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In terms of weather, Hawai’i is good to visit year round. May, June, September, and October are traditionally a bit slower than the height of winter and summer seasons, so better travel deals are often available during those months.

Visitors from the U.K., most Western European countries, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan need only a valid passport to vacation in Hawai’i. Proof of residence is required of Canadians. Other foreign nationals need a valid passport and a tourist visa, readily obtainable from a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Foreign visitors may not bring food or plants of any kind into Hawai’i. Every piece of luggage or cargo leaving the islands is subject to an agricultural search. Only certain fruits and flowers may be taken out, so be sure to ask about this when purchasing such items.

Contrary to popular belief, Hawai’i does have seasons. Rain is common from Oct–Jan, and summer is much warmer than winter. Big surf arrives on north shores in winter; south swells delight surfers in summer. At sea level, temperatures average high 70s/low 80s in the daytime most of the year; nighttime temperatures can go down to the 60s, occasionally the 50s in winter.

Standard U.S. current is 110–120 volts. NonU.S. appliances need a converter and plug adapter with two flat pins, but bear in mind many hotels provide coffee makers, irons, and hair dryers.

Hawai‘i is a relaxed place. Shorts, T-shirts, swimsuits, and casual evening wear are all that’s needed. Only a handful of restaurants require men to wear jackets. A sweater or jacket is a good idea for cool evenings.

The cost of medical care is high everywhere in the U.S., including Hawai’i. Travel insurance is highly recommended. If you have a mainland health insurance plan, you should check to see if it’s accepted in Hawai’i.

The airline industry is facing difficult times and flight schedules and routes change frequently. At the time of writing, all major U.S. airlines, most Asian and Pacific lines, and some European carriers fly directly into Honolulu International Airport.

Although Hawai‘i is a safe place, in the aftermath of 9/11, airport security has been enhanced, and items like pocketknives, scissors, nail files, and tweezers must be packed in checked luggage. Those arriving on a visa may also have their photograph and fingerprints taken. When traveling inter-island, you should get to the airport one hour before your scheduled flight.

The Hawai’i Visitors and Conventions Bureau (HVCB) is the “mother” of all the individual island bureaus. It serves as the official source of information for individual travelers, groups and conventioneers. The O’ahu Visitors Bureau is the island’s chapter of HVCB.

Hana Hou!, Hawaiian Airlines in-flight magazine, and Spirit of Aloha , Aloha Airlines in-flight, are each published 6 times a year. HONOLULU is Hawai’i’s only major regional magazine and a great source of insider information. All can be accessed online.

Hawai’i has two big dailies. The Honolulu Advertiser is the morning paper; the Honolulu Star-Bulletin comes out in the afternoon. Both are available statewide. There are also several more locally-oriented papers, most notably the “alternative” Honolulu Weekly , MidWeek , and the Downtown Planet .

Virtually all hotel chains, activities sellers, and even most restaurants now have their own websites. They are easily accessed via any search engine. The O’ahu Visitors Bureau site also offers links to many visitor attractions.

James Michener’s Hawai’i is considered by many a “must-read” for visitors. It is certainly epic in scope and an entertaining, if not precisely accurate, historical novel. Shoal of Time by Gavan Daws, Hawai’i’s History by Hawai’i’s Queen by Queen Liliu’okalani, and Hawaiian Mythology by Martha Beckwith are all excellent choices.

You will be deluged by dozens of free visitor publications as soon as you arrive at any airport in Hawai’i. Many are chock full of discount coupons and free offers. Bear in mind that most publications cover only the places that advertise with them.

Your hotel concierge is potentially one of the very best sources of insider information. They are, of course, island residents, and many know every nook and cranny of O’ahu – where to get the best noodles and find that vintage piece of Hawaiiana you’re after. Remember to tip them well if the advice is good.

Hawai’i is known for having some of the world’s friendliest locals, and most love to share their knowledge of their home-town. Talk to waiters and waitresses, the bartender, the supermarket cashier, and the person who sells you your very first aloha shirt. You’re sure to learn secrets not available in any guidebook!

Oceanic Cable TV Channel 16 is a treasure trove of entertaining local information. Check it out, even if the pidgin (the local slang) proves a little difficult to decipher.

All major U.S. airlines as well as Hawai’i’s own Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines fly directly into Honolulu International Airport from many U.S. cities. Several North American charter companies also bring visitors to O’ahu daily.

Many foreign carriers – most notably the Pacific and Asian companies like Qantas, Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Japan Airlines, China Airlines, Korean Air, and Philippine Airlines – land at Honolulu International Airport. Air Canada, Lufthansa, Sabena, and Swissair are some others offering flights into Honolulu.

Aloha Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines fly between all the major islands from early morning until evening every day. Schedules change often; weekend, non-stop, and first and last flights of the day fill up quickly.

Information booths can be found in the baggage claim areas, outside the foreign arrivals area, in the Inter-island Terminal, near Gate 22, and at both ends of the airport’s main lobby. There are also many racks of free visitor publications.

The WikiWiki Shuttle buses (wikiwiki means “quick”) connect the terminals at the airport. Airport Island Shuttles take you from the airport to all parts of O’ahu.

Crystal Cruises, Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Radisson, Princess, and Royal Caribbean include Honolulu on some of their cruises. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers weekly cruises around Hawai’i.

Free maps come in virtually every drive guide for rental vehicles and in visitor publications. For more detailed maps, look in the bookstores Borders and Barnes & Noble, or ask for a photocopy of the one in the front of the phone book.

Folks in Hawai'i don’t give directions in terms of east, west, north, south. Instead, you will hear the words “’ewa” (toward ’Ewa), “diamond head” (toward Diamond Head), “mauka” (toward the mountains), and “makai” (toward the ocean).

Contrary to what you may see in old movies, lei greeters do not welcome every new arrival. If, however, you are on a package tour, you will likely be greeted with a lei and a peck on the cheek from a company employee. And if you’re visiting friends or family, you will surely receive a garland upon arrival.

Virtually every major national rental car company is represented in Honolulu. Local companies are less expensive but may be less reliable.

The cute open-air trolleys you’ll spot rolling around Honolulu have been carrying visitors since the mid-1980s. Today, the Waikīkī Trolley covers attractions with something for everyone, from the city’s historical sites to shopping centers all over the island. The four main routes are the Honolulu City Line (red); Ocean Coast Line (blue); Shopping & Dining Line (yellow); and Ala Moana Shopping Shuttle Line (pink). Other trolleys include one specially for visitors interested in duty-free shopping, and a guided tour of Waikele. It is also possible to charter a trolley.

You can get just about anywhere on O’ahu by TheBus. You can purchase one-way tickets or a visitor’s pass. The pass lets you ride all you want on any four consecutive days and is sold at all ABC Stores in Waikīkī and the one at Ala Moana Shopping Center. Convenience stores in Honolulu stock the bus map, which also has a handy guide to Honolulu attractions.

For short, in-town trips you can always get a taxi in front of any major hotel, and restaurants are happy to call a taxi for you after your meal. Many hotels also provide shuttle service – usually to shopping destinations, sometimes to sights.

Not for the faint of heart, motorcycles are a fun way to tour the island; mopeds do well on city streets. Be aware: motorcycle rentals are much more expensive than a car or even a van.

Seatbelts for everyone and approved car seats for children under three are mandatory. Pedestrians always have the right of way. Right turns are permitted – unless otherwise noted – after a full stop at a stop sign or red light.

It’s a good idea to keep your car’s gas tank at least half full as distances between gas stations may be long.

Like any big city, Honolulu has its traffic challenges, especially when work-day commuters come in and go out of town. Outside the metropolis, local people are rarely in a hurry, so allow plenty of time for any driving trip. Residents will never sound their car horns except in a case of imminent danger; thus you should check your rear-view mirror often to see if someone wants to pass you.

By land, by sea, by air, even under the sea – every variety of guided tour is available on O’ahu (see Treks & Specialist Tours). There are even tours that specialize in shopping! You can do some advance research on the internet (try www.top-10-hawaii.com as a starting point). You’ll also be inundated with information about tours at the airport.

Bank of Hawai’i and First Hawaiian Bank are Hawai’i’s largest, with branches throughout the islands, some of them inside supermarkets. In general, all banks are open: Mon–Thu 8:30am– 3pm or 4pm, Fri 8:30am– 6pm. Some branches have Saturday hours.

VISA and MasterCard are accepted almost universally except by the smallest stores and roadside stands. American Express, Discover, Diner’s Club, and JCB (a Japanese card) are accepted at most places but check first.

By far the safest form of money, travelers’ checks in U.S. currency are accepted virtually everywhere. Change is given in cash. Lost or stolen travelers’ checks are easily replaced.

With the extraordinary proliferation of cell phones, public phones are fast disappearing. If you can find one, a local call will cost 50 cents, much cheaper than using a hotel phone. Inter-island calls are deemed long distance, and numbers must be preceded by dialing 1 808.

Posting a letter costs the same as on the mainland, but mail takes longer to reach its destination. Hotels will often post your mail for you, but otherwise there are post offices in every town. Opening hours are generally: 8:30am–4:30pm Mon–Fri, with short morning hours at some branches on Saturdays.

The best place to buy mainland newspapers and a wide array of magazines is Borders Books & Music (locations at both Ward Center and Waikele) and Barnes & Noble (Kāhala Mall). The Honolulu Advertiser (morning) and Honolulu Star-Bulletin (afternoon) are the state’s large dailies. More on Newspapers and Magazines.

In addition to the myriad U.S. television stations on the dial, Oceanic Cable Channel 16 provides the most local programming imaginable. All the major hotels have their own closed-circuit visitor channels with programming that provides an overview of the island, activities, shopping, and restaurants. Fans of every music genre, from rock to country to Hawaiian, will find something on the radio dial to satisfy them. If you want to listen like the locals do, try KINE, 101.5 FM for the best in island sounds.

This is Hawai’i’s version of “hearing it through the grapevine.” Talk to as many locals as you can; you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how willing most are to share the island’s secrets.

Most hotel rooms and condos are wired for dial-up internet access. Most large hotels have business centers where you can stay in touch with the office. Internet service is also available at several cafés.

Everyone is at risk of sunburn in the tropics. It’s important to apply sun-screen often, including after swimming. A hat and sunglasses are good accessories, too. If you’re especially fair, you should wear light, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when you’re in the sun. Parents should be particularly careful with young children. Be vigilant on cloudy days, too – those ultraviolet rays get through the clouds.

During heavy rains, Hawai’i’s rivers are occasionally susceptible to flash floods. It’s best not to venture out on hikes or unfamiliar drives during heavy rains. Hawai’i radio and television stations always announce flash flood watches and warnings; you can also check recorded national weather forecasts by calling 973 5286.

Although Hawai’i is blessed with cooling trade winds most days of the year, temperatures can easily reach into the 90s, especially in summer. It’s always advisable to stay out of the sun from 11am until 2pm when, obviously, the sun is at its highest point over the islands. Wearing light-colored clothing and drinking lots of water are also recommended.

With heat and sun comes the possibility of dehydration. Always carry water with you, whether you’re going for a drive, venturing out on a hike, or just relaxing at the beach. Drink often and drink plenty.

Scorpions and centipedes are Hawai’i’s most troublesome insect pests. It is unlikely that you will run into either but, if you do get stung, get medical attention as quickly as possible. Mosquitoes are more bothersome than dangerous, and can be controlled with commercial repellants.

It’s not difficult to accidentally wander onto private property, especially when hiking or going to the beach. Watch for No Trespassing signs, and always use the proper public beach accesses. You may see the word Kapu on signs, which is loosely translated as “forbidden.”

Beach warning signs

The physical beauty of the islands is most certainly one of the main reasons visitors are so drawn to them. Nothing is more jarring to that beauty than litter strewn along beaches, hiking paths, and streets. There’s no shortage of litter bins for food wrappers, cigarette stubs etc., so make use of them. (Mahalo , often printed on the bins, means thank you.)

Traditional Hawaiians believe that everything – every stone, every shell, every plant – has both a life and a place of its own. So feel free to look, enjoy, and touch natural objects, but refrain from removing anything from its home.

Hawaiian waters are susceptible to invasions of jellyfish – both box jellyfish and Portuguese man-of-war – usually about a week after a full moon. Local radio and television stations are very reliable in reporting these incursions. Jellyfish stings can be painful and, if one is allergic, quite dangerous. The best way to treat them is with meat tenderizer (available at any supermarket) or, indeed, urine.

Large shopping centers are open, in general, Mon–Sat 9am–9pm; Sunday hours are usually shorter. Some supermarkets and convenience stores stay open 24 hours. Most retail stores are open on U.S. holidays (with the possible exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) and Hawai’i state holidays, such as Prince Kūhiō Day (Mar 26) and King Kamehameha Day (Jun 11).

The legal drinking age in Hawai’i is 21. The age limit applies, as well, to buying alcoholic drinks – including beer and wine – at retail outlets. Since July 2003, smoking has been prohibited in all O’ahu restaurants, including bars and outdoor dining areas.

Not surprisingly, everyone wants to dine at sunset. In order to encourage pre-sunset dinner reservations, many restaurants offer “early bird” specials.

There’s general excise tax – 4.167% at the time of writing – on everything, without exception, in Hawai’i. That includes food – be it a restaurant meal or groceries from the market – all retail goods (even medicine), and all services.

“Early to bed, early to rise” is the credo throughout the Aloha State. Don’t be surprised if the restaurant on which you have your romantic heart set for a late night dinner stops serving at 8:30 or 9pm. The same is true of breakfast and lunch – many local folks take their lunch break at 11 or even 10:30am.

There are few restaurants on O’ahu that require anything fancier than a shirt with a collar and footwear of some kind; there are only a handful that would frown on shorts and sandals.

Those who work in the visitor industry – everyone from the hardworking hotel housekeepers to the handsome young men who park cars – depend on tips to supplement their wages, so generosity is greatly appreciated. Restaurant tips should be at least 15% of the total bill. Parking valets should be tipped $1–$2; luggage handlers at least $2 per bag. And if you avail yourself of the service, you should tip your hotel concierge.

You’ll save money on souvenirs, resort wear, even groceries if you shop where the locals do. Local favorite Long’s Drugs has locations all over O’ahu and is a great source for macadamia nuts, coffee, and lots more. There are farmers’ markets dotted around the island, and there’s a big weekend swap meet at Aloha Stadium for excellent buys on flowers, local produce, and crafts.

Hawai’i’s ethnic restaurants serve delicious food at low prices. You’ll find Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, and local-style food all over O’ahu – best bets are Chinatown and Honolulu’s suburbs. At more expensive restaurants, ordering several appetizers and sharing them is an inexpensive way to sample dishes.

Condominiums tend to be less expensive than hotel rooms. Rentals are readily available on O’ahu – get out of Honolulu and the expensive areas of Diamond Head, Koko Head, Kahala, Hawai’i Kai and Kailua for the best deals. Condos range from studios to three bedroom apartments. They’re almost universally well maintained and equipped.

The cost of dining out can easily rack up, so eating in is the obvious alternative, especially if you’re renting a condo. Throughout O’ahu, there are lots of supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets where the fixings for a great meal can be easily found.

Hotels, restaurants, and activity desks often offer discounts, especially during the slower months (May, June, September, October). Restaurants routinely offer “early bird” specials for folks who like to dine before the prime 6:30–8pm slot. Late night specials are common, but less well advertised.

Virtually every airline, many hotels, and even some car rental companies offer better prices to travelers who book well in advance. It’s also a good idea to check out restaurants and activities – many have websites – before arriving to avoid price surprises. Some advance research also allows you to comparison shop for things like whale watching and other costly activities.

When you arrive at any airport in Hawai’i, you will see racks and racks of free visitor publications. Every one of them has coupons for discounts on restaurant meals and activities. If you have the time and the inclination to peruse the pages, the savings can be substantial.

Frequent flyer miles can be used for both free or upgraded air travel on all the major U.S. airlines. If you are a member of a national organization such as AARP (for the over 50s) or work for a large corporation, ask about discounts. You may find that your company ID card can save you money!

Package tours are always less expensive than purchasing air and ground transportation and accommodations separately; any good travel agent will have lots to choose from. But even if you do choose to book your own trip, inter-island package tours (from local companies like Pleasant Island Holidays and Roberts Hawai’i) are a great and affordable way to experience another island.

The internet has become a fantastic resource for excellent travel deals. The big, discount travel sites (Orbitz, Expedia, Hotels.com) always have discounted prices on air fares and hotel rooms. Many of the major airlines also offer special internet fares.

Hawai’i is most expensive during the winter months when travelers from cold climes swoop down upon these sun-drenched, tropical islands. The summer months (July and August) are family travel time, since children are out of school. This leaves May, June, September, and October for the bargain hunters.

From small, close-to-the-ocean-action Zodiacs to Navatek’s 140-foot SWATH (Small Water-plane Area Twin Hull), every manner of sailing and cruising adventure is available in Hawai’i. Excursions depart from all areas of the island; during the winter months most cruises combine whale-watching with other activities.

With more than 30 major trails covering terrain of every description, it’s no wonder that hiking is as popular an activity with locals as it is with visitors. You can get a free map that will point you to all of O’ahu’s most popular hikes from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (587 0166, www.hawaii.gov/dlnr).

Whether you’ve always wanted to learn to surf or you’re already an expert, many feel there’s no better place on Earth to catch a wave than the Island of O’ahu. From the gentle rolling waves at Waikīkī to the monster winter sets of Waimea Bay, instruction at your level is available. There are plenty of places to rent equipment, too. For windsurfing, head to – where else? – the Windward side.

Hawai’i’s most famous snorkeling spot – Hanauma Bay – is also the most popular. While this is perfect for beginners, more experienced snorkelers probably won’t enjoy the crowds. There are other good snorkeling locations around the island, most notably Maunalua Bay, east of Diamond Head.

In addition to a myriad variety of reef fish and other sea creatures, O’ahu is a great location for divers to explore shipwrecks. One of the most notable wrecks is the 150+-foot Mahi which was purpose sunk in 1982 off the leeward side (south of Wai’anae) to create an artificial reef. While the diving off the North Shore is good, it is best left to experienced divers and only in summer months, at that.

Sailplanes, seaplanes, and helicopters offer aerial tours of O’ahu. Any of these will provide you with an excellent panorama of the island from a unique perspective and a chance to observe inaccessible natural areas.

Fishing is good year round in the waters surrounding O’ahu as well as all the neighboring islands. Sportfishing charters can be quite costly but can provide the thrill of a lifetime for anglers who’ve never had a deep-sea fishing experience before. Half-and full-day charters are available.

Chinatown and downtown are good places to discover on foot. Other walking tours focus on Honolulu’s historical and cultural sites, or the city’s unique architecture. The National Geographic Society offers a walking tour of historic temples and archaeological sites.

More than 180 public courts on the island cater to tennis enthusiasts. You can get a free listing of all of them from the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (586 4661). The larger resort hotels have tennis courts for use by their guests; some welcome non-guests for a fee.

With care and common sense, it’s easy to enjoy the Pacific waters, but remember that strong currents, big waves, undertow, sharp coral, and potentially dangerous sea creatures are all natural parts of Hawai’i’s environment. Also, many beaches are not staffed by lifeguards. A red flag on the beach indicates strong currents, and posted signs will alert you to other dangers.

As in the rest of the U.S., dialing 911 in Hawai’i will put you in touch with the emergency services. There are several major medical centers in Honolulu – Queen’s, Kapi’olani, and St. Francis, to name a few. There are clinics all over the island too, and resort hotels mostly have doctors on call.

Blessed with a near perfect climate all year round, Hawai’i is, however, susceptible to extreme weather and natural disasters, most notably hurricanes (from June to November), tidal waves, and earthquakes (usually benign). O’ahu’s Upcountry districts are cool throughout the year and can be very cold at the higher elevations, especially in the winter.

Good shoes are recommended, especially for serious hikers; rain forest trails can get very muddy and slick. Carry plenty of water and snacks and be absolutely sure of your route before you begin. Never hike alone and make sure someone knows where you’re going and what time you’re expected back.

The sun in the tropics is stronger than anywhere else, even when it doesn’t feel that way and even when the sky is overcast. Using sunscreen is an absolute must, as is re-application throughout the day. Fair-skinned people should wear a hat and light-colored, long-sleeved clothing where possible. And remember to drink water throughout the day.

Unfortunately, even in Paradise, theft is a problem and tourists’ rental cars are often the targets. Always lock your car, even if leaving it for just a few moments. Never leave anything of value in view. A locked trunk may not be a deterrent so, if possible, take anything of value with you. Make use of your hotel’s safes, or lock boxes in rental properties, to store cash, jewelry, traveler’s checks, and other treasures.

All hotels and most other accommodations have filtration systems so the tap water is perfectly safe unless otherwise indicated. Bottled water is handy for carrying with you on day trips. Never drink from streams, ponds, rivers, waterfalls, or freshwater pools.

Hawai’i is a very casual and, in general, an extremely safe place. All the same, you should lock your hotel room or condo – that includes balcony doors, too.

Crime is not nearly the problem it is in some other U.S. cities, but Honolulu IS a big city, and, as such, has its share of less salubrious neighborhoods. Check with your hotel concierge about neighborhoods to avoid, especially at night.

This company offers circle island tours, city sightseeing, even outlet shopping tours. Small groups, especially, will enjoy the mini-vans and mini-coaches.

Roberts has been around for a long time and is reliable for guided land tours, sightseeing cruises, lū’au , and dinner shows. Their “overnighters” are all-inclusive, economical overnight trips to neighboring islands.

This company, which tends to lead smaller groups, employs certified tour guides for their itineraries including a circle-the-island tour, Pearl Harbor, and the shopping outlets at Waikele. Mini-buses and trolleys are the modes of transport.

Visitors interested in the history and culture of the island can spend two glorious hours walking with the knowledgeable docents from NAHHA. There are two separate trails along the Waikīkī Heritage Trail, both free.

Eco-tourism is this company’s specialty. You’ll journey to places even some residents have never seen. The focus is on archaeology and pre-contact history.

Soar above the island in a quiet sail plane and enjoy the views along the spectacular North Shore. Planes take off every 20 minutes from Dillingham Airfield in Mokulē’ia.

The planes take off and land on the water; tours are narrated, and include complimentary van transportation from your hotel.

You’ll travel along the Leeward coast by Zodiac, a low-slung, motorized rubber boat that allows you to get up close to spinner dolphins and wintering whales. If conditions are right, you can even jump into the water with them! Book far in advance.

Luxury sail and power yachts are available by the hour, day or week. The company also offers group sail, snorkel and whale-watching tours.

Hawai’i is a family-friendly place. Restaurants offer keiki (child) menus, and the resort hotels have keiki programs to keep the kids busy while the adults relax. In most hotels, small children can stay in their parents’ room at no extra charge. Condos are a good, less expensive choice for families.

Camping

Hawai’i extends a warm aloha to travelers with disabilities. Due in large part to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), hotels, restaurants, and attractions provide wheelchair ramps, special parking places, and accessible restrooms. Braille translations of elevator button panels and other important signs are commonplace.

Accommodations are subject to a sales tax and room tax, so be prepared for an additional 15.5 percent on your bill. Most accommodations charge more than the standard rate for phone calls, faxes, and internet access. There may also be a daily parking charge.

At the low end of the spectrum are campsite permits, and at the high end are luxury resort suites, villas, and bungalows. Mid-price range hotel rooms are about $250 a night, while one-bedroom condos are about $200. Inns and B&Bs often have lovely rooms for $100 to $150 a night.

Travel packages typically include air and ground transportation and accommodations; some even include inter-island travel, activities, and some meals. The price usually depends on the accommodations and size of rental vehicle.

The description “ocean-front” means you will have a panoramic and unobstructed view of the blue Pacific. And you will, of course, pay a premium for it. Other descriptions include “ocean view” and “partial ocean view”. You will not be able to see the ocean from a “garden” or “mountain view room.” Some rooms have no view at all.

Frequent flier programs, corporate identification cards, and fraternal organization memberships are just a few of the ways you can avail yourself of discounted room rates. The websites of chain hotels will often offer these kinds of deals, and so will many travel agents.

Most of the resort hotels are part of famous chains, and reservations can easily be made online. Travel agents can book most accommodations available. Many hotels, condos, inns, and B&Bs have their own websites and accept reservations directly. The O’ahu Visitors Bureau can also help.

Tipping hotel personnel is usual – averages are $2 to $3 a day for housekeepers, $1 to $2 for parking valets, $1 to $2 per piece of luggage for baggage handlers, and 15% for room service servers. Most guests tip the concierge, as well, if they use their services. Everything in Hawai’i – all goods and services – is subject to 4.167% sales tax. Accommodations are taxed an additional 11.416%.