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HOW TO TIP IN HAWAII
The questions `when?` and `how much?` that surround tipping can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
Hawaii is located in the South Pacific where tipping is not common, but Hawaii is a U.S. State and you should tip like you would here in the US. Tipping is even more crucial in Hawaii as the cost of living is so high.
Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars?The currency in Hawaii is the US dollar.
Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?In a sit down restaurant it is typical to use the 15 – 20% rule; you can go higher for excellent service. If you are eating from a food truck, lunch stand or take out location there is normally a tip jar and you can use $1 - $2 per person at these places.
Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?For hotel staff you can give $5 for two bags for the bellhops, if you have more bags then tip more. For housekeeping you can tip $2 anight. For room service be sure to check the menu as 15-20% is normally included in the bill. For Valet, Concierge and doorman use $1 - $2. If you take the hotel courtesy shuttle or a resort shuttle use $1 - $2 a bag.
Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?You can use 15% of the fare to tip taxi drivers, more if they help with your luggage.
Tour Guides: Is a tip required?You can tip $10 for a half day or $20 for a full day for tour guides.
Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?If you take a snorkeling cruise or outdoor activities use 10-15% rule depending on the total cost of the excursion, or use a minimum of $10.
Final Thoughts:Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager. When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.