Money Matters

Currency

Currency: U.S. Dollar ($)

Hawaiʻi uses the U.S. dollar, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, attractions, and rental car companies.

Still, carrying a small amount of cash is useful for farmers' markets, small roadside stands, food trucks, parking, tips, and places that may have limited card service.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Hawaiʻi, much as it is throughout the United States.

Restaurants: 15–20% is customary for good service.

Bars: $1–$2 per drink or approximately 15–20%.

Hotel housekeeping: $2–$5 per day.

Bell staff: $1–$2 per bag.

Taxi/rideshare: Approximately 15–20%.

Tours: Tipping is generally appreciated for good service.

Go Confidently Tip: Check your restaurant bill before adding a tip. Some group or large-party gratuities may already be included.

Getting Around

Rental Cars

A rental car is useful on Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and parts of Oʻahu, particularly if you want to explore beyond the main resort areas.

You don't need a separate rental-car license if you're a U.S. traveler with a valid driver's license.

Take photos of the vehicle before leaving the lot.

Understand your rental company's fuel and insurance policies.

Check road conditions before heading out.

Hawaiʻi's scenic roads can be narrow, winding, congested, or affected by weather and road closures. On Maui in particular, visitors should follow local guidance and avoid stopping in unsafe areas or blocking traffic.

International Travelers

If you're visiting from outside the United States, check your rental company's requirements before you travel. Requirements for foreign licenses and International Driving Permits can vary by company.

Go Confidently Tip: Don't assume that a scenic drive is an easy drive. Build extra time into your day and check current road conditions before leaving.

Island Hopping

Hawaiʻi is made up of several major visitor islands, and each one feels distinctly different.

Interisland flights are the primary way to travel between islands.

Oʻahu → Maui
Oʻahu → Kauaʻi
Oʻahu → Hawaiʻi Island
Maui → Hawaiʻi Island
Maui → Kauaʻi

Flight schedules and nonstop routes vary by day and season, so check current schedules when planning your itinerary.

How Many Islands?

For a first trip, one island can make a wonderful vacation.

If you have more time, two islands can offer a nice contrast without spending too much of your trip in transit.

Go Confidently Tip: Don't try to see everything. Hawaiʻi rewards travelers who slow down enough to experience an island rather than simply check it off a list.

Ocean Safety

Respect the Ocean

The ocean is one of the biggest reasons people come to Hawaiʻi—and one of the most important things to respect.

Conditions can change quickly, and strong currents, shore break, waves, rocks, and coral can create hazards even when the water looks calm. Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety recommends swimming near a lifeguard, checking conditions, obeying posted warnings, and knowing your limits.

• Swim at a life-guarded beach whenever possible.

• Ask a lifeguard about current conditions before entering the water.

• Never turn your back on the ocean.

• Don't swim alone.

• Pay attention to warning signs.

• Never dive into unfamiliar water.

• Watch for strong currents and shore break.

• Wear appropriate footwear around sharp coral and rocky areas.

Hawaiʻi's official ocean-safety guidance notes that sharp coral is common near many beaches and recommends foot protection where appropriate.

Helpful Resources

Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety

Check current conditions, beach hazards, lifeguard locations, and safety information before heading into the water.

Beaches & Swimming

Not every beautiful beach is a good swimming beach.

Conditions vary by island, season, shoreline, wind, swell, and weather.

Go Confidently Tip: Choose your beach based on what you actually want to do—swimming, snorkeling, surfing, walking, watching the sunset, or simply enjoying the scenery.

Driving & Island Etiquette

• Hawaiʻi is a place to slow down.

• Don't rush scenic roads.

• Pull completely off the road if you need to stop.

• Don't trespass for a better photo.

• Respect private property and posted signs.

• Don't honk unless necessary.

• Let local traffic pass when it is safe to do so.

• Never park where you block driveways, roads, or access points.

On popular routes such as Maui's Road to Hāna, responsible driving and respecting local communities are especially important.

Respecting Hawaiʻi

Travel With Aloha

Hawaiʻi isn't simply a tropical vacation destination. It is a place with its own history, culture, language, traditions, and communities.

• A little awareness goes a long way.

• Learn how to pronounce place names correctly.

• Don't treat sacred or culturally significant places as photo props.

• Stay on designated trails.

• Don't take rocks, sand, plants, or other natural materials.

• Respect wildlife and keep your distance.

• Support local businesses when you can.

• Follow posted rules and closures.

• Leave places better than you found them.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority's Maʻemaʻe guidance emphasizes accurately and respectfully representing Hawaiʻi and its culture, while its visitor education programs encourage travelers to practice mālama—caring for the place and its people.