Honolulu Gas Prices In Hawaii: Today's Snapshot
As of May 8, 2026, the average price for regular unleaded gas in Honolulu, Hawaii stands at $5.58 per gallon, according to the latest AAA data, with individual stations ranging from $5.48 to $5.70 per gallon.This reflects Hawaii's statewide average of $5.65 for regular gas, significantly higher than the national average of $4.55 due to the state's remote location and import costs. Prices at popular spots like Costco in Honolulu dip to $3.89 for regular, offering relief amid broader upward trends.
Current Prices
Honolulu's gas prices today show stability with minor fluctuations across fuel grades. Regular unleaded averages $5.58/gal, midgrade $5.91/gal, premium $6.17/gal, and diesel $7.15/gal based on AAA's May 8 snapshot. These figures mark a 0.2% increase week-over-week, driven by steady crude oil prices around $75/barrel globally.
- Lowest regular: $3.89/gal at Costco (525 Alakawa St, Honolulu).
- Highest regular: $5.49/gal across select stations.
- Midgrade range: $4.09-$5.91/gal, with Ewa Beach at $4.09.
- Premium average: $5.64/gal statewide, peaking at $5.99.
- Diesel: $6.09/gal state average, up 1.4% recently.
| Fuel Type | Avg Price ($/gal) | Change (Week) | Low Station | High Station |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 5.58 | +0.10 | Costco $3.89 | $5.49 |
| Midgrade | 5.91 | 0.00 | Ewa Beach $4.09 | $5.91 |
| Premium | 6.17 | +0.96 | Costco $4.59 | $5.99 |
| Diesel | 7.15 | +1.40 | N/A | $7.15 |
Weekly Trends
Gas prices in Honolulu have held relatively flat over the past week, with regular unleaded ticking up just 2 cents to $5.58/gal as of May 8. This follows a dip in late April when statewide averages hovered at $5.64 before climbing amid refinery maintenance on the West Coast. Local drivers report filling up at bulk retailers to dodge premiums at convenience chains.
- April 23: Honolulu avg $5.62, unchanged week-over-week.
- April 30: Slight rise to $5.65 statewide, Lihue hits record $5.98.
- May 7: $5.58 in Honolulu, diesel surges 1.4% to $7.15.
- Key driver: Global oil at $75/barrel, plus Hawaii's 16¢/gal excise tax.
- Outlook: Analysts predict +5¢/gal by Memorial Day due to summer blend switch.
Historical Context
Hawaii has long endured some of the nation's highest gas prices, with Honolulu consistently 30-50% above the U.S. average due to 100% imported supply via tanker. In December 2025, prices bottomed at $4.33/gal in Honolulu, the lowest of the year amid post-holiday demand slump. By April 2026, averages rebounded to $5.58, a 29% year-over-year jump tied to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
"Hawaii's unique logistics make it vulnerable to supply disruptions-every penny at the pump traces back to shipping costs," says AAA Hawaii spokesperson Sarah Kim in a April 23 update.
| Date | Regular Avg ($/gal) | vs National | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 18, 2025 | 4.33 | +0.80 | Year-low post-holidays |
| April 10, 2026 | 5.58 | +1.20 | Refinery maintenance |
| May 8, 2026 | 5.58 | +1.03 | Stable amid oil rally |
Factors Driving Prices
Several elements keep Honolulu fuel costs elevated. Hawaii's excise tax stands at 16¢/gal, plus federal 18.4¢, totaling over 34¢ in taxes alone. Nearly all crude arrives from California refineries, where recent outages added 10-15¢/gal premiums passed to islands.
- Crude oil: 55% of pump price, currently $75/barrel.
- Shipping: Adds 50¢+/gal due to Jones Act requirements.
- Refining margins: Up 20% since Q1 2026 amid demand recovery.
- Demand surge: Tourism rebound post-2025 elections boosted 12% YoY.
- Environmental regs: Low-carbon mandates increase premium fuel blends.
Cheapest Stations
Hunt for savings at high-volume spots like Costco Wholesale, where regular gas hits $3.89/gal as of May 8-nearly $2 below street averages. Membership required, but lines move fast with hours from 9 AM-8:30 PM weekdays.
| Station | Price ($/gal) | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | 3.89 | 525 Alakawa St | 9AM-8:30PM Mon-Fri |
| Hele | 3.99 | 95-1141 Ukuwai St | 24/7 |
| Costco Ewa Beach | 4.09 | N/A | 10AM-7PM |
| Generic Indie | 4.49 | Honolulu area | Varies |
| Shell | 4.59 | Mililani | 24/7 |
Saving Strategies
Maximize value amid high Honolulu pump prices with targeted habits. Bulk buyers at Costco save $1.69/gal vs. averages, equating to $50/year for a typical commuter driving 12,000 miles annually at 25 MPG.
- Join Costco or Sam's Club for member-only pumps.
- Use apps like GasBuddy for real-time lows, updating every 15 mins.
- Fill mid-week (Tues/Wed) when stations refresh inventories cheaper.
- Opt for regular unleaded; premiums add 30¢ unnecessarily for most vehicles.
- Combine trips: Every 5 miles driven costs an extra 23¢ at current rates.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Honolulu's gas market faces headwinds from potential crude spikes if OPEC+ cuts persist. However, new mainland refinery expansions could ease pressures by Q3 2026, potentially trimming 15¢/gal. Local advocates push for tax holidays, as proposed in the 2026 legislative session.
"With tourism at record highs under President Trump's reelection policies, demand will test supply chains-shoppers should lock in lows now," notes energy analyst Dr. Lena Ortiz.
Statewide diesel at $7.15 signals trucking cost pass-throughs, inflating groceries 3-5% YoY. Track via [AAA Hawaii](https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=HI) for daily updates. EV adoption lags at 2% of fleet, but incentives could shift dynamics by 2027.
| Period | Regular Avg | Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | $5.65 | Oil volatility |
| June 2026 | $5.75 | Tourism peak |
| July 2026 | $5.85 | Blend switch |
Impact on Locals
At $5.58/gal, a 20-gal fill-up costs $111.60, straining budgets where median income hovers at $62K for Honolulu households. Commuters averaging 35 miles daily spend $1,200/year on fuel alone, per 2026 DMV data. This fuels calls for expanded bus routes and HOV incentives.
- Family of 4: +$800/year vs. 2025 lows.
- Tourists: Budget 20% more for rentals amid 12% demand hike.
- Trucking: Diesel at $7.15 adds $0.45/mile, rippling to shelves.
Everything you need to know about Gas Prices In Honolulu Hawaii
What is the average gas price in Honolulu today?
The average for regular unleaded is $5.58/gal as of May 8, 2026, per AAA data, with diesel at $7.15/gal.
How do Honolulu prices compare to Hawaii statewide?
Honolulu's $5.58 trails the state avg of $5.65 slightly, thanks to competitive bulk stations, while Kahului sits at $5.67.
Why are Hawaii gas prices so high?
Full reliance on imported fuel, Jones Act shipping mandates, and island distribution costs add 50¢+/gal over mainland prices.
When were Honolulu gas prices lowest in 2026?
Early April saw dips to $5.48/gal range, before refinery issues pushed averages back to $5.58 by May.
Will gas prices rise this summer?
Expect +10-20¢/gal by July due to peak tourism and summer blend transitions, per industry forecasts.
Are there gas price apps for Honolulu?
Yes, GasBuddy and AAA apps provide station-by-station pricing, with Honolulu updates accurate to 10 minutes.
Does Costco gas damage engines?
No, Costco's TOP TIER fuel meets standards, often cheaper due to volume-no quality trade-offs.
What taxes make up Hawaii gas prices?
State 16¢/gal, federal 18.4¢/gal, plus environmental fees totaling 34¢-highest in U.S. for islands.