Hawaii Tops Nation in Egg Prices: $9.73 Per Dozen and Rising!

As of early 2025, Hawaii has emerged as the state with the highest egg prices in the United States, with a dozen eggs averaging $9.73.

This significant increase reflects a broader national trend of rising egg costs, primarily driven by a severe outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu.

The Impact of Avian Influenza

The current surge in egg prices is largely attributed to the HPAI outbreak that began in 2022.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that this outbreak has led to the culling of millions of birds to contain the virus, significantly reducing the nation’s egg-laying flock.

In December 2024 alone, 23.2 million birds were culled, exacerbating the egg shortage.

The reduction in supply has had a direct impact on egg prices nationwide. In January 2025, the national average retail price for a dozen large grade-A eggs reached $4.95, doubling from the previous year.

Wholesale prices have also seen unprecedented highs, with large white eggs averaging $7.34 per dozen in early February.

Hawaii’s Unique Challenges

Hawaii’s geographical isolation presents additional challenges that contribute to its higher egg prices. The state’s reliance on imports for a significant portion of its food supply means that any disruptions on the mainland can have amplified effects locally.

Transportation costs, supply chain delays, and limited local production capacity further exacerbate the situation.

Despite these challenges, Hawaii has been fortunate to avoid cases of bird flu within its borders, which has spared local poultry farms from the direct impacts of the outbreak.

However, the high demand and limited supply from the mainland have still led to increased prices for consumers.

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National Response and Consumer Impact

The nationwide egg shortage has prompted various responses from retailers and consumers. Major grocery chains, including Walmart, Kroger, and Aldi, have implemented purchase limits to manage the scarce supply.

Restaurants have also adjusted their pricing, with chains like Waffle House adding a 50-cent surcharge per egg to offset increased costs.

Consumers are feeling the pinch, especially in states like Hawaii and Florida, where egg prices are significantly higher than the national average. In Florida, for instance, the average cost of a dozen eggs has reached $6.36.

Looking Ahead

The USDA has adjusted its egg price forecast for 2025, reflecting ongoing supply challenges.

The department predicts that egg prices will remain elevated due to the continued impact of HPAI on the nation’s poultry population.

Efforts to control the outbreak are ongoing, with the USDA investing approximately $1.7 billion to manage and mitigate the spread of the virus.

Enhanced biosecurity measures are being implemented across poultry farms to prevent further infections.

In the meantime, consumers are encouraged to stay informed about local egg prices and availability. Exploring alternative protein sources and supporting local producers where possible can also help mitigate the impact of rising egg prices.

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