Over the past year, from April 2025 to March 2026, Hawaii's electricity generation showed a notable reliance on fossil fuels with oil contributing to more than half of the state's power, approximately 61%. Conversely, low-carbon sources made up almost a third of the electricity generation. Solar energy was the leading clean source, producing around 22% of Hawaii's electricity, with behind-the-meter solar comprising about 14% and utility-scale solar accounting for 8%. Wind contributed close to 5%, while net imports slightly trailed it at nearly 5%. Geothermal and biofuels added smaller shares, contributing about 2% and 1.5% respectively. These numbers reveal Hawaii's significant dependency on both fossil fuels and a growing portfolio of clean energy solutions.

Is Electricity Growing in Hawaii?

In recent years, electricity consumption in Hawaii has experienced modest growth. The latest recorded consumption for 2026 reached 8103 kWh per person, slightly surpassing the previous year's record by about 17 kWh. Although this growth is modest, it signals an upward trajectory that aligns with increasing demand and electrification needs. Similarly, there has been limited progress in low-carbon electricity generation, which increased to 2582 kWh per person—up by 7 kWh from the prior year. While these figures demonstrate incremental advances, they also highlight the necessity for accelerated expansion to meet future energy demands and decrease oil dependency.

Suggestions

For Hawaii to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, significant focus should be put on expanding solar energy, given its already substantial share. Learning from regions such as Nevada, which generates approximately 34% of its electricity from solar, Hawaii can similarly enhance its solar capacity. Additionally, embracing nuclear power could diversify its clean energy portfolio. Taking cues from countries like France and states like New Hampshire, known for having over 50% of electricity generated from nuclear energy, Hawaii can responsibly consider nuclear's potential. Collaborative lessons from regions with established wind energy, such as Denmark and Iowa—both generating about 55-60% of electricity from wind—could also be beneficial for Hawaii’s regulatory and infrastructure planning in clean energy transitions.

History

Historically, Hawaii's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced periods of fluctuation but has remained relatively static in recent years. Throughout 2024, minor changes were seen with biofuels slightly decreasing and geothermal slightly increasing, while wind and hydro showed no growth. By 2025, slight declines continued in wind and hydro, with biofuels and geothermal maintaining levels. Moving into 2026, there has been no change in any of these areas. This stagnancy in low-carbon contributions contrasts with the urgent requirement for growth in sustainable energy, given the critical role it plays in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating environmental impacts. Prioritizing strategic investments in areas like solar and potentially embracing the advantages of nuclear energy can help stimulate the requisite growth in Hawaii's clean electricity sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.