Is tipping rude in Hawaii?

Located in the South Pacific, where on many islands tipping is not required, Hawaii is a U.S. state and you should tip just like you would anywhere else in the United States. In fact, consider a little more generosity to offset the very high cost of living in Hawaii.


Is it customary to tip in Hawaii?

It's especially important to tip in Hawaii because the cost of living is really high. How much should you tip in Hawaii? The standard tipping amount for adequate service is 15% and you can tip 20-25% for outstanding service. It can come across as insulting to tip less than 15% for service.

What is considered disrespectful in Hawaii?

Always strive to leave the site the same as you found it, and don't leave trash behind. Extend your respect to the local wildlife and landscape; something as simple as picking a flower or rearranging some rocks to spell out your name can be interpreted as disrespectful.


When should you tip in Hawaii?

If keeping a bar tab open, tip at the end when you closeout. Tip 15-20% of the meal cost at Cafés, Bars, and Restaurants. Always tip in Hawaii when you get the check (bill).

How do you show respect to Hawaiian people?

Always ask questions and permission. The best way to respect the Hawaiian culture is to ask! If you're not sure about anything, such as where to go or what to wear, you can never go wrong by asking a local.


What local Hawaiians REALLY think about tourists on Maui



What are some Hawaiian taboos?

Our top 5 no-nos include things like honking in traffic, keeping your shoes on in someone's house and wearing a suit to work. I know, the “no suits” rule may be something you'll have to get used to if you're moving here, but people really only wear aloha shirts here.

What do you say when someone says Mahalo to you?

3. 'A' ole pilikia – You're welcome/ No problem. If someone says 'Mahalo' to you, this is the phrase to respond with.

Do and don'ts of Hawaii?

  • Hawaii do's and don't's.
  • Do remove your shoes when entering a person's home as a sign of respect.
  • Don't remove or disturb any artefacts in heiau (Hawaiian temples) or any tourist site.
  • Do wear aloha shirts and get into the spirit!
  • Don't wear swimwear or bikinis anywhere else but the beach.


Do you tip a taxi driver in Hawaii?

Do you tip taxi drivers in Honolulu? Yes, it's customary to tip your driver in Honolulu around 15% of your total fare.

How much do you tip hotel staff in Hawaii?

Hotel staff

At the end of your stay, leave a tip of between $2 and $5 per day for a well-maintained room during your stay. A tip is generally not expected for your hotel concierge tip, but feel free to show your appreciation with a small tip of $1 or $2 for a special recommendation or hard-to-get reservation.

What not to wear in Hawaii?

What Not to Wear in Hawaii
  • White tennis shoes. Nothing says haole (“foreigner”) faster than chunky white sneakers. ...
  • Socks with sandals. You're better than that. ...
  • Loud Hawaiian shirts. ...
  • Matching aloha shirts. ...
  • Speedos. ...
  • Shirts that say, “Hawaii.” It's like wearing an “I Heart NY” shirt in New York city. ...
  • Leis.


Why don't you whistle at night in Hawaii?

It has been said that if you whistle at night, you are summoning the Hukai'po, aka the Night Marchers, and if you hear their drums—HIDE! Night marchers are most active at night and said to march on certain nights, depending on the rise of the moon. It is considered an evil omen to look directly at the night marchers.

What should you not do in Hawaii?

10 things you shouldn't do when visiting Hawaii
  • Underestimate the ocean. ...
  • Touch a monk seal, sea turtle, or other wildlife. ...
  • Use sunscreen that isn't reef-safe. ...
  • Hike on an illegal trail or late at night. ...
  • Park wherever you want to take in the sights. ...
  • Bring back lava rocks as souvenirs. ...
  • Step on coral.


Is 10 pesos a good tip?

Restaurants: For good service, a 10% tip is standard. For really good service, anything between 15% and 20% is acceptable. Street food: Again, tipping is not required or expected, but it is appreciated (saying “keep the change” is sufficient). Taxis: If the driver helps with bags, 10–20 pesos is a good tip.


Do you tip Uber in Hawaii?

You can tip your driver once your trip is complete. Tips are neither expected nor required. After a trip has ended, you have 30 days to add a tip in the app, on riders.uber.com, or from your emailed trip receipt.

How much should you tip at a resort?

For special requests (like an extra blanket), tip $2 for one item, $1 for more. Tipping is not required for someone fixing something broken or bringing something missing. A gratuity of 15-20% should be added if the hotel did not already include a room service charge on the bill.

Is Uber or taxi cheaper in Honolulu?

Uber, Lyft and Holoholo are ride-sharing apps that enable you to hail on-demand private drivers. They're used prolifically in Hawaii's major towns, they tend to be cheaper than Taxis/Cabs and more convenient.


How much do you tip on Hawaii excursions?

As with hotel service providers, tipping 10% to 20% of the cost of the excursion is a good rule of thumb.

Do you tip at hotel breakfast buffet?

“For a bellhop or breakfast attendant, anything in the $5 to $10 range is appropriate,” Keller says. “For housekeeping, you want to tip $1 per occupant per night. Always feel welcome to tip more though when you feel like you want to.”

What can you not bring back from Hawaii?

Common Items from Hawaii NOT ALLOWED into the U.S. Mainland or Alaska
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables, some exceptions are those listed below as permitted.
  • Berries of any kind, including fresh coffee berries and sea grapes.
  • Cactus plants or cactus plant parts.
  • Cotton and cotton bolls.
  • Fresh flowers of jade vine, and Mauna Loa.


Can you wear shorts in Hawaii?

The everyday wear in Hawaii are shorts and T-shirts, which people wear almost everywhere. Women wear tank tops and shorts, or light dresses. Hawaii weather is warm and humid, with temperatures between 70ºF to mid 80ºF and the pleasant trade winds.

Can you wear jeans in Hawaii?

Can you wear jeans in Hawaii? Sure, you can wear jeans in Hawaii. But unless you're going up to the summit of Haleakala you'll probably be more comfortable in almost anything else due to the balmy temperatures and humidity.

How do you respond to aloha E?

If someone says “Aloha” to you, say it right back. Mahalo means “thank you.” If someone does you a kindness, don't be shy about saying, “Mahalo,” to them. Locals will be pleased that you used this word.


What is a common greeting in Hawaii?

Aloha can be used to say “Hello” or “Goodbye.” and it has a deeper meaning to the Hawaiian people. Aloha also means kindness, love and affection. For example, in Hawaii people do things 'with aloha' like surfing, working or living, etc.

What is a famous Hawaiian saying?

Aloha Aku No, Aloha Mai No – (I give my love to you, you give your love to me.) `A`ohe loa i ka hana a ke aloha – (Distance is ignored by love.) Ua ola loko i ke aloha – (Love gives life within.) He kehau ho`oma`ema`e ke aloha – (Love is like a cleansing dew.)