How Much Is A Gallon Of Gas In Hawaii Right Now-and Why
How much is a gallon of gas in Hawaii right now-and why
As of May 30, 2026, the statewide average for regular unleaded gas in Hawaii is $5.646 per gallon, according to AAA Hawaii. This places Hawaii's fuel costs more than $1.29 above the national average of $4.356 per gallon. The price is just two cents below the all-time statewide record set in April 2026.
Current Gas Prices by Fuel Type in Hawaii
Hawaii's fuel market exhibits significant price dispersion across octane grades and fuel types, reflecting the state's isolated refining landscape and heavy reliance on imported crude oil.
| Fuel Type | Current Average (USD/gal) | Yesterday Average | Week Ago Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Unleaded | $5.646 | $5.651 | $5.656 |
| Mid-Grade | $5.926 | $5.907 | $5.910 |
| Premium | $6.156 | $6.150 | $6.145 |
| Diesel | $7.129 | $7.134 | $7.140 |
County-Level Price Variations Across the Islands
Price disparities exist across Hawaii's counties due to localized supply chains, transportation costs, and retail competition levels. Honolulu County typically offers the lowest prices, while more remote islands face premiums.
- Honolulu County: $5.625/gallon (regular)
- Hawaii County (Big Island): $5.649/gallon (regular)
- Maui County: $5.712/gallon (regular)
- Kauai County: $5.964/gallon (regular)
Why Hawaii Gas Prices Are So High: Structural Drivers
Hawaii's elevated fuel costs stem from a combination of geographic isolation, limited refining capacity, and regulatory factors that distinguish it from mainland markets.
- Import Dependency: Hawaii imports nearly 100% of its petroleum supplies, primarily from the U.S. West Coast and Asia, incurring substantial shipping and logistics costs.
- Limited Refining Infrastructure: The state operates only two refineries (Hawaiian Petroleum and Chevron's Kapolei facility), creating concentrated supply vulnerability.
- Geopolitical Volatility: Recent tensions in the Middle East, including U.S. military actions near Iran, have pushed crude oil prices higher, with analysts warning of potential surges toward $200/barrel.
- State Fuel Tax: Hawaii's gasoline tax is $0.18 per gallon, among the lowest nationally, yet this does not offset the structural cost premiums inherent to island markets.
- Year-Over-Year Surge: Prices have increased more than $1.00 compared to May 2025, representing one of the fastest annual increases in recent history.
Implications for the LNG Value Chain
Hawaii's petroleum market dynamics offer critical insights for LNG market participants evaluating island-based energy transition strategies. The state's high fuel costs and import dependence create favorable economics for LNG-to-power projects and alternative fuel infrastructure, particularly as global LNG supply chains expand toward Pacific markets.
For energy executives and procurement teams, Hawaii represents a high-stakes case study in how geographic constraints, regulatory frameworks, and supply chain fragility converge to drive consumer fuel costs-factors that LNG developers must model when assessing island energy markets globally.
Everything you need to know about How Much Is A Gallon Of Gas In Hawaii Vs Lng Linked Costs
How does Hawaii's gas price compare to the national average?
Hawaii's regular gas average of $5.646 per gallon is $1.29 higher than the national average of $4.356, making it the most expensive state in the U.S. for gasoline.
What caused Hawaii gas prices to near record highs in May 2026?
Prices neared the all-time record due to rising crude oil costs following geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, combined with seasonal demand increases and limited regional refining capacity.
Is diesel more expensive than regular gas in Hawaii?
Yes, diesel averages $7.129 per gallon in Hawaii, which is $1.483 higher than regular unleaded at $5.646 per gallon.
Which Hawaiian county has the cheapest gas?
Honolulu County has the lowest average at $5.625 per gallon for regular gas, while Kauai County has the highest at $5.964 per gallon.
Are Costco gas stations cheaper in Hawaii?
Yes, Costco locations in Hawaii typically offer prices $0.50-$0.80 below street averages, with regular gas ranging from $4.74 (Maui) to $5.49 (Kauai) as of May 30, 2026.
