Gas prices in West Hawaii increased slightly this week, an analysis of AAA and GasBuddy.com data shows.
The price per gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in West Hawaii — excluding the Waikoloa resort area — averaged $3.63 between Monday (June 22) and Friday (June 26), according to a week’s worth of GasBuddy.com data from the Kailua-Kona, Waimea, Kealakekua and Waikoloa areas. That’s up a penny from last week, but down from $3.82 in early January.
Including the Waikoloa resort area, where prices are higher, motorists this week spent on average $3.67, according to GasBuddy.com data.
At Kailua-Kona gas stations, motorists spent an average $3.54 per gallon, up two cents from last week. Gas prices in Kailua-Kona have increased about eight percent since reaching a low of $3.27 in mid-February. At the Kailua-Kona Costco, where membership is required, a gallon of gas held steady at $3.19.
In Kealakekua, motorists doled out $3.52 per gallon this week.
Drivers fueling up in Waimea paid an average of $3.71 per gallon. The same gallon of gas averaged $3.72 in Waikoloa Village. Filling up in the resort area of Waikoloa resort cost drivers an average of $3.87 per gallon this week.
Hilo drivers spent $3.29 per gallon, up one cent from last week, according to GasBuddy.com data. AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report put the average price of gas at $3.32 per gallon this week, up three cents last week. AAA does not track gas prices for other areas on the Big Island.
The statewide average for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel was $3.37 this week, up two cents from last week, but down nearly a dollar from last year, according to the AAA data. One year ago, Hawaii residents were spending $4.35 per gallon.
According to AAA, Hawaii is among 45 states and Washington D.C. saving more than 75 cents per gallon at the pumps compared to last year.
In Honolulu, a gallon of gas during the week averaged $3.30 while the Wailuku area of Maui paid $3.44, according to AAA. Both prices are up from last week.
Nationwide, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline decreased two cents to $2.78. California residents continue to pay the most at $3.470 per gallon. South Carolina drivers paid the least this week at $2.47 per gallon.