Hawaii drivers are facing record-breaking gas prices, according to AAA Hawaii. Prices have surged to all-time highs, putting additional strain on motorists across the state as global oil costs rise in response to the conflict in Iran.
Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $5.63, up 13 cents from last week and $1.12 higher than a year ago. This surpasses the previous record of $5.62 set on July 9, 2022.
By comparison, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.16, up eight cents from last week and 93 cents higher than this time last year. The national average has not reached the $4 mark since Aug. 10, 2022, when prices remained at or above $4 from March 6 through Aug. 10. The highest recorded national average was $5.02 on June 14, 2022.
In 2022, gas prices spiked nationwide following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which disrupted global oil markets and drove up crude oil costs. At the same time, demand for gasoline increased as more people returned to travel after the pandemic, combined with typical seasonal increases during spring and summer. Hawaii drivers, meanwhile, tend to pay higher gas prices than those in other states due to the islands’ geographic isolation, reliance on imported oil, and limited refining capacity.
Hawaii currently ranks second in the nation for the highest gas prices, behind California at $5.92 per gallon, with Washington in third at $5.40 per gallon.
Major cities across Hawaii are experiencing record-breaking prices at the pump. In Honolulu, the average price for regular unleaded is $5.57 per gallon, up 17 cents from last week and $1.13 higher than a year ago, surpassing the previous high of $5.52 recorded on July 4, 2022.
In Hilo, drivers are paying $5.66 per gallon, up three cents from last week and $1 above last year, matching the previous record of $5.66 set on July 10, 2022. In Kahului, the average price is $5.67 per gallon, up six cents from last week and $1.19 higher than a year ago. In Lihue, the average is $5.95 per gallon, up nine cents from last week and 84 cents higher than a year ago, surpassing the previous high of $5.89 recorded on June 20, 2022.
“With gas prices at record highs, it’s more important than ever for Hawaii drivers to stay informed and plan ahead,” said Kandace Redd, AAA Hawaii spokesperson. “We recommend comparing prices at different stations, using the free AAA Mobile app to find the lowest fuel costs, and practicing fuel-efficient driving habits to make every gallon go further.”
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on April 9, averages are:
