Hawaii still leads the nation in average gas price, but the cost of filling up a tank is going down.

Gas prices eased in many areas throughout the islands this week as the statewide average for regular unleaded remained virtually unchanged at $4.54, according to AAA Hawaii, Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express.

Mainland analysts say a continuing drop in the price of oil should bring lower gas prices this summer. Oil fell below $90 a barrel Wednesday for the first time since October before rebounding 76 cents Thursday to close at $90.66.

Hawaii is now one of only five states with gas prices of at least $4. Alaska is second at $4.51, followed by California, $4.31; Washington, $4.24; and Oregon, $4.21.

Nationwide the average Thursday was $3.676, down nearly 5 cents from $3.722 a week ago. That was off about 17 cents from a month ago and down 15 cents from a year ago.

In Hawaii the average price for regular was $4.544 Thursday compared with $4.546 a week ago. The price was down 7 cents from a month ago but still up 32 cents from a year ago. The all-time state high was $4.62 on April 11.

"Every little bit of price decline helps Hawaii motorists as well as visitors," AAA Hawaii Regional Manager Diane Peterson said. "As we go into the holiday weekend and look toward the summer vacation season, it’s time to make sure the maintenance is up to date on your vehicle for the safety of your family and good fuel economy."

In metro areas on Thursday, Honolulu’s average price fell less than a penny to $4.386 a gallon from $4.391 a week ago, and is down 9 cents from a month ago but still up 30 cents from this time last year.

In Hilo the average gas price was $4.676 a gallon, just below the $4.683 from last week and about 8 cents less than last month. It is still 53 cents higher than this time last year.

Wailuku’s average was $4.888 a gallon, less than a penny below $4.892 last week and roughly the same as $4.890 a month ago. It is 22 cents higher than last year.