Hawaii
To tip or not to tip? Here’s what Hawaii food industry workers suggest
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -These days, it seems like tipping options at fast food restaurants and other over-the-counter establishments are becoming more and more common. You order something to go, you get ready to pay, when a screen appears, asking for a tip.
Hawaii News Now asked a few customers at the Kuhio Food Hall in Waikiki what they would do when faced with this request.
“No, it doesn’t matter (if it’s takeout of sit down),” said Hank Ravestein. “I tip 15%.”
Ernest Lee has a different perspective.
“If I am standing ordering my meal and get my meal and going to sit down, then typically, it’s not tipped,” he said.
Mike Palmer, a board member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association and the owner of the Kuhio Food Mall in Waikiki, said tipping depends on the situation.
“So I just tell people do what you are comfortable with — if you don’t want to tip, don’t tip, if you get great service and encourage that person behind the counter, you know they are working hard for their money,” Palmer said.
Palmer added that while so many are stuck with tipping based on percentages, there are other options, especially when it comes over-the-counter service.
“On almost every tipping system that has that option, people don’t realize, they think they have to automatically put in 15 to 20, 25%, but there is usually an option on those screens like ours says you hit ‘other,’ you tip a custom amount — 50 cents, a dollar, whatever,” Palmer said.
He said that no matter the circumstance, a customer should not feel obligated to tip for mediocre or bad service.
Instead, base it on the service provided and consider this: “A lot of times, counter service people are not the highest compensated in the industry and I think personally, it’s a great way to stimulate the economy by giving people an extra buck or two.”
For Andrew Thomas, a server at the food mall, getting a tip is always appreciated but not expected.
“I just expect people to know that if they want to go ahead and, it makes my day and I just give them my service, whether they tip or not,” Thomas said.
And that’s a tip on tipping that is definitely something to think about.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Best Luau in Hawaii (2026)
Luaus are a vibrant expression of Hawaiian culture, weaving together storytelling, music, dance, and cuisine into an unforgettable evening — and a meaningful way to connect with the spirit of aloha.
With so many extraordinary luaus across the islands, which is the most essential stop? USA TODAY 10BEST tapped an expert panel to nominate their top picks for the best luaus in Hawaii — each offering authentic entertainment with traditional performances, tantalizing local cuisine, and set in a scenic location that enhances the magic of the experience. Now, it’s your turn to crown the best of the best.
Which luau would you most like to attend?
Vote for your favorite once per day until polls close on Monday, July 13 at noon ET. The winning luaus, as determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, July 22.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Scheduled tours at Kalaupapa National Historical Park are no longer operating.
According to the National Park Service, Kalaupapa Saints Tours has ceased operations following the passing of Meli Watanuki.
Watanuki died last month at the age of 91.
She helped establish Kalaupapa Saints Tours last year to tell the stories of Kalaupapa residents, including those of Father Damien and Mother Marianne.
In a social media post, park officials said there are currently no tour options available for visitors.
The National Park Service said it is continuing to explore alternatives for visitors to experience Kalaupapa and learn about its history.
Updates on future park access and tour opportunities will be posted on the park’s website.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
KILAUEA, Hawaii (KITV) — The 49th episode of the ongoing Halema’uma’u eruption began on Sunday morning, with fountains reaching 300 feet as of 10:02 a.m.
The eruption began at 9:32 a.m. and officials reported a rapid increase in summit tremor along with ongoing summit deflation. Initially the fountains were about 50–75 feet high.
USGS officials expect the fountains to grow 600-800 feet within the next couple of hours. The plume is up to approximately 12,000 feet above sea level and is moving to the south west, according to officials.
The Hawaii County Civil Defense Agency reported at 3:39 p.m., that winds have shifted, carrying the plume created by the Kilauea volcano eruption to the northeast and with it, possible light ashfall toward downwind communities.
Due to the shift in winds, residents downwind are encouraged to disconnect their catchment tank before the next rainfall, to avoid ashfall entering the catchment tank.
Report tephra or ashfall here, and click here for guidance for volcanic tephra fall.
Most lava fountaining episodes since December 23, 2024, have continued for a day or less.
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