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If you are visiting Hawaii and want to watch your favorite CBS shows, you may be wondering what channel to tune into. Finding CBS while on vacation can ensure you don’t miss out on hit shows and news programming.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: CBS is available on channel 2 throughout most of Hawaii via KGMB and satellite services.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to watch CBS programming while in Hawaii. We’ll overview the channel numbers throughout the islands, detail which providers carry CBS, explain how to access it through streaming platforms, and give tips on optimizing your viewing experience.

What Channel Is CBS in Hawaii?

KGMB Channel 2 in Honolulu

CBS is broadcast on KGMB Channel 2 in Honolulu, which serves Oahu. KGMB is owned and operated by Gray Television and has been affiliated with CBS since 1956, making it one of CBS’s longest tenured affiliates.

As the main CBS station for Hawaii’s most populated island, KGMB broadcasts popular CBS programming in HD including news, primetime shows, daytime soaps, late night programs, and sports. According to recent Nielsen ratings, KGMB was the #1 station in Honolulu during the November 2022 sweeps period.

Other Islands Vary from Channel 2-5

While Honolulu viewers can watch CBS on Channel 2, stations and channel numbers vary on Hawaii’s other islands:

  • Maui – KMAU Channel 12
  • Hawaii Island – KHNL Channel 5
  • Kauai – KKAI Channel 13
  • Lanai – Channel 2
  • Molokai – Channel 5

These stations also operate as CBS affiliates carrying the network’s programming to the outlying islands. KMAU, KHNL, and KKAI are satellite stations of KGMB.

Ways to Access and Stream CBS in Hawaii

Cable and Satellite Providers

Residents of Hawaii who want to watch CBS can sign up for cable or satellite TV packages offered by major providers like Spectrum, DIRECTV, and Dish Network. These providers bundle CBS, along with other popular channels, into channel lineups that cater to Hawaii viewers.

For example, Spectrum’s TV packages like Spectrum Silver and Spectrum Gold include CBS and other major networks. According to Spectrum’s website, over 99% of households in Hawaii can get Spectrum services.

DIRECTV and Dish Network also provide CBS access in various bundles, though channel numbers may vary. Checking channel listings on providers’ websites is the best way to confirm CBS’s channel placement.

Live TV Streaming Platforms

Alongside traditional TV, streaming is growing in popularity across Hawaii. Services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV and DirecTV Stream all include CBS and other major networks in their channel packages.

Most streaming services offer free trials for new users, allowing Hawaii residents to test out services and channel offerings before committing. Streaming also provides flexibility to watch CBS on mobile devices, popular with tech-savvy populations.

According to a 2021 study, over 73% of people in Hawaii subscribe to a streaming service, suggesting strong demand for streaming options to supplement or replace traditional pay TV.

Tips for Finding and Watching CBS in Hawaii

Check Your Hotel TV Guide

The first step to finding CBS in Hawaii is to check your hotel’s channel guide. Most hotels provide channel listings that indicate which channel airs which network. CBS is usually available, often on channels 2, 6 or 10 depending on your location.

You can then easily tune your in-room TV to the designated CBS channel.

Some hotels may offer DirecTV or DISH Network instead of traditional cable TV. These satellite services include CBS in their channel packages for Hawaii viewers. Review the satellite channel guide closely or ask the front desk to assist with finding the CBS channel.

Consider Streaming Devices

If CBS is not available via your hotel’s channel lineup, you can turn to streaming. Devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick and Apple TV allow you to install the CBS News and CBS Sports apps. These provide live access to CBS programming from anywhere in Hawaii with an internet connection.

Streaming sticks are small and portable gadgets perfect for travel. Pack one in your luggage and transform any hotel TV into a Smart TV. Just connect the stick, connect it to WiFi, install apps and start streaming your favorite CBS shows.

Optimize Your Viewing

Getting a clear CBS picture in Hawaii takes some tweaking. Outdoor TV antennas rarely pick up signals reliably. Instead, adjust your TV’s video settings for best results:

  • Try different digital channel options until you find the clearest display.
  • Adjust settings like contrast, backlighting and sharpness to improve image quality issues.
  • Check aspect ratio and screen zoom controls if the picture appears stretched or zoomed in.

Upgrading to an HD channel also makes a huge difference. High definition CBS is offered by many Hawaii cable and satellite providers. HD channels broadcast a sharper 1080p or 720p picture compared to 480p standard definition.

Display Format Resolution Viewing Quality
Standard Definition 480p Fair
High Definition 720p or 1080p Excellent

Following these handy tips lets you conveniently access live CBS programming from your Hawaii hotel room. With a few simple channel surfing, streaming and picture adjustments, you’ll be catching top shows and NFL games in no time.

Enjoy Your Favorite CBS Programming in Paradise

The beautiful Hawaiian islands are truly a tropical paradise. With gorgeous beaches, stunning natural landscapes, and a relaxing atmosphere, Hawaii is the perfect vacation getaway. And now you don’t have to miss your favorite CBS shows just because you’re in paradise!

Access All Your Favorite CBS Content

CBS programming is readily available across the Hawaiian islands. So whether you want to catch up on the latest Survivor tribal council, see what’s happening on The Young and the Restless, or watch an NFL football game, you’ll have plenty of options.

The main CBS affiliate stations in Hawaii are KGMB on Oahu, KHNL on Oahu, KMAU on Maui, KLEI on Kauai, and KWHE on the Big Island. These local stations air popular CBS shows in primetime and also carry national CBS Sports coverage.

Most hotels and vacation rentals offer these stations on their in-room TVs.

Streaming CBS with No Hassle

In addition to watching CBS on traditional television, you can also stream CBS shows directly on your mobile device or laptop using the CBS app or Paramount+. This makes it super convenient to watch CBS content anytime, anywhere while visiting paradise!

The CBS app offers live streaming of CBSN and CBS Sports HQ. You can watch full episodes of current shows and classics too. Paramount+ also grants access to both live CBS channels and thousands of on-demand shows, movies, and originals.

With strong WiFi connections at most Hawaii hotels and vacation rentals, streaming over the CBS or Paramount+ apps is typically smooth sailing. Say goodbye to spotty connections and pixilated pictures!

No Need to Miss Must-See Moments

Let’s face it, part of the reason vacations feel so freeing is knowing you can take a break from real life for a while. But that doesn’t mean you want to come home after your Hawaiian getaway only to realize you missed a bunch of shocking moments from your favorite CBS dramas and reality competitions!

Luckily, keeping up with CBS programming is a breeze no matter where you’re vacationing in paradise. From island hopping to snorkeling the vibrant reefs to relaxing at your oceanfront cabana, you’ll have convenient access to network favorites like Survivor, NCIS, FBI, Blue Bloods, and more.

So sit back with an icy tropical drink in hand and let the warm Hawaiian breeze wash over you while you catch up on the latest must-see TV moments. A perfect paradise indeed!

Conclusion

We hope this guide gave you everything you need to know to watch CBS while visiting gorgeous Hawaii. With channel numbers, streaming tips, and viewing tricks, finding and enjoying CBS should be simple.

The bottom line is that between cable and satellite providers and internet streaming platforms, accessing CBS programming in Hawaii is readily achievable. So sit back, relax, and don’t miss a moment of your favorite shows!

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