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.
Kilauea began a new episode of lava fountaining at its summit today, prompting an ashfall advisory for parts of Hawaii Island.
The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said Episode 46 started at 8:17 a.m. inside Halemaʻumaʻu crater, with activity confined to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
The volcano remains at watch alert level and orange aviation color code, indicating heightened unrest with increased potential for eruption hazards.
The National Weather Service issued an ashfall advisory through 8 p.m. for areas downwind of the summit, including Volcano and Mountain View.
Light and variable winds shifting southeast are expected to carry volcanic gas and ash across the summit region and toward the north and northwest areas.
Tephra, including ash and Pele’s hair, is most likely within about 3 miles of the vents, but lighter material can travel much farther.
Officials said impacts are expected to be limited, though ash particles can irritate eyes and lungs, especially for those with respiratory conditions.
Residents are urged to limit exposure by staying indoors when possible, closing windows and doors and wearing masks and eye protection if going outside.
People with water catchment systems should cover and disconnect them to prevent contamination.
Anyone observing ashfall is encouraged to report conditions to the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory at hawaiiash.science/report_form.
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – One of the world’s premier adaptive surfing events is getting underway in Waikiki.
AccesSurf Hawaii is hosting the 2026 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships this week, with competition beginning Tuesday, May 5, and running through Friday, May 8, at Queen’s Surf Break.
Now in its 18th year, the championships are part of the Adaptive Surfing Professionals World Tour and bring together more than 90 adaptive surfers from around the world competing across multiple divisions.
Organizers said the championships highlight not only elite competition, but also community, culture and inclusion.
“The Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships is a powerful gathering of athletes, community and purpose,” said AccesSurf Executive Director Zoe Lewis. “We are proud to host this in Waikiki, where adaptive surfers can compete at an elite level while also experiencing the culture, community and spirit of Hawaii.”
Events began Monday with an opening ceremony at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, kicking off a week of competition and activities.
In addition to the surf competition, the week includes special events such as the Hawaiʻi premiere of The Incredible Paulk on May 6 and a community pau hana gathering on May 7.
Surf competition runs daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will also be streamed live online.
The public is invited to attend and support the athletes, with the week wrapping up Friday with an awards ceremony.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
The 2026 Hawaii high school baseball playoffs begin on May 6th with the opening round in the Division I bracket, with the Division II bracket starting May 7th.
High School On SI has brackets for every classification and division in the Hawaii high school baseball playoffs.
The 2026 HHSAA state championship games will be on May 9th.
2026 Hawaii High School Baseball Division I Playoff Bracket, Schedule, Scores (HHSAA) – May 4, 2026
Matchups are as follows:
Pearl City vs. Moanalua
Pac-Five vs. Kaiser
King Kekaulike vs. Hilo
Kamehameha Hawai’i vs. Kailua
2026 Hawaii High School Baseball Division II Playoff Bracket, Schedule, Scores (HHSAA) – May 4, 2026
Matchups are as follows:
Waipahu vs. Hawaii Prep
Seabury Hall vs. Damien
Honoka’a vs. Castle
Kauai vs. Kapolei
More Coverage from High School On SI
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