Hawaii gas prices remain steady this week, with drivers seeing little change at the pump, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch.
The statewide average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Hawaii is $5.63 per gallon, unchanged from last week and $1.15 higher than a year ago. The national average is $4.33 per gallon, down 3 cents from last week and up $1.27 from a year ago.
Hawaii has the nation’s second-highest average gas price at $5.63 per gallon, behind California at $6.23. Washington ranks third at $5.42.
In Honolulu, regular unleaded averages $5.55 per gallon, unchanged from last week and $1.16 higher than a year ago. Hilo’s average is $5.70 per gallon, also unchanged from last week and $1.06 higher than a year ago.
In Kahului, the average is $5.72 per gallon, down 4 cents from last week and $1.23 higher than a year ago. Lihue’s average is $5.88 per gallon, unchanged from last week and 93 cents higher than a year ago.
“While Hawaii’s average gas price has held steady over the past week, drivers are still paying $1.15 more per gallon than they were a year ago,” said AAA Hawaii spokesperson Kandace Redd. “Drivers can save by comparing prices at nearby gas stations, taking advantage of fuel discounts, and combining errands to reduce unnecessary trips.”
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Oct. 15, averages are:
AAA Hawaii recommends these tips for drivers to save money on fuel:
- Optimize your fuel economy with steady speeds, no hard braking, and no “jackrabbit starts.”
- Don't haul extra weight in the passenger compartment or trunk, which reduces fuel economy.
- Properly maintain your vehicle and keep tires properly inflated according to the pressure listed in your owner’s manual, which will optimize fuel economy.
- Use the recommended fuel for your vehicle, and don’t use mid-grade or premium unless it is specifically recommended in your owner’s manual. AAA research shows the higher-grade fuel offers no extra benefit for vehicles that aren’t required to use it.
- Look into discounts. AAA members who sign up for the Shell Fuel Rewards Program at AAA.com/Shell can save 30 cents a gallon on their first fill-up, and five cents a gallon on all other fill-ups. Other retailers such as grocery stores also offer fuel discount programs, and some credit cards offer gas discounts.
- If your household has more than one vehicle, use the most fuel-efficient one as much as possible.
- Consolidate errands to reduce mileage and avoid driving during peak hours when traffic congestion will reduce your fuel efficiency.