TV channels & antenna towers in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Kailua-Kona has 13 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 1 station should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is KLEI-TV, 7.5 miles to the NE.

Open Kailua-Kona in the live finder

13TV transmitters within 70 miles

2networks over the air

7.5 mito the closest tower

11,975population

Network channels in Kailua-Kona

Station	Channel	Distance	Point antenna	Est. signal	Licensed to
CWKHAW-TVCW	11.2	57 mi	85° E	Poor	Hilo, HI
ABCKHVOABC	4	57 mi	85° E	Poor	Hilo, HI

Over-the-air TV in Kailua-Kona

With roughly 12,000 residents, Kailua-Kona is a city in Hawaii. Our map shows 13 licensed TV transmitters inside a 70-mile radius: 6 full-power and 7 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 1 is likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 1 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 1 transmitter is within 25 miles, 3 between 25 and 45 miles, and 9 farther out. Two of the 2 network stations in range are licensed to Hilo, so most of the network channels you will find here come from Hilo's stations.

For the networks, the best local options are ABC on channel 4 (KHVO) and CW on channel 11.2 (KHAW-TV). No CBS affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KGMB in Honolulu, HI, 182 miles to the northwest. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KOGG in Wailuku, HI, 74 miles to the north. No Fox affiliate is listed within 250 miles of Kailua-Kona. 4 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.

Which way to point your antenna in Kailua-Kona

Point your antenna E, at about 85°. The main network towers for Kailua-Kona sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

Two network stations, KHAW-TV and KHVO, transmit from the same tower site about 57 miles east of Kailua-Kona (85° E). That one direction covers every station on the site.

KHVO (ABC) lies beyond the radio horizon of its transmitter as seen from Kailua-Kona. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.

Antenna and amplifier advice for Kailua-Kona

The farthest main network tower for Kailua-Kona is KHVO (ABC), 57 miles away with a very weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. Viewers who do not need that station can often manage with less.

At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.

Other stations near Kailua-Kona

Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.

Station	Distance	Point antenna	Est. signal	Licensed to
KLEI-TVFull power	7.5 mi	44° NE	Good	Kailua-Kona, HI
K28JM-DTranslator	28 mi	53° NE	Poor	Waimea, HI
K20NX-DTranslator	36 mi	96° E	Weak	Hilo, HI
K19JW-DTranslator	36 mi	96° E	Poor	Mauna Loa, HI
K35II-DTranslator	49 mi	154° SSE	Poor	South Point, HI
K31IZ-DTranslator	49 mi	146° SSE	Poor	Naalehu, HI
K36OZ-DTranslator	56 mi	70° ENE	Poor	Hakalau, HI
KGMD-TVFull power	57 mi	85° E	Poor	Hilo, HI
KWHDFull power	57 mi	85° E	Poor	Hilo, HI
KHBC-TVFull power	61 mi	84° E	Poor	Hilo, HI
K28JV-DTranslator	64 mi	84° E	Poor	Hilo, HI

How Kailua-Kona compares with the rest of Hawaii

With 1 station at fair strength or better, Kailua-Kona ranks 105th of 121 places in Hawaii: fewer than the typical Hawaii town (7). Its nearest major network tower is 57 miles away, against a state median of 12 miles.

25% of Hawaii's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.

Setting up an antenna in Kailua-Kona: step by step

Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
Point it toward 85° E, the direction of KHVO (ABC), 57 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
Expect around 1 station, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.

Frequently asked questions

What channel is ABC in Kailua-Kona, HI?

ABC is on channel 4 from KHVO, broadcasting from 57 miles E of Kailua-Kona. Estimated signal: very weak.

What channel is CW in Kailua-Kona, HI?

CW is on channel 11.2 from KHAW-TV, broadcasting from 57 miles E of Kailua-Kona. Estimated signal: very weak.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in Kailua-Kona?

13 transmitters within 70 miles of Kailua-Kona; around 1 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.

Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Kailua-Kona?

Point your antenna E, at about 85°. The main network towers for Kailua-Kona sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

What kind of antenna do I need in Kailua-Kona?

Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below.

Do I need an antenna amplifier in Kailua-Kona?

Is there an app to find TV towers in Kailua-Kona?

Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.

TV channels in nearby Hawaii cities

More: all TV stations in Hawaii · West region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Kailua-Kona; signal estimates ignore terrain.