Why is gas expensive in Hawaii?
Hawaii's gasoline averages $4.86 a gallon, $1.48 above the U.S. average of $3.38. About 18 cents per gallon comes from state taxes. The rest is crude oil, which is roughly half the pump price nationwide, plus the cost of refining and delivering fuel to Hawaii stations.
What you're paying for
Hawaii pays about $1.48 more per gallon than the U.S. average. Regional supply costs account for most of the gap.
Against its neighbors
Amber line marks the U.S. average of $3.38.
Price over time
Hawaii U.S. average
Hawaii, explained
Why does gas cost about $4.86 a gallon in Hawaii?−
Using the U.S. Energy Information Administration's national price breakdown, Hawaii's pump price is roughly $1.74 for crude oil, $0.48 for refining, $2.28 for distribution and marketing, the 18.4-cent federal excise tax, and about 18 cents in state taxes. That puts it $1.48 above the national average of $3.38.
How much of Hawaii's gas price is taxes?+
Hawaii charges about 18 cents per gallon in state gasoline taxes, on top of the 18.4-cent federal tax. Combined, taxes make up roughly 7% of the $4.86 pump price.
Does Hawaii have a carbon program or special gasoline blend?+
No. Unlike California and Washington, Hawaii does not put a carbon price on motor fuel or require a state-specific gasoline blend, so neither adds to its pump price.