’t miss your favorite ABC shows.

Quick Answer

ABC is available on channel 9 in most areas of Hawaii. This is the main ABC affiliate station that broadcasts ABC programming to viewers across the Hawaiian islands. Specifically, KHNL is the call sign for Honolulu’s ABC affiliate that transmits over-the-air on channel 9 and also provides an HD feed on digital channel 8.1.

  • Over-the-air on channel 9 (analog) and 8.1 (digital HD) if you live near the KHNL transmitter on Oahu
  • Channel 9 on major cable/satellite providers like Spectrum, DirecTV, and Dish Network
  • Streaming via services like YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV which carry KHNL as part of their channel packages

While some outer islands like Maui and Hawaii Island have their own ABC affiliates on different channels, KHNL is the primary station for ABC programming across most of the state. So channel 9 or 8.1 is where to tune in to watch shows like Good Morning America, ABC World News Tonight, and ABC primetime programs.

KHNL Channel Information

KHNL, virtual channel 9 (UHF digital channel 8), is an ABC-affiliated television station licensed to Honolulu, Hawaii, United States. The station is owned by Gray Television, as part of a duopoly with CBS affiliate KGMB (channel 5).

The two stations share studios at the Hawaii News Now center on Waiakamilo Road in downtown Honolulu; KHNL’s transmitter is located in Akupu, Hawaii.

ABC Channel Availability in Hawaii

Over-the-air ABC stations

There are two over-the-air ABC network affiliates that broadcast in Hawaii – KITV channel 4 in Honolulu and KHVO channel 13 in Hilo. KITV provides coverage for most of the state’s population across the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Molokai and Lanai.

Meanwhile, KHVO serves the Big Island of Hawaii with ABC programming.

According to the latest Nielsen DMA rankings, the Honolulu DMA covers 1.12 million people, making it the 54th largest designated market area out of the 210 total DMAs ranked nationally. The fact that a top 50 DMA can receive an ABC affiliate over-the-air highlights the network’s commitment to provide exceptional viewing experiences.

Cable and satellite providers

In addition to over-the-air signals, most cable and satellite TV providers in Hawaii also carry ABC on their channel lineups. Major cable operators like Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom offer KITV channel 4 as part of their standard packages.

The channel numbers may vary depending on your provider and location, so check your local listings.

Satellite services like DIRECTV and DISH Network enable island residents statewide ABC accessibility. For example, DISH includes KITV-DT channel 4 in their America’s Top 120 package and above, presenting a value-oriented ABC viewing choice.

Provider Channel Number
Spectrum 4 (SD)/1004 (HD)
Hawaiian Telcom 4 (SD)/1004 (HD)
DIRECTV 4 (SD/HD)
DISH Network 4 (SD/HD)

With multiple top providers featuring ABC on their channel guides, Hawaii residents can readily access ABC programming like live sports, news shows, and primetime hits. This allows the state’s viewers to be part of the conversation for the network’s most buzzworthy content.

Tips for Accessing ABC Programming in Hawaii

Using an antenna

One of the most convenient and affordable ways to access ABC’s programming in Hawaii is by using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. ABC’s Honolulu affiliate KITV is broadcast free-to-air over channel 4 in high definition.

By connecting an OTA antenna to your TV set, you can easily tune in to all of KITV’s content including popular shows like Grey’s Anatomy, The Bachelor and local news.

Indoor antennas generally provide adequate reception, but you can install an outdoor antenna on your roof or attic for better signal quality if needed. When shopping for an antenna, look at its range capabilities to ensure it can reliably receive signals from towers located over 30 miles away.

Subscribing to a cable/streaming service

Alternatively, subscribing to a pay TV provider that offers KITV programming allows convenient in-home access. Major cable companies available across Hawaii like Spectrum and Hawaiian Telcom carry the ABC affiliate on their channel lineups.

Many live TV streaming platforms also include KITV as part of their channel bundles, delivering ABC shows live or on-demand via internet-connected devices. Some popular options worth considering are:

  • DirecTV Stream
  • FuboTV
  • Hulu + Live TV
  • YouTube TV

When comparing services, be sure to check that they offer KITV alongside other major broadcast stations to choose the best value bundle.

Traveling or temporary access

For those traveling to Hawaii or wanting ABC access for a short period, authentication through TV Everywhere apps may be the ideal solution. Apps like ABC and Watch ABC allow viewers to stream live and on-demand content after logging in with their home cable/satellite/vMVPD provider credentials, if that provider has verification rights.

This enables temporary access to the same programming available in one’s home market. Just download the app, enter your home TV subscription username/password when promoted, and start watching your favorite ABC shows.

It’s a very convenient way to keep up with episodes while on vacation without any extra costs.

Missing an ABC Show? How to Watch Later

On Demand

If you missed your favorite ABC show live, don’t worry! You have several options to catch up later. Many cable and satellite providers offer ABC shows on demand the day after they air. Simply go to the on demand section of your cable box or satellite receiver and look for the ABC listings.

Popular shows like Grey’s Anatomy, The Bachelor, and Black-ish are usually available the next day on demand. What a lifesaver!

DVR Recordings

Another easy way to watch ABC later is to set up recordings on your DVR. Most cable and satellite boxes come with DVR capabilities these days. You can schedule recordings for your must-see ABC shows so you never miss an episode. Setting up a recording takes just a few clicks.

Then you can watch episodes on your schedule – awesome! Some advanced DVRs even allow you to record an entire ABC series with a single click. Now you’ll never fall behind on shows like The Good Doctor and Station 19.

ABC Streaming Platforms

In addition to on demand and DVR, you can also stream full episodes of your favorite ABC series on their website or apps. Options like ABC.com and the ABC app allow you to watch new episodes the day after they air with no cable login required!

There’s also Hulu, which streams episodes of many hit ABC shows. A basic Hulu plan starts at just $7.99 per month. And for ABC classics, check out Disney+ – stream the full libraries of classics like Boy Meets World and Home Improvement.

With all these streaming choices, missing live ABC airings is no problem!

Conclusion

As you can see, accessing ABC programming in beautiful Hawaii is convenient with multiple options across antenna, cable/streaming services, DVR and on demand. With this guide, you should understand exactly how to tune into ABC no matter where you are in the island chain.

Enjoy accessing your favorite ABC shows!

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts