That’s right. It was bound to happen sooner or later. Maui is now holds the highest gas prices in the nation at an average of $4 a gallon. In fact, somewhere in Hana the price was up to $4.55 per gallon of gasoline. How crazy is that? The national average is about $3.36 per gallon, and I’m sure it will be close to $4 sooner or later. That also means that if the national average rises, so will the Hawaii’s gas prices.

Driving around town, I noticed that gas prices for regular 87 octane was about $3.60 on average. Costco was selling their gas for $3.50 a gallon. I guess that’s not so bad, but they usually cut the competition by at least 15 cents, and usually by 20 cents. I guess they feel that most people don’t actually look at the price, but just trust that it’s much cheaper. Tony’s gas station which isn’t too far away, probably no more than a mile, was selling gas at the same price as Costco. And they both use Aloha gasoline…lucky for those who aren’t Costco customers.

Fortunately, my girlfriend and I both have cars that don’t use up a lot of gas…her Civic that pretty much gets only city driving, still pulls in a respectable 25mpgs. My Acura gets around 28mpgs, but that’s cause I drive farther on the weekends, so it gets a bit more mileage due to driving on the freeway. Nevertheless, we both get decent mileage. Our coworker gets 36mpgs on his Toyota Yaris, which is outstanding, and makes me think that the Prius might not bring in that much more for the premium you have to pay…and not to mention the maintenance.

Just watch out. Maui may be expensive, but Oahu isn’t that far behind. Might be time to change that SUV to a compact car no?

First off, my apologies for not writing recently, as I have been tied up with work until late in the night, and now I am currently in Taiwan on vacation.  With the 30 minute time limit on these computers (which are usually taken by University students), I’m doing what I can.

Anyhow, on to the news!  According to the Honolulu Star Bulletin, Hawaii’s statewide average gas price is now $3.42 per gallon for regular 87 octane gas.  This is 33 cents above the nation’s average, and has tied with California for the top spot.  Right before I left for vacation, I noticed that the gas prices jumped about 15 cents out of nowhere.  That was a big hit, especially since it’s been rather consistent lately hovering around $3 per gallon.  Since I’ve been gone, it’s gone up another 20 cents or so.

You can still find gas cheaper than $3.42 though.  Costco is selling gas for $3.21 a gallon.  Meanwhile, Chevron in the Kakaako area is selling regular gas for $3.43 a gallon.  Yeah, pretty much sucks.  I say stick to the bus, ride a bike, or car pool.  There isn’t much you can do with these high prices.  Maybe for-go that Hummer you always wanted and get a Toyota Yaris.  And even though I don’t write for Rambling News anymore, you can still get good gas tips at this link as well as this one. 

Good luck!  Hopefully gas prices will drop when I get back…but I really doubt it.  I can only see it stay high.