Gas prices hold steady at near record highs ahead of Labor Day weekend

Hawaiʻi drivers are paying near-record prices at gas pumps heading into the Labor Day weekend, with little relief in sight, according to AAA Hawaiʻi’s Weekend Gas Watch. On Maui, Kahului hit $5.44 (up a full dollar from the same time last year).

The statewide average for regular unleaded sits at $5.41 per gallon—unchanged from last week but 95 cents higher than a year ago. That puts Hawaiʻi third-highest in the nation, trailing only Washington state ($5.47) and California ($5.78).

Nationally, the average price of $4.14 per gallon marks the first time gas has topped $4 on a Labor Day, breaking the previous holiday date record of $3.82 set in 2012.

Prices varied elsewhere across the islands: Honolulu averaged $5.34 per gallon (up 96 cents year-over-year), Hilo came in at $5.52 (down a penny from last week) and Lihue led the state at $5.74, despite a six-cent weekly drop.

AAA Hawaii spokesperson Kandace Redd said this year’s spike defies the usual seasonal pattern. “While gasoline demand typically decreases this time of year, which can help bring down gas prices, this year is different due to the high cost of crude oil,” Redd said, pointing to volatility near the Strait of Hormuz that has pushed crude into the $90-a-barrel range.

AAA is urging drivers to shop around and stay current on vehicle maintenance to stretch their fuel dollars over the holiday.