Hawaii gas prices skyrocketed even more quickly this past week than the week before despite dropping oil prices, with Honolulu’s average price jumping over $5 a gallon for the first time ever, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. The average regular unleaded gas price for Hawaii is $5.12, which is 31 cents higher than last week and a new record price for the 15th straight day. The average national price is $4.29, down three cents from a week ago.
All prices throughout the islands have been breaking records daily for at least a week. In Honolulu, today’s average price for regular unleaded is $5.03, which is 32 cents above last week, 61 cents higher than a month ago, and $1.59 higher than the price on this date last year. The Hilo average gas price is $5.18, up 33 cents from last week, 69 cents higher than a month ago, and $1.42 higher than on this date a year ago.
In Kahului, the average price is $5.26, which is 28 cents higher than last week, 64 cents higher than last month, and $1.61 higher than a year ago. Lihue’s average price for regular is $5.31, which is up 27 cents from last week, 55 cents higher than last month, and $1.45 higher than a year ago.
“We did see oil prices drop sharply in the last week, although they regained momentum today, and it may be that the price increases from the previous week did not fully capture the increased oil cost for the state,” said Liane Sumida, AAA Hawaii general manager. “For a brief period in the last week, Nevada’s prices were higher than Hawaii’s, but the last two days of local price increases have once again given Aloha State drivers the second highest gas prices behind California, where today’s statewide average is $5.79.”
AAA Hawaii tips to save on fuel include:
- If you use premium unleaded fuel, make sure it is required for your vehicle, not just recommended. AAA’s Automotive Research Center found that vehicles with recommended premium fuel performed safely with regular unleaded gasoline.
- Make sure your tires are properly maintained and inflated to the correct level.
- Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular service will ensure optimum fuel economy.
- Avoid “jackrabbit” starts and hard accelerations. These actions greatly increase fuel consumption.
- Slow down and drive the speed limit. Higher speeds result in more aerodynamic drag.
- Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and save fuel. However, never use cruise control on slippery roads because you could lose control of the vehicle.
- Minimize your use of air conditioning.
- Avoid extended idling to warm up the engine, even in colder temperatures. It’s unnecessary and wastes fuel.
- Remove unnecessary and bulky items from your car.
- Minimize your use of roof racks and remove special carriers when not in use.
- Download the AAA Mobile app to find the cheapest gas prices near you.
Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. The app can also be used to map a route, find AAA discounts, book a hotel and access AAA Roadside Assistance. Learn more at AAA.com/Mobile.
Prices as of 6 a.m., March 17:
