April 3, 2026 — Oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel since the U.S. and Israel began the war with Iran, with tankers stuck in the Strait of Hormuz.
Those disruptions mean Hawaii drivers are paying a lot more to fill up their tanks. AAA says a regular unleaded gallon of gas averages about $5.50, up more than a dollar from last month — a 20% jump.
Some drivers say they’re riding out the price surge as they’ve done in past years.
“We continue to do what we do, shop, shop, shop,” said Honolulu resident Michael MacDonald. “I’m sure we’re going to see it come down. Eventually, quickly, I hope.”
Liza Blum of Waipio hopes to save money by not driving as much. It now costs $10 more to fill up her SUV, which lasts about 10 days.
“It’s very hard on our pocket,” she said. “I don’t go out anymore. I just go home and work and groceries and like that.”