It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM.

That’s an excellent and practical question. The short answer is yes, you should take some cash to Hawaii, but you should not rely on it as your primary payment method.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of why, how much, and where cash is most useful:

Reasons to Bring Cash:

1. Small, Local Businesses & Food Trucks: Hawaii has amazing food trucks, fruit stands (like those for fresh pineapple or coconut), farmers’ markets, and small family-owned shops. Many of these are cash-only or offer a discount for cash to avoid credit card fees.
2. Tips: While you can add tips to credit card slips, cash is king for:
   • Hotel housekeeping (leave a few dollars per day).
   • Valet or luggage attendants.
   • Tour guides (especially on smaller, private tours).
   • Food truck servers (tip jars).
3. Small Purchases & Convenience: Buying a bottle of water from a roadside stand, an impromptu souvenir from a craft fair, or paying for parking at some rural beach lots often requires cash.
4. Cultural Sites & Donations: Some historical sites, temples (heiau), or botanical gardens may request a small cash donation for entry or maintenance.
5. Emergency Backup: In the rare event your card is lost, stolen, or not working (or if a reader is down), having cash is a crucial safety net.

Reasons to Rely on Cards (Debit/Credit):

1. Widespread Acceptance: The vast majority of hotels, restaurants, rental car agencies, grocery stores