AAA Hawaii expects another increase in travel volume for the Independence Day holiday, continuing the trend of recovery over the past year despite continued record gas prices and increased costs. More than 6.8 residents of Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington will travel over July Fourth weekend, which is the fourth highest volume for this holiday locally behind 2019, 2018 and 2017. Nationally, 48 million people are expected to travel. The vast majority will travel by automobile even with the high pump prices.
By the Numbers

“We expect that the recent lifting of the COVID testing requirement for air passengers re-entering the U.S. will continue the increase in demand for international vacation bookings that we are already seeing this summer,” said Heather Felix, AAA Hawaii’s vice president of travel products & services. “Increased costs are a factor for budgets, but working with a trusted travel advisor and being flexible with schedules and destinations can help consumers get some great travel deals.”
Top Travel Destinations
Honolulu is once again among the top ten destinations for U.S. residents this holiday, along with Orlando, Seattle, New York, Anaheim, Anchorage, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Denver and Chicago. The top international destinations for U.S. travelers include Vancouver, Paris, London, Rome, Amsterdam, Dublin, Calgary, Punta Cana, Cancun and Nassau.
Gas Prices
Near-record gas prices continue frustrating drivers in Hawaii and across the country. AAA Hawaii recommends travelers take the following steps to maximize fuel efficiency on summer road trips:
- Make sure tires are properly inflated
- Get rid of extra weight not needed for road trips
- Drive the speed limit and use cruise control when safe to do so
- Avoid using overhead luggage racks that create drag
- Park in the shade or use window sun visor to lessen heat build up inside vehicle
- Download Auto Club app to find cheapest gas prices near you
Check Vehicles Before Trips to Prevent Breakdowns
To avoid a breakdown on a road trip, AAA Hawaii recommends drivers inspect tires, batteries, belts, hoses and fluid levels, or have them inspected at a trusted mechanic such as a AAA-Approved Auto Repair facility.