RCA Signal Finder

TV channels & antenna towers in Kea‘au, Hawaii

Kea‘au has 13 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC and CW. About 7 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K28JV-D, 7.4 miles to the N.

Open Kea‘au in the live finder
13TV transmitters within 70 miles
2networks over the air
7.4 mito the closest tower
2,253population

Network channels in Kea‘au

StationChannelDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
CWKHAW-TVCW11.2 8.9 mi315° NW FairHilo, HI
ABCKHVOABC4 8.9 mi315° NW FairHilo, HI

Over-the-air TV in Kea‘au

With roughly 2,250 residents, Kea‘au is a small community in Hawaii. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 13 licensed TV transmitters: 6 full-power and 7 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 7 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 3 at good or strong strength.

By distance, 7 transmitters are within 25 miles, 3 between 25 and 45 miles, and 3 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.

The best-placed network stations 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, 233 miles to the northwest. No NBC affiliate is listed within 70 miles; the nearest one in our data is KOGG in Wailuku, HI, 112 miles to the northwest. No Fox affiliate is listed within 250 miles of Kea‘au. 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 Kea‘au

Point your antenna NW, at about 315°. The main network towers for Kea‘au 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 8.9 miles northwest of Kea‘au (315° NW). Point at that site and a single antenna setting picks them all up.

All of the main network towers are within their radio horizon as seen from Kea‘au, so signals arrive fairly directly and a well-placed antenna should hold them steadily.

Antenna and amplifier advice for Kea‘au

The farthest main network tower for Kea‘au is KHVO (ABC), 8.9 miles away with a fair estimated signal. That is why we suggest an amplified indoor or attic antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.

An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.

Other stations near Kea‘au

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

StationDistancePoint antennaEst. signalLicensed to
K28JV-DTranslator7.4 mi 7° NGoodHilo, HI
KHBC-TVFull power7.5 mi 345° NNWGoodHilo, HI
KGMD-TVFull power8.9 mi 315° NWFairHilo, HI
KWHDFull power8.9 mi 315° NWGoodHilo, HI
K36OZ-DTranslator22 mi 335° NNWWeakHakalau, HI
K20NX-DTranslator27 mi 265° WFairHilo, HI
K19JW-DTranslator27 mi 265° WWeakMauna Loa, HI
K28JM-DTranslator44 mi 294° WNWPoorWaimea, HI
K31IZ-DTranslator53 mi 222° SWPoorNaalehu, HI
KLEI-TVFull power58 mi 277° WWeakKailua-Kona, HI
K35II-DTranslator60 mi 224° SWPoorSouth Point, HI

How Kea‘au compares with the rest of Hawaii

With 7 stations at fair strength or better, Kea‘au ranks 51st of 121 places in Hawaii: the same as the typical Hawaii town (7). Its nearest major network tower is 8.9 miles away, against a state median of 12 miles.

44% of Hawaii's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an amplified indoor or attic antenna. The nearest larger city is Hilo, 8.2 miles away.

Setting up an antenna in Kea‘au: step by step

  1. Mount the antenna in the attic or high on the wall facing the towers, keeping the cable to the TV as short as you can.
  2. Point it toward 315° NW, the direction of KHVO (ABC), 8.9 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
  3. Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
  4. Expect around 7 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
  5. Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.

Frequently asked questions

What channel is ABC in Kea‘au, HI?

ABC is on channel 4 from KHVO, broadcasting from 8.9 miles NW of Kea‘au. Estimated signal: fair.

What channel is CW in Kea‘au, HI?

CW is on channel 11.2 from KHAW-TV, broadcasting from 8.9 miles NW of Kea‘au. Estimated signal: fair.

How many channels can I get with an antenna in Kea‘au?

13 transmitters within 70 miles of Kea‘au; around 7 of them are likely to be receivable with amplified indoor or attic 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 Kea‘au?

Point your antenna NW, at about 315°. The main network towers for Kea‘au sit in that direction, so a single directional antenna can pick them all up.

What kind of antenna do I need in Kea‘au?

Amplified indoor or attic antenna (25–45 miles). Towers are at medium range. An amplified indoor antenna can work; an attic-mounted antenna is the safer choice.

Do I need an antenna amplifier in Kea‘au?

An amplifier only helps here if you run a long cable (over about 50 feet) or split the antenna to several TVs. Otherwise better placement does more. See the amplifier guide.

Is there an app to find TV towers in Kea‘au?

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 Kea‘au; signal estimates ignore terrain.