Hi guys, I'm heading to Hawaii next Thursday from Sydney Australia and just needed some of your guys advice. I've lived in Sydney my whole life where tipping for services etc is not expected or customary. But alot of people have told me it is customary in Hawaii and it is expected! So can you guys give me a general rule of thumb to use in regards to tipping? I'm staying in a 3 star hotel (Nothing fancy) and I have no idea what to even offer people that carry my luggage, at restaurants etc. I've tried to google but not much came up and would greatly appreciate some help from locals.

Thanks in advance from your mate from Sydney.

 

Standard tipping rate is %20....which I will always do with cash if possible.

But it is "optional". Just don't plan to revisit the establishment...LOL. Enjoy your stay. There's a link sticky'd on top ...

 

15-20% for good service at restaurants. that really is the only place that you need to calculate a tip.

for the rest, service help at the hotels, valets, etc - $5 thru 10 is normally enough. if you ask for your car to be held close or some other special consideration, then tip more.

hope you enjoy your time here.

 

Please note that if you have a large group, some restaurants in Waikiki will add the gratuity automatically. Be sure not to 'double tip' in this case.

 

^Ditto.

 

Thanks for the really quick and informative replies guys!
Much appreciated. Can't wait to explore Hawaii.

Johnnie

 

Tips are 15% for standard service, more for better service.

There are restaurants in Waikiki that INCLUDES the tip into the bill (because tourists like you don't normally tip in your country of origin) regardless of the number of people in your party. Please don't double-tip there. Anyways, if you really want to be cheap, you don't have to tip at all and pay with cash (if you did that with credit card, the waiter will add the tip without you knowing). If you are only going to stay in Hawaii once, who cares, right? You are not gonna frequent that place again to experience them spitting in your food.