Stupid questions about my upcoming trip

[sarbah77]

Hi all. Just returned from Amsterdam and my husband and I are leaving for Aulani on the 22nd (it was never my dream to cross 12 timezones in one month, but it's more fun than not!) and, while that was a city in a foreign country, it surfaced a few things I was hoping you experts would have answers to!

What is the cash situation off property? Like, do the smaller mom & pop places take mostly cash versus credit cards? If so, is there easy access to ATMs or are we best off bringing enough money?

edit: oh, can we use Disney gift cards? Either to pay off our bill or at the time of purchase?

What do you recommend for excursion tipping? We've booked a few and I'm just not sure what's expected. Do people do a flat dollar amount? A percentage of the cost? Do you break it down between driver and tour guide (if they're separate)? We're doing group tours, I'd like to note, so we expect there will be other couples and families on these.

I made Diamond Head reservations for second day (since we won't have acclimated to the time switch) and figured we'd just kind of meander our way back to Aulani via UberLyftTaxi. We're staying in a studio, so we don't need a lot of groceries, so would it be more logical to pick up what we need at a grocery store like Foodland or do you think it's worth the convenience to have it delivered? Our first day will be a resort day, aka what time is it oh let's lie on the beach.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

I never used cash in Oahu other than customary tipping. I believe most of the mom & pop places accept credit cards. I usually check Yelp or TripAdvisor reviews of dining before eating there, and usually, they disclose if cash only.

Grocery shopping is so mundane and time-consuming on vacation. Typically I stay in a studio on all my Disney trips, and I always get groceries delivered for breakfast, lunch, snacks, alcohol, and drinks. I recommend Foodland in Kapolei for delivery.

 

[MainStreetMouse]

Great questions, not stupid at all.

We will be visiting Aulani in January 2023 and look forward to reading all replies to your questions. We were in Amsterdam a couple of years ago, loved it there, and always had to be on guard making sure we did not walk into bicycle lanes while there.

It will only be a 6-hour time difference for us when we arrive in Hawaii, heading to Maui first for a couple of nights to explore whale watching (bucket list item). We then will travel to Oahu for 12 nights at Aulani. We have a car rented (not cheap) but will be able to pick up items from Costco and Foodland. planning daily trips around the island to explore.

 

[Paul Stupin]

Hi all. Just returned from Amsterdam and my husband and I are leaving for Aulani on the 22nd (it was never my dream to cross 12 timezones in one month, but it's more fun than not!) and, while that was a city in a foreign country, it surfaced a few things I was hoping you experts would have answers to!

What is the cash situation off property? Like, do the smaller mom & pop places take mostly cash versus credit cards? If so, is there easy access to ATMs or are we best off bringing enough money?

edit: oh, can we use Disney gift cards? Either to pay off our bill or at the time of purchase?

What do you recommend for excursion tipping? We've booked a few and I'm just not sure what's expected. Do people do a flat dollar amount? A percentage of the cost? Do you break it down between driver and tour guide (if they're separate)? We're doing group tours, I'd like to note, so we expect there will be other couples and families on these.

I made Diamond Head reservations for second day (since we won't have acclimated to the time switch) and figured we'd just kind of meander our way back to Aulani via UberLyftTaxi. We're staying in a studio, so we don't need a lot of groceries, so would it be more logical to pick up what we need at a grocery store like Foodland or do you think it's worth the convenience to have it delivered? Our first day will be a resort day, aka what time is it oh let's lie on the beach.

There’s also a very well equipped ABC store (huge Hawaiian chain, stocks souvenirs, takeout food, sushi, sunscreen, groceries etc) right across the street from Aulani in a little shopping area. You might want to check that out before trekking off to a supermarket.

 

[sarbah77]

Great questions, not stupid at all.

We will be visiting Aulani in January 2023 and look forward to reading all replies to your questions. We were in Amsterdam a couple of years ago, loved it there, and always had to be on guard making sure we did not walk into bicycle lanes while there.

It will only be a 6-hour time difference for us when we arrive in Hawaii, heading to Maui first for a couple of nights to explore whale watching (bucket list item). We then will travel to Oahu for 12 nights at Aulani. We have a car rented (not cheap) but will be able to pick up items from Costco and Foodland. planning daily trips around the island to explore.

Haha I meant that it was 6 hours ahead in Amsterdam and 6 hours behind in Oahu, so 12 hours in a month.

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

It’s not a foreign country, so you can expect similar practices and facilities to just about any other state. Plenty of ATMs, cash or credit at 98% of the businesses. It’s funny, now instead of cash only, I’m seeing more credit card only due to Covid and the change shortages.

You can use gift cards, but you have to apply them at least the day before you’re supposed to check out - for DVC members at least. They basically close out the bill the night before checkout, so they need to have the gift card info ahead of time.

 

[varyth]

You can use gift cards, but you have to apply them at least the day before you’re supposed to check out - for DVC members at least. They basically close out the bill the night before checkout, so they need to have the gift card info ahead of time.

New DVC owner here and this would have been so helpful to know before our first trip. I had some left over gift cards and kept forgetting to bring them down to the front desk. Was going to swing by at check-out until I saw they settled the bill at 2AM the morning of.

 

[sarbah77]

It’s not a foreign country, so you can expect similar practices and facilities to just about any other state. Plenty of ATMs, cash or credit at 98% of the businesses. It’s funny, now instead of cash only, I’m seeing more credit card only due to Covid and the change shortages.

You can use gift cards, but you have to apply them at least the day before you’re supposed to check out - for DVC members at least. They basically close out the bill the night before checkout, so they need to have the gift card info ahead of time.

I mean, most places overseas only took cards but not American Express (we knew this) and mostly contactless (which our non-AmEx hadn't switched to), so it was a bit of a struggle at times. Like, at one point, we had to rent a locker but it was contactless only.... and so we learned that Google Play worked. Whew. Then by the time we were out of cash, we ended up at a place that didn't accept anything but Dutch bank cards and most of the region had removed ATMs because cash is so rare. Definitely a learning experience all around. (On the other hand, with the dollar being worth more than the euro, it was pretty nice)

While Hawaii is in the US and it is a tourist area, I just want to be as prepared as I can. I've heard that some shave ice places are cash only. If that's the norm, then I want to be sure we've got the cash on hand for it and other food places. We often, for example, hop a plane to visit my parents and realize we have $20 cash between us and rarely need more. But we're going to be doing excursions and will need cash for tipping, so we clearly need more than $20, and don't want an episode like the place(s) above.

(Also, I didn't even like the meal. Figures.)

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

New DVC owner here and this would have been so helpful to know before our first trip. I had some left over gift cards and kept forgetting to bring them down to the front desk. Was going to swing by at check-out until I saw they settled the bill at 2AM the morning of.

Ouch! When we checked in the cast member informed us of that policy, and then my wife reminded me the night before we checked out. Good thing too, because I’ve been hoarding $$$ on my visa rewards card.

 

[TheHulamuffins]

If someone could suggest customary tipping, that would be really helpful to us--especially for Charley's Taxi, Uber, Lyft, people on the excursion boats, people driving coaches to tourist spots (e.g., Polynesian Cultural Center, basically day-long trip). For restaurants and assistance with luggage, I would tip as I normally do in the continental US, unless there are different expectations in Hawaii.

 

[Beer Me]

If someone could suggest customary tipping, that would be really helpful to us--especially for Charley's Taxi, Uber, Lyft, people on the excursion boats, people driving coaches to tourist spots (e.g., Polynesian Cultural Center, basically day-long trip). For restaurants and assistance with luggage, I would tip as I normally do in the continental US, unless there are different expectations in Hawaii.

Expectations are the same as anywhere else in the US.

Taxis and Ubers usually 10-20% (i would tip minimum $5 for cheap rides though).

For excursion drivers and guides it’s totally up to you. There isn’t really a standard. Some people won’t tip at all so I’m sure anything is appreciated.

 

[TikiThunderPirates]

And figured we'd just kind of meander our way back to Aulani via UberLyftTaxi.

I just wanted to point out that getting an Uber, Lyft or Taxi in Hawaii is not always as easy as you might expect. It can be depending on the area you are in, and if a driver wants to accept. It can also be really challenging (trying to get an Uber or Taxi on Kauai was one of the most challenging transportation situations I've encountered in all my travels). Have patience or a back up plan. It can work just fine also. Had no issue getting a pick ui at Pearl Harbor. Basically don't expect it to be instant always.

 

[Unclelude]

New DVC owner here and this would have been so helpful to know before our first trip. I had some left over gift cards and kept forgetting to bring them down to the front desk. Was going to swing by at check-out until I saw they settled the bill at 2AM the morning of.

Heh, this must happen often... Us too on our first stay... I made them refund my credit card and take the gift cards in the morning when I checked out. They were cool about it... Now it's like a late night before checkout ritual ... Ive usually had a few which makes it even more fun messing with the CMs

 

[WAstateDVCDaddy]

Heh, this must happen often... Us too on our first stay... I made them refund my credit card and take the gift cards in the morning when I checked out. They were cool about it... Now it's like a late night before checkout ritual ... Ive usually had a few which makes it even more fun messing with the CMs

You could also consolidate the gift cards online and make the process easier for everyone….

 

[TheHulamuffins]

Thanks for the suggestions on tipping. We are from fly-over country, so I am not really familiar with expectations for tipping on the coasts or in big cities. Around here, a few restaurants still have a check-box to tip 10%. . I know that is long past--my parents used to tip at that level, when it was actually customary. Now, we normally tip 20% at restaurants, or 25-30% when the service is exceptional. On very rare occasions I have had comparatively expensive shuttle trips (like once every four years), when 20% of the trip fare would have been more than $50. That seems a little over the top to me, but perhaps I should have tipped at that level?

 

[TheHulamuffins]

Oh, incidentally, we were at Aulani some years ago, and they recommended Charley's Taxi to us. So I have been reserving their service for airport pick-up/drop-off, etc.

 

[TikiThunderPirates]

Oh, incidentally, we were at Aulani some years ago, and they recommended Charley's Taxi to us. So I have been reserving their service for airport pick-up/drop-off, etc.

They are great for Aulani/Airport runs for sure.

 

[abdgeek]

Hi all. Just returned from Amsterdam and my husband and I are leaving for Aulani on the 22nd (it was never my dream to cross 12 timezones in one month, but it's more fun than not!) and, while that was a city in a foreign country, it surfaced a few things I was hoping you experts would have answers to!

What is the cash situation off property? Like, do the smaller mom & pop places take mostly cash versus credit cards? If so, is there easy access to ATMs or are we best off bringing enough money?

edit: oh, can we use Disney gift cards? Either to pay off our bill or at the time of purchase?

What do you recommend for excursion tipping? We've booked a few and I'm just not sure what's expected. Do people do a flat dollar amount? A percentage of the cost? Do you break it down between driver and tour guide (if they're separate)? We're doing group tours, I'd like to note, so we expect there will be other couples and families on these.

I made Diamond Head reservations for second day (since we won't have acclimated to the time switch) and figured we'd just kind of meander our way back to Aulani via UberLyftTaxi. We're staying in a studio, so we don't need a lot of groceries, so would it be more logical to pick up what we need at a grocery store like Foodland or do you think it's worth the convenience to have it delivered? Our first day will be a resort day, aka what time is it oh let's lie on the beach.

I was in Hawaii in June/July of this year and December of last year. Since the pandemic, I’ve noticed that more restaurants are now cashless. As OP have suggested, review the websites of restaurants you want to visit to see what their current policy is. Some restaurants aren’t providing physical menus, just QR codes for ordering. Some restaurants now have you order and pay in an app.

Excursion tipping is always at your discretion. Most tours will ask for tips at the end, but whether or not you do so is up to you. For example, if you do a snorkeling tour and give a tip it is usually split amongst the entire crew(you’re not expected to tip all the crew on the boat individually). If you do a tour with one guide, the guide keeps the entire tip. Whether or not you tip the driver is up to you. Most people don’t, but do what makes you comfortable.

The ABC Store across the street from Aulani has everything you should need for a studio. They don’t stock everything, but they have the staples and prepared foods. For example, they may or may not have instant oatmeal but they will have cold cereal. Depending on where you’re from, most people feel Hawaii prices are high. I always bring some cash with me when I travel to use for smaller food purchases (under $20) and tips. Have a great trip!

 

[sarbah77]

I was in Hawaii in June/July of this year and December of last year. Since the pandemic, I’ve noticed that more restaurants are now cashless. As OP have suggested, review the websites of restaurants you want to visit to see what their current policy is. Some restaurants aren’t providing physical menus, just QR codes for ordering. Some restaurants now have you order and pay in an app.

Excursion tipping is always at your discretion. Most tours will ask for tips at the end, but whether or not you do so is up to you. For example, if you do a snorkeling tour and give a tip it is usually split amongst the entire crew(you’re not expected to tip all the crew on the boat individually). If you do a tour with one guide, the guide keeps the entire tip. Whether or not you tip the driver is up to you. Most people don’t, but do what makes you comfortable.

The ABC Store across the street from Aulani has everything you should need for a studio. They don’t stock everything, but they have the staples and prepared foods. For example, they may or may not have instant oatmeal but they will have cold cereal. Depending on where you’re from, most people feel Hawaii prices are high. I always bring some cash with me when I travel to use for smaller food purchases (under $20) and tips. Have a great trip!

Thank you for this thorough reply! I appreciate it! 4 days to go!

 

[sarbah77]

Replying to myself on check out day, here -

Most places did take credit cards. A lot of the small places that excursions brought you to - the mom&pop stands etc - did only take cash, though we saw the occasional one that took Venmo.

We did use Disney gift cards at the time of purchase, so that was no big deal for us; mostly at Ulu Cafe and occasionally at the gift shop. Also, standard Disney rules: if you see it at the Gift Shop (and it's clothes) and want it, buy it. Still some supply chain/sizes issues.

The poster who said the ABC store would be enough for our studio room was correct. We didn't need much, in the end, so it worked out. We also found Disney's prices competitive to the ABC store and occasionally better (like with the pineapple chunks).

Getting to Diamond Head was more effort and cost than we anticipated. Charley's Taxi was priced at $110. We found an Uber XL for under $80 and our driver, Ginger, was a little offbeat but full of very helpful information about visiting the island. From there, the Waikiki Trolley was $12 and pretty much brought you right to the main drag in Waikiki, which we decided would be fun to visit. And it was. Then we took an Uber back to our resort. I will note that we requested the Uber at 6:30am, so yes, the driver picked us up and drove us there during rush hour traffic.

Uber was PLENTIFUL when we needed them - to Diamond Head, from Waikiki to Aulani, to dinner, etc. It was an easy enough way to get around for those of us without cars.

As for tipping on excursions, I'd say no more than half the people on our excursions tipped at all, which seemed odd to me. On the other hand, not a single one - we did one Surf Bus and two Enoa - ever laid it on thick about gratuity being appreciated, which we've always had everywhere else.

Okay, I think those are the answers to my questions. Hopefully, they answer someone else's, as well.