808 Area Code: The Complete Guide to Hawaii’s Only Area Code

The 808 area code is Hawaii’s only telephone area code. It connects every island, every city, and every resident across the state, from Honolulu to the slopes of Mauna Kea.

It is also one of the most unusual area codes in the United States. It covers an entire state, predates statehood, and still has no second code. If you are trying to understand where it applies, why it matters, or how to get an 808 phone number, this guide covers it.

What Is the 808 Area Code?

The 808 area code is the sole telephone area code for the state of Hawaii. It covers all inhabited islands, including Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island, along with smaller islands like Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi. It also includes Wake Island in the western Pacific.

There is no overlay area code. As of 2026, 808 remains the only area code assigned to the state.

Quick facts:

• Established: January 1, 1957
• Covers: All Hawaiian islands plus Wake Island
• Time zone: Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time, UTC-10
• Daylight saving time: Not observed
• Dialing: 10-digit dialing required since 2021

‍Where Is the 808 Area Code?

Unlike most area codes that cover a portion of a state, 808 applies to the entire island chain. This includes 71 cities across four counties and a population of about 1.4 million people.

Islands Covered by 808

• Oʻahu
• Hawaiʻi (Big Island)
• Maui
• Kauaʻi
• Molokaʻi
• Lānaʻi
• Niʻihau
• Wake Island

Each of these islands falls under the same area code, which is rare in the United States.

Major Cities in the 808 Area Code

Some of the most recognized cities include:

• Honolulu
• Hilo
• Pearl City
• Waipahu
• Kailua
• Kaneohe
• Kahului
• Kihei
• Lihue
• Kapaa

These cities are spread across multiple islands but share the same dialing prefix.

Time Zone

The entire 808 region runs on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time, which is UTC-10. The state does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference stays consistent year-round.

For reference:

• 5 to 6 hours behind the East Coast, depending on the season
• 2 to 3 hours behind the West Coast

History of the 808 Area Code

The 808 area code was established on January 1, 1957. At that time, Hawaii was still a United States territory. It became the 50th state two years later, on August 21, 1959.

That timing is part of what makes 808 unique. The code was created before statehood and has remained unchanged ever since.

Key milestones:

• 1957: 808 introduced
• 1959: Hawaii becomes a state
• 2021: 10-digit dialing required nationwide
• Around 2035: A second area code may be introduced if demand increases

Despite decades of growth, the state has continued to operate under a single area code. That is increasingly uncommon as other regions add new codes to keep up with demand.

Why 808 Still Stands Out

In most places, an area code is just a routing detail. With 808, it carries more meaning.

It represents the entire state, not just a city or region. That makes it easier to recognize and harder to confuse with other locations.

You will also see “808” used outside of phone service. It appears in local culture, from music and apparel to social media and branding. Over time, it has become shorthand for the islands themselves.

There is also a practical side. Because it is tied to the full state, it feels familiar to anyone with connections there. A phone number with that area code can signal that link in a simple, recognizable way.

Is the 808 Area Code a Scam?

No. The 808 area code is legitimate and serves the entire state of Hawaii.

Like any area code, it can be used in scam attempts. Some calls may appear to come from familiar area codes to increase the chance you answer.

A common example is a one-ring call:

• Your phone rings once
• The caller is unknown
• Calling back may connect you to a premium service

In most cases, the number itself is not the issue. It is how it is being used.

Best approach:

• Let unknown calls go to voicemail
• Verify the caller before responding
• Use spam filtering when available

‍How to Get an 808 Phone Number

Getting an 808 phone number through a traditional phone service provider usually requires being physically located in the state. Providers assign numbers based on where service is activated, so requests from outside the islands typically return a mainland area code.

That leaves limited options if you are not based there.

Burner offers a more flexible approach.

With the Burner app, you can create a second phone number with an 808 area code on your existing device. There is no need to switch providers or install additional hardware.

How it works

1. Sign up for Burner 
2. Choose 808 as your area code
3. Select an available phone number and activate it

The setup takes a few minutes. Once active, your new phone line works alongside your existing one.

What you get

• A real 808 phone number that can make and receive calls
• Text messaging, including MMS
• Voicemail with transcription
• Call forwarding to your main number
• The option to delete or replace the number when needed

Everything runs through the app. There is no SIM card required and no change to your current phone service provider.

Who Might Want an 808 Phone Number?

Most people are not looking for an area code by itself. They are looking for a way to separate parts of their life or keep their personal contact details more private.

A second phone line can help with that.

Common scenarios include:

• Signing up for apps or services without sharing your primary phone number
• Keeping online activity separate from personal contacts
• Staying in touch with people on the islands while living elsewhere
• Creating a contact point you can step away from when needed

It is a simple way to add flexibility without complicating your setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 808 area code?

The 808 area code serves the entire state of Hawaii. It covers all major islands and Wake Island. Established in 1957, it remains the only area code assigned to the state.

What state uses the 808 area code?

The 808 area code is used exclusively in Hawaii. No other state shares it.

What cities are included in the 808 area code?

Major cities include Honolulu, Hilo, Pearl City, Waipahu, Kailua, Kaneohe, Kahului, Kihei, and Lihue. Smaller communities across the islands are also included.

What time zone is the 808 area code in?

It operates on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time, which is UTC-10. The state does not observe daylight saving time.

Does Hawaii have more than one area code?

No. As of 2026, 808 is still the only area code serving the state. A second area code may be introduced in the future.

When was the 808 area code created?

It was created on January 1, 1957, two years before Hawaii became a state.

Does the 808 area code cover all islands?

Yes. It includes Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, the Big Island, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Niʻihau, and Wake Island.

Is the 808 area code used outside Hawaii?

It is primarily used across the Hawaiian islands. The only exception is Wake Island, a U.S. territory in the Pacific.

How can I get an 808 phone number?

You can get an 808 phone number through the Burner app. Select 808 during setup and choose an available phone number. No location change is required.

Does Hawaii observe daylight saving time?

No. Hawaii remains on Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time year-round.

Get an 808 Phone Number Without the Move

The 808 area code is one of the few that still covers an entire state. It has stayed that way for decades, even as other regions have added new codes.

If you want an 808 phone number, you do not need to change your phone service provider or relocate.

Sign Up for the Burner or Download on iOS or Android, choose your area code, and set up a second phone number in a few taps.