November 29, 2007
MapQuest Gas Prices [Insert Flatulence Reference Here]
In order to prevent witnessing further gas station signage hilarity, MapQuest (remember them?) has a nifty cheap station location feature. Basically, it maps out gas stations in your neighborhood/city by price. In San Francisco there's a scant difference between the highest and lowest ranked stations. Whatever. But SFist readers way out in Whereverville -- i.e., cities where automotive discussions aren't whispered in hushed tones -- might appreciate the service. Especially if money is tight for you.
And the lowest and highest gas prices in the U.S of A as of now? The cheapest goes to Hamel, MN, with a thrifty $2.40; the highest is way over in Kailua Kona, HI, boasting a whopping $4.05. Until now, we have never heard of these two cities in our entire life.
Oh, and it also comes with a nifty gas calculator for long road trips.
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You obviously haven't visited the Big Island; the two largest built-up areas are Kona (Kailua-Kona mentioned above) and Hilo. Kailua-Kona has it's own international airport and was the site of a magnitude 6.7 earthquake in October last year.
I was just in Kailua-Kona 3 - 4 weeks ago. The airport there is teeny weeny. It serves a few flights from the mainland but by and large all the traffic in and out of there is inter-island. No way can it be an "international" airport.
(but I'm too lazy to check the Google)
Oh, I don't remember the gas prices there being too far different from San Francisco prices. But it would make sense. Everything on that island except maybe some locally grown fruits would have to be flown or boated in from somewhere.
Kona-side of the Big Island has fantastic beaches, including an awesome white sand public beach with crystal clear waters. Can't remember the name of the state park.
Kona gets flights from Japan direct. That's pretty international.
Gas prices are funny. I was on Kauai and Oahu early this month and the prices on those two islands were cheaper than prices on teh Peninsula.
My guess is that the pricey Kailua-Kona gas station is the closest one to the airport, to snag all the departing tourists who want to fill up their rental cars.