AAA Weekend Gas Watch: Hawaii Prices Still Lower Than SoCal

Hawaii gas price averages saw modest increases again during the past week but local motorists may take note again that currently Hawaii average prices remain lower than average Southern California prices heading into the Memorial Day holiday, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch.  The current Hawaii state average for a gallon of regular is $3.26, three cents more than last week, 20 cents more than last month and $1.11 a gallon lower than a year ago.

On the mainland, the average price of self-serve regular gasoline in the Los Angeles area is $3.97 a gallon. In San Diego, the average price is $3.95.  On the central coast of California – in Santa Barbara, Santa Maria and Lompoc – the average price is $3.89.  

Honolulu’s average gas price ticked up to $3.17, two cents more since last Thursday, 24 cents higher from last month and $1.17 a gallon less than a year ago. In Hilo, the average gas price is $3.18 per gallon, two cents more than last week, 12 cents more than last month and $1.02 less than this time a year ago.  Wailuku’s average is $3.38, two cents more since last Thursday, which is 16 cents more than on this date last month and $1.07 less on this date last year.

“Southern California average prices remain higher than Hawaii average prices due to their unique ongoing refinery production issues but heading into the holiday weekend these issues are starting to resolve themselves,”  according to AAA Hawaii General Manager Liane Sumida.  “The Islands and West Coast continue to experience the highest prices for retail gasoline but California ($3.79) remains the nation’s most expensive market.  Six other western states now post averages above $3 per gallon,” she added.

The average price of a gallon of gasoline as of May 21:    

AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch is a weekly snapshot of gas prices.  Price comparisons are offered as a community service.  Prices are derived from fleet vehicle credit card transactions at more than 120,000 stations around the country.  Prices shown are combined averages of last card swipe of previous day.