Amid cost of living concerns, consumers in Hawaii find food prices differ widely by location

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A new report says Hawaii residents pay 80% more than the national average to live here.

But after checking prices around Oahu, HNN found that where you shop on the island can make a big difference.

Food prices in Kalihi may be different from those at places like Aina Haina on Oahu’s east side.

Although the price of some items remained the same, our research showed that others had a difference of roughly 6 to 10%.

We found one brand of eggs at a grocery store in Kalihi, which was $11.79.

Those same eggs are $12.29 at the same store’s Aina Haina location.

“Yeah, I definitely notice the difference where we are,” one shopper said.

“Not surprised. I kind of expect it to be more in this area. I’m assuming it’s because of the hire cost of rent. Everything is usually more expensive,” said another shopper.

We found a similar story by looking at the Mcdonald’s app; a meal for two adults and two kids is $29.96 at the Dillingham location — that same order in Aina Hina is $33.16, and in Waianae, it’s $38.96.

“It’s something you see not just in restaurants but in other businesses as well,” said Sheryl Matsuoka, Executive Director of the Hawaii Restaurant Association.

The Hawaii Restaurant Association Executive Director believes the price differences are largely due to different operating costs in other locations.

“A store in Waikiki, for example, could have rent a lot higher than, let’s say, one in central Oahu, so they are able to keep their prices lower.”

However, some residents who wanted to stay anonymous said they felt the price differences were unfair.

“I wish it was the same as all the other stores because it’s inconvenient,” said one shopper.

Inflation has also taken its toll.

A recent report by the Wall Street Journal found that commonly purchased goods that were worth $100 five years ago now cost 40% more.

It’s why some residents say they try to be strategic when shopping.

“Definitely does add up, and I will definitely go to different areas to shop sometimes if I am going to buy a lot of stuff,” said an Oahu shopper.

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