WAILUKU, Maui — Drivers in outlying areas of Maui County continue to pay the highest gas prices in the state, with Hana residents being pinged the hardest: A gallon of regular at the Hana Gas station is $5.29 — up from $5.19 a gallon a month ago, The Maui News reported today.

On Moloka'i, Rawlins Chevron reported its price for regular is $5.12 — 17 cents higher than the price a month ago and $1.15 higher than the $3.95 at the same time last year.

No one responded to calls to Lanai City Service, but Lana'i drivers said the price has remained at $5.11 since June, when the last shipment of fuel was delivered as oil prices were spiking.

The numbers contrast with the American Automobile Association Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch, which reported Friday that gasoline prices in Hawai'i were dipping an average of 2 cents, although the price for a gallon of regular in Wailuku was up a penny at $4.71.

Gas prices in Honolulu were down 2 cents, to $4.36 per gallon for unleaded regular. AAA Hawaii also reported the average gas price in Hilo was $4.47 a gallon, 1 cent lower than in July but $1.11 higher than last year.

The AAA report, which focuses on urban communities, does not report the prices in outlying districts, including Kona, where a gas station worker said the price for a gallon of regular was $4.68, down 2 cents from two weeks ago — but still 19 cents higher than in East Hawai'i.

"Prices remain stubbornly high here but are declining slightly for the second week in some areas," said AAA Hawaii Regional Manager Richard Velazquez in his report. "AAA Hawaii continues to urge motorists to comparison shop for the best price and drive in a smooth style for the best fuel economy."

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