When planning a trip to Hawaii, understanding local customs, such as tipping practices, is important to ensure a smooth and respectful experience. This guide explains when and how much to tip on the islands.
In Hawaii, tipping is customary and similar to mainland U.S. practices. For restaurants, a tip of 15-20% is standard for good service. For housekeeping, $1 to $5 per day is common, and for valets or bellhops, $1 to $5 per service is typical.
In Hawaii, tipping is a way to show gratitude for services provided, and understanding the local customs can enhance your experience in the islands.
When you're enjoying the Aloha State, it's important to remember that tipping is customary across the service industry. Your tips are not just about money; they’re a sign of appreciation for the individuals who contribute to your enjoyable stay.
| Service Type | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Restaurants and Bars | Tip servers 15-20% of the pre-tax bill for adequate service, 20% or more for exceptional service. Tip servers 15-20% |
| Food Trucks and Cafés | Drop in a dollar or two into the tip jar as a kind gesture. |
| Service Charges | Check your bill for included service charges, add extra for exceptional service if desired. |
At restaurants and bars, it's standard to tip servers 15-20% of the pre-tax bill for adequate service, with 20% or more for truly exceptional service. A convenient way to calculate the tip is to double the tax in most cases. For food trucks and cafés where you order at a counter, a tip jar might be present, and dropping in a dollar or two is a kind way to say thanks.
Sometimes, a restaurant bill may include a service charge, often in groups of 6 or more. This can cover the gratuity, but it's best to check your bill or ask if it's not clear. If exceptional service was provided, you might wish to add an additional tip to express extra gratitude.
For exceptional service, feel free to tip above the traditional 20%, showing your appreciation for the server's effort. However, if service was rude or not up to par, it's still customary to leave at least 10% to account for the fact that many servers are paid below minimum wage and rely on tips.
| Service Type | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Housekeeping | $3-5 per day, left in the room with a note. |
| Bellmen | $1-2 per bag, typical. |
| Concierge | $5 upwards, depending on the complexity of the request. |
At hotels, consider tipping housekeeping around $3-5 per day, left in the room with a note. For bellmen, $1-2 per bag is typical, and tipping the concierge for their assistance varies from $5 upwards, depending on the complexity of your request.
| Service Type | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Taxis/Rideshare | 15-20% tip at the end of your ride. |
| Shuttle Drivers | $1-2 per bag or a flat $5 for luggage handling. |
When using taxis or rideshare options like Uber or Lyft, it's customary to add a tip of 15-20% at the end of your ride. For shuttle drivers, particularly if they handle your luggage, $1-2 per bag or a flat $5 is a nice gesture.
| Service Type | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Group Tours | About $5 per person per hour. |
| Private Tours | More generosity is welcomed. |
Tour and activity guides in Hawaii make your experiences memorable, and tipping them is a practice of recognition. For group tours, about $5 per person per hour is suggested, and for private tours, a bit more generosity is welcomed.
| Service Type | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Personal Services (Hair, Nails, Massages) | Tips are a welcome bonus for good service. |
| Live Music Performers | Consider tipping for enjoyable performances. |
Beyond these scenarios, consider tipping in other service areas such as hair appointments, nail salons, massages, or live music performers. While not always expected, tips are a welcome bonus to those who deliver services making your stay more pleasant.
In Hawaii, tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for service. Your tips contribute significantly to the income of those in the service industry, as wages often rely on these additional earnings.
| Service Type | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Restaurants | 15-20% tip on the pre-tax bill. 15-20% tip |
| Bars | $1-2 per drink or 15-20% of the total bill. $1-2 per drink |
| Taxis/Ride-sharing | 10-20% of the fare. |
For general service providers like servers at restaurants, a 15-20% tip on the pre-tax bill is standard. At bars, either $1-2 per drink or the same percentage applies. For services such as taxis and ride-sharing options like Uber or Lyft, 10-20% of the fare is a common courtesy.
| Service Type | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Housekeeping | $3-5 per night. |
| Concierges | $5-10 for special services. |
| Luggage Handlers | $1-2 per bag. |
| Room Service | 10-20% tip, depending on the level of service |
At hotels and resorts, housekeeping staff appreciate a tip of $3-5 per night. For concierges providing special services, $5-10 is a good tip, while luggage handlers should get $1-2 per bag. When ordering room service, a 10-20% tip is appropriate, depending on the level of service.
| Service Type | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Group Tours/Excursions | 15-20% tip of the cost. |
| Private Tours | Tip higher for personalized attention. |
| Boat Captains/Helicopter Pilots | $10-20 per hour. |
For group tours and excursions, a 15-20% tip of the cost is standard, showing your guide you value their expertise and effort. If you're on a private tour, consider tipping a bit higher due to the personalized attention. Boat captains and helicopter pilots typically receive $10-20 per hour.
| Service Type | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Airport Shuttle Drivers | $1-5, based on service quality and assistance. |
| Valet Parking Attendants | $1-5, depending on service level. |
Travel-related services such as airport shuttle drivers and valet parking attendants at hotels usually receive $1-5. The tip depends on the quality of service and the level of assistance provided, with the higher end reserved for exceptional service or handling multiple bags.
| Dining Experience | Tipping Guidance |
|---|---|
| Casual to Fine Dining | Check for service charge, otherwise 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. |
| Cafes/Food Trucks | Drop $1-2 into the tip jar for counter service. |
| Table Service | Substantial tip for server or bartender based on service quality. |
When dining out, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, always check your bill for a service charge. If none is included, stick to the standard 15-20% of the pre-tax bill. For counter service at cafes or food trucks, dropping $1-2 into the tip jar is a friendly gesture, while table service warrants a more substantial tip for your server or bartender.
In Hawaii, tipping isn't just a transaction—it's a reflection of the famous Aloha Spirit that embodies the islands' culture of kindness and gratitude.
The Aloha Spirit is a core part of Hawaii's identity, influencing how you might approach tipping. This spirit is all about conveying compassion, respect, and hospitality—qualities that are tangibly shown through tipping. Service providers often rely on tips to supplement their income, making each tip an important act of appreciation.
For locals, tipping is a way to express gratitude and appreciation for good service. It's common to see residents tipping hotel housekeeping, tour guides, and waitstaff to support the community. Remembering to tip your service providers, in line with local practices, shows respect for Hawaii's culture and recognizes the hard work of its employees.
When you visit Hawaii, understanding the local tipping practices ensures that you show your appreciation for services rendered in a manner that's both respectful and appropriate.
Always have a small amount of cash on hand specifically for tips. While many places in the tourism industry accept credit cards, cash is often preferred for smaller tips and can save you from any uncertainty. It's a good idea to keep small denominations to make tipping easier, such as $1 and $5 bills.
If you're visiting from overseas, it's crucial to understand that tipping is not just a kind gesture but a customary practice in Hawaii's service industry. When in doubt, aim to tip 15-20% at restaurants, and for services like tours, consider how the experience met your expectations as a guideline for the amount.
In Hawaii, "mahalo" means thank you, and tipping is a tangible way to say mahalo and express your gratitude for good service. Whether it's the hotel staff, tour guides, or a helpful concierge, using tips to show your appreciation is part of the local custom and very much appreciated by those who make your visit memorable.
When you visit Hawaii, understanding tipping practices is essential for showing appreciation to service industry workers. Here's what you need to know.
In Hawaii, it's customary to tip for many services, particularly in the hospitality sector. For instance, you should tip your server at restaurants, the valet who parks your car, and housekeeping staff at hotels. However, not every service requires a tip; some smaller cafes or counter-service establishments may not expect one.
Sometimes, a service charge is automatically added to your bill, especially for large groups at restaurants or in hotels. This charge is meant to serve as a gratuity, but it's important to check your bill to confirm if it's included. If not, a separate tip is usually appreciated by the staff.
Tipping amounts can vary across the islands of Hawaii. In tourist-heavy areas, a larger tip may be customary due to the higher cost of living. When taking tours, consider the length and quality—tipping your tour guide generously, especially after a private tour, is a kind gesture. Local businesses and smaller venues may have different tipping expectations than larger, tourist-focused establishments.
When exploring the beautiful islands of Hawaii, tipping can be a sign of your appreciation for the service you receive. Here's a guide to help you navigate the customary gratuities you might consider in different situations.
Here is the requested information in a single table:
| Scenario | Suggested Tip |
|---|---|
| Group Tour | 15-20% of the tour cost |
| Private Tour | Around $20 per hour |
| Spa Services (Massages, Hair, Nails) | Around 20% of the service cost |
| Hotel Bellmen | $1-$5 per service |
| Housekeeping | $2-$5 per day |
| Concierge | $5-$10 for exceptional service |
| Musicians and Performers | Tip jar or direct gratuity, amount at discretion |
| Unique Hawaiian Experiences (Luau, Coffee Tour, Boat Excursion) | 15-20% of the experience cost |
When you're part of a group tour, a standard tip of 15-20% is appreciated for your guide's efforts. For private tours, you might consider offering more, around $20 per hour, depending on the complexity and satisfaction with the service.
In spas, for services like massages, hair, or nails, tipping around 20% is a good practice. This is not just a reward but a part of the compensation for the therapists and technicians who help you relax and look your best.
At hotels and resorts, you’re likely to encounter various service staff from concierge to housekeeping. A tip of $1-$5 for the bellmen and $2-$5 per day for housekeeping should suffice. For exceptional service from the concierge, especially for hard-to-get reservations or tickets, a tip of $5-$10 is appropriate.
If you enjoy live music or a performance at a venue, showing your appreciation with a tip is a nice gesture. Depending on the venue, a tip jar may be available, or you might offer a gratuity directly to the performers if the situation allows.
For unique Hawaiian experiences like a luau, coffee tour, or boat excursion, a gratuity of 15-20% is customary. Tip your boat guides or luau performers, not just for their expertise, but for sharing the rich Hawaiian culture with you.
