Hawaii Drivers, Fishing Industry Struggle with Surging Fuel Prices

Gas and diesel prices have jumped over 20% since the start of the Iran war, squeezing household budgets and the state's fishing fleet.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:23am

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A geometric abstract illustration using bold shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the impact of rising fuel prices on Hawaii's economy.Soaring fuel costs disrupt Hawaii's transportation and fishing industries, forcing tough economic choices.Honolulu Today

Hawaii gas prices have surged more than 20% since the start of the Iran war, with regular unleaded averaging around $5.50 per gallon. This is putting a strain on both drivers and the state's fishing industry, where fuel is the highest expense. Fishermen are now faced with the difficult decision of either tying up their boats and losing money, or going out and potentially losing even more. Experts predict the high fuel prices will continue until the Iran war ends and the Strait of Hormuz reopens.

Why it matters

Hawaii's remote location and reliance on imported oil makes the state particularly vulnerable to global oil price fluctuations. The spike in fuel costs is impacting both individual consumers and key industries like commercial fishing, which is a vital part of Hawaii's economy and food supply.

The details

The average cost of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Hawaii has jumped from around $4.50 to $5.50, a 20% increase. This is due to disruptions in the global oil supply caused by the ongoing war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. A typical fishing trip can burn around 4,000 gallons of diesel, which has also more than doubled in price to an average of $6.80 per gallon. Fishermen are now faced with the difficult choice of either tying up their boats and losing money, or going out to sea and potentially losing even more due to the high fuel costs.

  • The Iran war began in early 2026, disrupting global oil supply and causing prices to surge.
  • Hawaii gas prices have increased by over 20% since the start of the Iran war.

The players

Michael MacDonald

A Honolulu resident who says he is riding out the price surge as he has done in past years.

Liza Blum

A Waipio resident who is trying to save money by driving less due to the high gas prices.

Eric Kingma

The executive director for the Hawaii Longline Association, which represents about 150 boat operators in Hawaii's fishing industry.

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What they’re saying

“We continue to do what we do, shop, shop, shop. I'm sure we're going to see it come down. Eventually, quickly, I hope.”

— Michael MacDonald

“It's very hard on our pocket. I don't go out anymore. I just go home and work and groceries and like that.”

— Liza Blum

“It forces us to kind of make a decision you tie up which also you lose money at the dock or you go fishing and potentially lose a lot more money.”

— Eric Kingma, Executive Director, Hawaii Longline Association

“I think we're going to have an oversupply, and a kind of weaker demand scenario if the tourism market declines further because the costs are just too high to get here.”

— Eric Kingma, Executive Director, Hawaii Longline Association

What’s next

Industry experts predict that fuel prices will remain high until the Iran war ends and the Strait of Hormuz reopens, which would allow global oil supply to stabilize.

The takeaway

The surge in fuel prices is putting a significant strain on both individual consumers and key industries in Hawaii, highlighting the state's vulnerability to global oil market fluctuations. Drivers and businesses will need to find ways to adapt and conserve until prices stabilize, which may not happen until the Iran conflict is resolved.