This upcoming Memorial Day weekend will be the most expensive one for Hawaii gas prices, with drivers paying 10 to 30 cents more per gallon than they did during the previous most expensive Memorial Day holiday in 2022, according to AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch.
Both in May 2022 and this year, gas prices are at near-record levels due to conflicts that constricted world oil supply – the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 and today’s Iran conflict.
Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $5.64, which is the same as last week, $1.14 higher than at this time last year and three cents below the all-time record of $5.67 set on April 19, 2026. The national gas price average is $4.56, which is three cents higher than last week and $1.38 higher than last year.
Hawaii continues to be the third most expensive state for gasoline behind California, with a $6.14 average price today, and Washington, with an average price of $5.78 today.
In Honolulu, the average price for regular unleaded is $5.62 per gallon, up a penny from last week and $1.15 higher than a year ago. In Hilo, drivers are paying $5.64 per gallon, which is one cent more than last week and 98 cents higher than a year ago. In Kahului, the average price is $5.59 per gallon, eight cents lower than last week and $1.10 higher than a year ago. In Lihue, the average is $5.95 per gallon, two cents higher than last week and 87 cents higher than a year ago.
“AAA expects to see an increase in the number of Memorial Day travelers both locally and nationwide despite the high gas prices,” said AAA spokesperson Kandace Redd. "People continue to prioritize reconnecting with family and friends via travel, and they will often economize on their trips in other ways."
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on May 21, averages are:
