Currently, Hawaii's electricity consumption heavily relies on fossil fuels, with oil alone accounting for more than three-quarters of the state's electricity generation. Low-carbon energy sources collectively make up about a fifth of the electricity, with solar energy leading the pack contributing nearly 10%, followed by wind at over 6%, and geothermal and biofuels each providing a bit more than 2%. Despite the mix, it is discernible that the state's commitment to clean electricity needs a significant uplift. Over the past year, from September 2024 to August 2025, clean energy has been trying to gain ground but still lags behind in contrast to fossil fuels. The shift towards sustainable options is apparent, but the pace must accelerate for a balanced and eco-friendlier energy future.
Data sources used on this page include EIA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Hawaii?
Electricity consumption in Hawaii has seen considerable changes over the years. In 2025, the average electricity consumption per person stands at approximately 6,447 kWh, indicating a stark decrease from the historical high of 8,959 kWh per person back in 2004. This is a drop of over 2,500 kWh per individual, marking a worrying trend of reduced electricity usage that could imply constraints in growth potential or increased energy efficiency measures. On a brighter note, Hawaii has witnessed a modest rise in the use of low-carbon electricity, reaching 1,386 kWh per person in 2025, which marks a notable increase of 40 kWh from the year prior. This gradual uptick is commendable, illustrating an encouraging shift towards green energy despite the overall consumption decline, but there's still much room for growth to meet modern-day demands and environmental necessity.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Hawaii can look towards other regions proficient in clean energy deployment for inspiration. For solar energy enhancement, Hawaii might take cues from Nevada, where almost a third of electricity comes from solar. Given Hawaii's sunny climate, embracing solar on a larger scale would be beneficial. Looking to expand nuclear capacity, although a daunting prospect for Hawaii, incorporating lessons from regions like New Hampshire, where more than half of electricity is sourced from nuclear, could provide long-term sustainable energy security. Infrastructure support and policy encouragement for technology are critical. Emphasis should be on building technological capabilities and capacity, acknowledging that leveraging solar and nuclear, even if currently underexplored or undeveloped, can lead to transformative energy solutions for Hawaii.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity has been characterized by fluctuations in Hawaii. In the early 2000s, wind energy saw notable increases, such as in 2006 and 2007. However, geothermal energy experienced a decline in 2009. A consistent but modest growth of wind occurred through the 2010s, interspersed with some setbacks. For instance, in 2017, both wind and biofuels faced reductions, although solar energy slightly compensated with growth. The late 2010s also saw solar making more strides. In 2020, solar energy rose significantly, and geothermal resurged in 2021. However, 2024 highlighted a brief dip in biofuels while geothermal edged upwards. Furthermore, recent years, particularly 2025, showcased continued solar expansion, albeit accompanied by minor setbacks in wind energy. Achievements by the likes of solar must be celebrated and supported, given Hawaii's optimal conditions for its large-scale development, while ensuring that declines in any form of clean electricity are swiftly addressed.
