Hawaii drivers are still feeling pain at the pump, with gas prices remaining elevated heading into the Labor Day holiday weekend, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. The statewide average price for regular unleaded is $5.41 per gallon, unchanged from last week and 95 cents higher than this time last year.
The average national price is $4.14 per gallon, which is five cents higher than last week and 95 cents higher than a year ago. The national average has never been above $4 per gallon on Labor Day. The current Labor Day record is $3.82, set on September 3, 2012.
At $5.41 per gallon, Hawaii has the third-highest average gas price in the nation, behind Washington at $5.47 and California at $5.78.
In Honolulu, today’s average price for regular unleaded gas is $5.34 per gallon, unchanged from last week and 96 cents higher than a year ago. The Hilo average gas price is $5.52 per gallon, one cent lower than last week and 86 cents higher than a year ago.
The average price in Kahului is $5.44 per gallon, unchanged from last week and $1 higher than a year ago. Lihue’s average regular gas price is $5.74 per gallon, six cents lower than last week and 74 cents higher than a year ago.
“This Labor Day is on track to be the most expensive at the pump,” said AAA Hawaii spokesperson Kandace Redd. “While gasoline demand typically decreases this time of year, which can help bring down gas prices, this year is different due to the high cost of crude oil. Continued volatility surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil prices into the $90 per barrel range. Drivers are encouraged to shop around, compare prices and keep up with regular vehicle maintenance to help save on fuel.”
The Weekend Gas Watch monitors the average price of gasoline. As of 9 a.m. on Sept. 3, averages are:
