Egg prices in Hawaii have risen sharply in the first quarter of 2025, with the cost of local and mainland eggs in Honolulu now nearly on par. However, Hawaii continues to face egg prices that are almost double the national average.

According to data from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture Market Analysis and News Branch, the price of local eggs rose by 20% since Jan. 1, 2025, reaching a median price of $9.51 per dozen. Meanwhile, the price of imported mainland eggs increased by 30%, now averaging $9.46 per dozen — a difference of just a few cents.

Despite the price parity between local and mainland eggs, Hawaii’s prices are significantly higher than the national average of $4.90 per dozen. This price hike is primarily attributed to the ongoing effects of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, which has disrupted egg production across the continental U.S.

While Hawaii was the last state to detect HPAI — confirmed in two locations in November 2024 — there have been no confirmed cases in the state’s commercial egg facilities.

The price increase of both local and mainland eggs in Hawaii has been noticeable over the past few years. According to HDOA data, between 2021 and 2024, the cost of locally produced eggs rose by 28.4%, from $6.91 to $8.87 per dozen, while imported mainland eggs saw an even steeper rise of 51.8%, from $5.50 to $8.35. From 2023 to 2024, local eggs saw a 2.7% increase, while mainland eggs rose by 6.2%.

“While the increasing price of all eggs is a concern for everyone, it is good to see that local eggs are able to be very competitive in the marketplace,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture, in a news release. “Of course, the added benefit of locally produced eggs is that they are fresher, and we hope that everyone will choose local when available and support our local producers.”