What a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscription gives you
A Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscription delivers the newspaper to your home or gives you access to its website and mobile app, depending on which plan you choose. The Star-Advertiser is Hawaii's largest newspaper and covers local news, business, sports, and community events across Oahu and the islands. You can read it in print, online, or both.
The newspaper publishes seven days a week. Print subscriptions arrive at your door each morning. Digital subscriptions let you read stories on any device with internet access, often with fewer ads than the free version of the website.
Key Takeaways
- The Honolulu Star-Advertiser offers print-only, digital-only, and print-plus-digital subscription plans at different price points.
- You can start a subscription through the Star-Advertiser's website or by calling their customer service line.
- Print delivery typically begins within one to three business days of your order.
- Most subscriptions renew automatically, so you will need to cancel if you want to stop receiving the newspaper.
- The Star-Advertiser often runs promotional rates for new subscribers, especially for longer commitment periods.
Print, digital, and bundle subscription options
The Star-Advertiser sells three main types of subscriptions. A print-only subscription delivers the physical newspaper to your address. A digital-only subscription gives you access to the website and mobile app without print delivery. A print-plus-digital subscription includes both.
Pricing varies by plan length and current promotions. Shorter commitments (like month-to-month) typically cost more per week than longer ones (like annual plans). The Star-Advertiser frequently offers discounted rates for new subscribers, especially if you commit to a full year. Check their website or call to see what rates are available right now.
Digital-only subscriptions are usually the least expensive option and start when ready. Print subscriptions take longer to set up because the newspaper needs your delivery address and time to add you to their route.
How to start a subscription online
Visit the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's website and look for a "Subscribe" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and you will see the available plans with their current prices. Select the plan that matches what you want — print, digital, or both — and choose how long you want to commit (monthly, quarterly, annual, or another option if offered).
Enter your name, address (if you are ordering print), email, and payment information. The website will ask you to create a username and password for your digital account. Review your order before you submit it. You should receive a confirmation email right away with your account details and next steps.
If you run into trouble during checkout or have questions about which plan to choose, the website usually has a live chat option or a phone number to call customer service.
Starting a subscription by phone
You can also call the Honolulu Star-Advertiser's customer service line to set up a subscription. A representative will walk you through the available plans, answer questions about pricing and delivery, and take your payment information over the phone. This route works well if you prefer talking to a person or if you have questions the website does not answer clearly.
The customer service number appears on the Star-Advertiser's website under "Contact Us" or "Subscribe." Have your address ready if you want print delivery, and have a credit card or debit card handy for payment.
When your subscription starts and what to expect
Digital subscriptions usually start the same day you order, or within a few hours. You will receive login information by email and can start reading right away on the website or app.
Print subscriptions take longer. Delivery typically begins within one to three business days, though it can take up to a week depending on your address and the newspaper's delivery schedule. You will receive a confirmation email with an estimated start date. If you do not receive your first paper within that window, contact customer service — they can check whether your address is on the delivery route and troubleshoot any delays.
Your subscription will renew automatically on the date it is set to expire, using the payment method you provided. You will receive a reminder email a few days before the renewal date.
Pausing, changing, or canceling your subscription
You can pause a print subscription for a short time if you are traveling or temporarily do not want delivery. Log into your account online or call customer service to request a pause. The newspaper will hold your subscription and restart delivery on the date you specify.
To change your plan — for example, from print-only to print-plus-digital — log into your account and look for a "Manage Subscription" or "Change Plan" option. You can also call customer service to make changes.
To cancel, log into your account and select the cancel option, or call customer service. Cancellations usually take effect at the end of your current billing period, not when ready. If you cancel mid-month, you will not receive a refund for the unused portion, though some customer service representatives may offer a credit toward a future subscription if you ask.
Troubleshooting common subscription problems
If you are not receiving your print newspaper, first check that your address is correct in your account. Log in online and look for an "Account" or "Delivery Address" section. If the address looks wrong, update it and contact customer service to restart delivery. If the address is correct but you still are not getting the paper, call customer service — there may be a delivery issue specific to your neighborhood or a problem with your account.
If you cannot log into your digital account, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it. If that does not work, or if you are having trouble reading articles on the app or website, contact customer service. They can resend your login information or troubleshoot technical problems.
If you were charged twice or see an unexpected charge on your card, contact customer service right away with the date and amount. They can review your account and issue a refund if there was an error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read the Star-Advertiser on my phone or tablet?
Yes. Digital subscribers can read the website on any phone or tablet with a web browser. The Star-Advertiser also has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices that you can read from the App Store or Google Play. Log in with your subscription username and password.
What is the difference between a digital subscription and reading the free website?
The free website shows some articles but limits how many you can read each month. A digital subscription removes that limit and gives you access to all articles, archives, and special sections. Subscribers also see fewer ads.
Do I have to commit to a full year?
No. The Star-Advertiser offers month-to-month plans, though they usually cost more per week than annual plans. You can choose whatever commitment length works for your budget.
Can I give a subscription as a gift?
Yes. The Star-Advertiser's website usually has a gift subscription option during checkout. You can choose the plan and length, and the newspaper will send a gift notice to the recipient with instructions on how to set up their account.
What happens if I move out of Hawaii?
Print delivery is limited to Hawaii addresses. If you move off the islands, you can keep a digital-only subscription and read online from anywhere. If you have a print subscription and move, contact customer service to switch to digital-only or cancel.