Gasoline prices statewide have reached a new benchmark, hitting the $4.50 a gallon level, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report.

Hawai'i's statewide average rose 2 cents from a day earlier to reach the new high. It has risen $1.223 in the past year, an increase of 37 percent.

The new high ranks Hawai'i second among states in terms of highest gasoline prices and contrasts with what is happening nationally.

Figures from AAA show prices have been falling in recent days and are now at an average of $3.926 for a gallon of regular. Alaska leads the country with an average of $4.648 a gallon.

AAA's tracking of three metro areas in Hawai'i also shows:

• Honolulu's average price is 0.1 cent below its all-time high at $4.389.

• Wailuku has the highest price of markets surveyed in Hawai'i at $4.713.

• Hilo's average price is at $4.506.

AAA doesn't monitor gasoline prices on Kaua'i, Lana'i and Moloka'i.