Investor Relations Contact:
Brian Tanner, Hawaiian Telcom        
(808) 546-3442
brian.tanner@hawaiiantel.com
Media Contact:
Scott Simon, Hawaiian Telcom
(808) 546-5466
scott.simon@hawaiiantel.com

For Immediate Release

Hawaiian Telcom Elevated to NASDAQ Global Select Market

HONOLULU (Wednesday, January 2, 2013) -- Hawaiian Telcom Holdco, Inc. (NASDAQ: HCOM), Hawaii's leader in integrated communications solutions, announced that its stock has been elevated to trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, effective today.  The NASDAQ Global Select Market is designated for public companies that meet the highest listing standards, with qualification measures including market value, liquidity and earnings.

"We are very proud to join the NASDAQ Global Select Market," said Eric K. Yeaman, Hawaiian Telcom's president and CEO.  "Our business has shown positive momentum in our key next-generation services and we are well-positioned to continue executing our strategic plan and driving long-term value for our shareholders.  Being selected to trade among some of the leading companies in the world is validation of these efforts and our financial strength."

The Company's common stock, which was previously listed on the NASDAQ Global Market, will continue to trade under the HCOM ticker symbol.

Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, this release includes certain statements and projections that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In particular, any statement, projection or estimate that includes or references the words "believes", "anticipates", "intends", "expects", or any similar expression falls within the safe harbor of forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. Actual results or outcomes may differ materially from those indicated or suggested by any such forward-looking statement for a variety of reasons.  More information on potential risks and uncertainties is available in recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Hawaiian Telcom's 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The information contained in this release is as of January 2, 2013. It is anticipated that subsequent events and developments may cause estimates to change.

About Hawaiian Telcom
Hawaiian Telcom Holdco, Inc. (NASDAQ: HCOM), headquartered in Honolulu, is Hawaii's leading provider of integrated communications solutions for business and residential customers.  With roots in Hawaii beginning in 1883, the Company offers a full range of services including voice, video, Internet, data, wireless, and advanced communication and network services supported by the reach and reliability of its network and Hawaii's only 24/7 state-of-the-art network operations center. With employees statewide sharing a commitment to innovation and a passion for delivering superior service, Hawaiian Telcom provides an Always OnSM customer experience. For more information, visit www.hawaiiantel.com.

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