AAA Hawaii: Record Number Of 22.2 Million Pacific State Residents To Travel Over Year-End Holidays

AAA Hawaii projects an all-time record number of 22.2 million residents from Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington will travel at least 50 miles from home during the year-end holiday travel period. This year’s forecast is a 2.1% increase over 2024, surpassing last year’s volume of 21.8 million travelers from the five states that make up the Pacific region.

Nationally, AAA expects 122.4 million Americans to travel for the year-end holidays—also the busiest on record—with 2.7 million more travelers than last year. The 13-day year-end holiday period runs from Saturday, Dec. 20 to Thursday, Jan 1.

“Year-end travel brings together everything from family road trips and friends’ getaways to tropical escapes,” said AAA spokesperson Doug Shupe. “Each household celebrates the season differently, but the common thread is a shared desire to travel—whether heading home or discovering someplace new.”

Travel by Car

• AAA projects 109.5 million Americans will drive, including 19.2 million Pacific State travelers, which is about 86% of total travel volume.
• Safety reminder: December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month which serves as a timely reminder to make safe choices and stay vigilant. AAA and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) encourage travelers to plan safe rides home this holiday season during one of the most dangerous times of year on the road.

Travel by Air

• 8 million Americans, including 2.3 million Pacific State residents, are expected to fly—a 2.3% increase over 2024 nationally and an increase of 1.8% locally.
• According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their holiday trips, a roundtrip domestic flight is 7% more expensive this year, averaging nearly $900 a ticket.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are lower compared to last holiday season nationally and throughout Hawaii. The national average gas price is under $3 per gallon for the first time since May 2021, while Hawaii gas price averages are between about $4.35 and $4.95 a gallon in most areas.

Top Year-End Destinations

Once again, Hawaii is one of the most popular destinations nationally for travelers. AAA booking data shows these top domestic and international picks for U.S. residents:

Travel Tips

• Road trips: Check tires, battery, and maintenance before hitting the road. AAA expects to respond to more than 1,000 roadside assistance calls in Hawaii this holiday. Find a AAA-Approved Auto Repair shop at AAA.com/AAR.
• Air Travel: This will be the first time on record that the number of U.S. domestic air travelers over the year-end holiday period exceeds 8 million. Book parking, check in online, and allow extra time at airports.

Traffic Outlook

Interstates will be extra congested the weekend before Christmas, as travelers hit the road on Saturday and Sunday ahead of the holiday. Friday, December 26 is also expected to be busy as travelers make moves post-Christmas Day. Because the year-end holiday travel period spans a longer time frame, travelers have more options for departures and returns. The holidays themselves - Christmas and New Year’s Day - are typically the lightest traffic-wise but remember crashes or severe weather could create unexpected delays.

About AAA

Founded in 1902, AAA is one of North America’s largest membership organizations, serving 65 million members with roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial, and insurance services. Learn more at AAA.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook @aaaautoclubenterprises.