Hawaii has just 1 active area code serving the entire state across all major islands. Area code 808 covers everything from Honolulu to Hilo, operating in the Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time zone (HST). Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, schedule business calls across time zones, or understand local dialing rules, this guide provides accurate and current information about that state’s unique telecommunications system.
Quick Reference: Hawaii Area Code
| Area Code | Primary Coverage | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 808 | All Hawaiian Islands (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau) | HST (UTC-10) | Original | 1957 |
Area Code 808 Hawaii
808 is the sole telephone area code for the entire state, making it one of only 11 states that still operate with a single number. This unique code serves all major Hawaiian Islands, including Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau.
Major Cities Served
Honolulu, Pearl City, Hilo, Kailua, Waipahu, Kaneohe, Kahului, Kailua-Kona, Ewa Beach, Mililani, and Lihue all use area code 808.
Counties Covered
All five Hawaiian counties fall under area code 808: Honolulu County, Hawaii County, Maui County, Kauai County, and Kalawao County.
Historical Background
Area code 808 was assigned on August 8, 1957, approximately two years before Hawaii achieved statehood. It was one of 10 area codes introduced that year as part of the North American Numbering Plan expansion. Interestingly, the code also serves Wake Island in the western Pacific Ocean.
Population and Usage
With approximately 1.45 million residents as of 2024, plus millions of annual tourists, this 808 Code handles significant telecommunications traffic. Despite this growth and the proliferation of mobile phones, the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) projects that 808 will serve Hawaii until at least the second quarter of 2037 without requiring an overlay or split.
10-Digit Dialing Requirement
Starting October 24, 2021, all calls within Hawaii require 10-digit dialing (808 + seven-digit number). This change was mandated by the Federal Communications Commission to enable 988 as the three-digit code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Hawaii was among 36 states that needed to transition to 10-digit dialing.
Understanding Hawaii's Time Zone
Hawaii operates in the Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time zone (HST), which is 10 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-10). This makes Hawaii one of the most unique states in terms of time zone management.
Key Time Zone Facts:
- Hawaii does NOT observe Daylight Saving Time, keeping HST year-round
- The time remains consistent throughout the year
- Hawaii is typically 5 hours behind Eastern Time (6 hours during EDT)
- It is 3 hours behind Pacific Time (4 hours during PDT)
- The state is 2 hours behind Mountain Time in Arizona (which also doesn’t observe DST)
Practical Considerations
When scheduling calls or meetings with people in Hawaii, remember that the time difference varies depending on whether the mainland is observing Daylight Saving Time. During mainland DST (March to November), the gap is larger. The consistent time zone makes it easier for residents and businesses to plan without adjusting for seasonal changes.
Hawaii Cities and Their Area Codes
All cities and towns throughout Hawaii use area code 808. Here are the largest population centers as of 2024:
- Urban Honolulu (344,967) – State capital, major business hub
- East Honolulu (50,961) – Residential coastal community
- Hilo (48,223) – Largest city on Hawaii Island, known for rainforests
- Pearl City (45,079) – Suburban community near Pearl Harbor
- Kailua (40,514) – Beach town on Oahu’s windward coast
- Waipahu (43,485) – Historic plantation town
- Kaneohe (37,430) – Residential area with mountain views
- Kahului (27,000) – Commercial hub of Maui
- Mililani (25,707) – Planned residential community
- Kailua-Kona (19,000) – West Hawaii resort area
- Ewa Beach (15,167) – Growing suburban area
- Lihue (9,200) – County seat of Kauai
Every one of these cities, along with all other Hawaiian communities, uses the 808 area code exclusively.
How to Use It
Understanding the dialing rules for Hawaii helps ensure your calls connect properly.
For Local Calls Within Hawaii:
You must dial 10 digits: 808 + the seven-digit phone number. Seven-digit dialing is no longer permitted anywhere in the state.
Example: To call 555-1234 in Honolulu from anywhere in Hawaii, dial 808-555-1234
Calling Hawaii from the US Mainland:
Dial 1 + 808 + the seven-digit number
Example: 1-808-555-1234
Calling Hawaii Internationally:
Dial your country’s exit code + 1 (US country code) + 808 + the seven-digit number
Example from the UK: 00-1-808-555-1234
Mobile Phone Considerations:
Most mobile phones automatically format numbers correctly. When saving Hawaii contacts, include the area code 808 to ensure proper connection, especially if you travel between Hawaii and the mainland frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many area codes does Hawaii have?
Hawaii has exactly one area code: 808. It is one of only 11 US states that still operate with a single area code, covering all islands and communities throughout the state.
What time zone is Hawaii in?
Hawaii is in the Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time zone (HST), which is UTC-10. This state does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains consistent year-round at 10 hours behind UTC.
When was area code 808 introduced?
Area code 808 was assigned on August 8, 1957, and went into service the same year. This was approximately two years before Hawaii became a state in 1959. It was one of 10 area codes introduced in 1957.
Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Hawaii?
Yes. Since October 24, 2021, all calls within Hawaii require 10-digit dialing. You must dial 808 plus the seven-digit number, even for local calls within the same city or island.
Is 808 a toll-free number?
No, 808 is not a toll-free area code. It is a standard geographic area code. Toll-free numbers start with 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, or 833. Long-distance charges may apply when calling Hawaii from outside the state, depending on your phone plan.
Why does Hawaii only have one area code?
Hawaii’s relatively small population (about 1.45 million) and geographic isolation as an island state mean that one area code provides sufficient phone number capacity. Number conservation measures and efficient allocation have prevented the need for additional area codes.
Will Hawaii get a new area code soon?
Not in the immediate future. According to NANPA’s latest projections from March 2025, area code 808 is expected to serve Hawaii until at least the second quarter of 2037. No overlay or split is currently planned.
Does Hawaii observe Daylight Saving Time?
No. It has not observed Daylight Saving Time since September 1945. The state remains on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, UTC-10) throughout the entire year.
What islands does area code 808 cover?
Area code 808 covers all Hawaiian Islands, including Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island (Big Island), Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau. It also extends to Wake Island in the western Pacific Ocean.
Can I get an 808 number if I don't live in Hawaii?
Yes. Many VoIP and virtual phone service providers offer 808 area code numbers regardless of your physical location. This can be useful for businesses wanting to establish a local presence in Hawaii or for people with strong ties to the islands.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information about specific Hawaiian cities and their telecommunications, explore city-specific pages on our website. You can also consult official resources from the North American Numbering Plan Administration (NANPA) at nationalnanpa.com for technical details about area code administration and forecasts.