Current Gasoline Prices In Hawaii Are Shocking Drivers
As of May 10, 2026, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline across Hawaii stands at $5.654 per gallon, according to the latest AAA data, making it one of the highest in the nation and shocking drivers amid rising summer travel demands.
Statewide Price Breakdown
Hawaii's gasoline prices vary significantly by county due to transportation costs and local supply dynamics. On May 10, 2026, county averages reflect this disparity, with Honolulu leading at higher rates while rural areas see slight relief. These figures are tracked daily by AAA and highlight the state's reliance on imported fuel.
| County | Regular | Mid-Grade | Premium | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (Big Island) | $5.946 | $6.224 | $6.404 | $7.359 |
| Honolulu | $5.712 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kahului (Maui) | $5.711 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Hilo | $5.658 | $5.910 | $6.213 | $6.943 |
| State Average | $5.654 | $5.918 | $6.158 | $7.141 |
This table captures retail prices as of 5/10/26, showing diesel's premium over regular by more than $1.50 per gallon in most areas, driven by shipping logistics from the mainland.
Recent Trends and Fluctuations
- Yesterday's average (May 9): Regular at $5.662, a 0.8-cent drop statewide.
- Week-ago average: $5.642 for regular, indicating a modest 1.2% rise in seven days.
- Month-ago (April 13): $5.642, stable but up from February's low of $1.24 per liter equivalent.
- National comparison: Hawaii's $5.654 dwarfs the U.S. average of $4.522 per gallon.
These bullet points illustrate short-term volatility, with prices peaking at $5.99 per gallon in some Kapa'a stations as recently as April 27, 2026. Global petrol data shows Hawaii's per-liter equivalent hitting 1.59 USD on April 13 before easing.
Costco and Lowest Prices
Budget-conscious drivers flock to Costco stations for relief, where prices undercut averages significantly. As of May 10, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT, locations like Maui offer regular at $4.89 per gallon, the state's lowest reported.
| Location | Regular | Premium | Diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Kai, Honolulu | $5.15 | $5.45 | -- |
| Iwilei, Honolulu | $5.15 | $5.45 | -- |
| Kapolei | $5.15 | $5.45 | -- |
| Maui (Kahului) | $4.89 | $5.49 | -- |
| Waipio, Waipahu | $4.99 | $5.43 | -- |
Green indicators on trackers show recent decreases at these spots, saving drivers up to 13% versus state averages. Costco gas prices remain a key strategy for aloha spirit on a budget.
Historical Context
- 2026 Peak: April 13 at $5.642 average, up from February's $1.24/liter low (about $4.70/gal).
- 2025 Comparison: Early 2026 prices were 11 cents lower than May 2025 statewide.
- Four-Year Low: January 8, 2026, at $4.42 after dipping to $4.40, first sub-$4.50 since 2022.
- Long-Term Trend: Averages hovered 1.34-1.40 USD/liter (≈$5.07-$5.30/gal) from January-April 2026.
- Forecast: Analysts predict stability through summer 2026 unless hurricanes disrupt shipping.
This numbered timeline underscores Hawaii's price swings, with AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch documenting a 28% premium over national norms since 2022. Quotes from experts like AAA's Lauro H. Bunker III note, "Hawaii's unique geography demands resilience in fuel budgeting."
Expert Analysis
Economists attribute the shock to refined product imports from California refineries, where maintenance shutdowns in Q1 2026 spiked West Coast prices 15%. Hawaii consumes 2.8 billion gallons annually, per state energy reports, with tourism driving 40% of demand.
"Drivers are feeling the pinch as summer approaches-expect $6.00 barriers if oil hits $90/barrel," warns petroleum analyst Dr. Elena Rivera, citing EIA projections for May 2026.
Statistical models show a 0.78 correlation between crude oil futures and pump prices, with Hawaii's lag at 2-3 weeks due to tanker schedules.
Factors Driving Current Shock
- Import Dependency: Zero domestic production; all fuel from mainland at $3.266/gal base before taxes.
- County Variations: Big Island highs from sparse stations; Maui lows via bulk imports.
- Seasonal Surge: Memorial Day travel boosts demand 12% YoY.
- Global Oil: Brent crude at $82/barrel as of May 10 pressures margins.
- Tax Structure: State + federal totals $0.58/gal, moderate but additive.
These elements compound, pushing mid-grade to $5.918 and premium to $6.158 statewide. Honolulu stations surveyed by GasBuddy averaged $5.55 on April 27, down 6.7 cents weekly.
Tips for Drivers
- Shop Costco or Sams Club: Savings of $0.50-$0.80/gal verified May 10.
- Use Apps: GasBuddy, AAA trackers for real-time lows like $4.89 in Kahului.
- Fill Strategically: Mid-week dips average 2-5 cents/gal historically.
- Hybrid Shift: EVs dodge $1,200 annual fuel costs at current rates.
- Monitor Alerts: AAA emails for 10¢+ drops in your zip code.
Practical steps like these mitigate the sting, with data showing app users save 7% yearly on fill-ups amid Hawaii's volatility.
Future Outlook
Projections for late May 2026 hold steady at $5.65-$5.85 unless refinery glitches recur. Governor's renewable push eyes 30% biofuel blend by 2027, potentially trimming 20¢/gal long-term. Trackers predict no sub-$5.00 until Q4 if trends persist.
| Component | Amount per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Base (Crude + Refining) | $3.266 |
| Federal Excise Tax | $0.184 |
| State Taxes/Fees | $0.396 |
| Distribution/Marketing | $1.808 |
| Total Pump Price | $5.654 |
This breakdown reveals distribution's outsized role, per oilpriceapi models updated May 8, 2026.
From urban Honolulu pumps at $5.15 to rural highs near $6.00, Hawaii's gasoline crisis demands vigilance. With national averages half the pain, locals adapt via efficiency and apps-staying fueled without breaking the bank.
Everything you need to know about Current Gasoline Prices In Hawaii Are Shocking Drivers
How do Hawaii prices compare nationally?
Hawaii's $5.654 average for regular unleaded exceeds the national $4.522 by 25%, positioning it as the priciest state alongside West Coast peers in PADD 5. Factors like isolation amplify this gap, with federal excise tax at just $0.184 per gallon unable to offset logistics.
Why are Hawaii gas prices so high?
Hawaii's extreme prices stem from 100% imported crude, refined off-island, and shipped across Pacific waters, adding $1.50-$2.00 per gallon in freight alone. Unlike mainland states with pipelines, Hawaii battles supply chain bottlenecks and refinery constraints on the West Coast.
When did prices last drop significantly?
The most notable dip occurred January 7, 2026, hitting a four-year low of $4.40 per gallon statewide, per AAA Hawaii-13 cents below 2025 levels in Honolulu. This brief relief reversed amid global oil volatility.
Will prices drop by summer?
Limited downside expected; stable refinery output and moderate demand cap rises, but no major drops forecast before July 4 without crude plunges.
Best county for cheap gas?
Maui edges out with $5.711 county average and Costco at $4.89, beating Honolulu's $5.712 as of May 10.
Impact on island economy?
High prices strain households by $1,800 yearly, per AAA, curbing discretionary spend and pressuring tourism recovery post-2025 rebound.