Why Tipping Your Captain Matters: A Little Aloha Goes a Long Way!

The inside scoop on showing love to the folks who make your ocean adventure unforgettable.

When you hop aboard a fishing or whale watching charter in Hawaii, you’re stepping into a world powered by saltwater, sunshine, teamwork… and a seriously dedicated captain. From navigating shifting ocean conditions to finding fish, keeping everyone safe, filleting your catch, and making sure your adventure is full of Aloha, your captain is doing a LOT behind the scenes.

But here’s something many visitors don’t realize:The cost of your charter covers the boat. The tip covers the heart.

Let’s break it down — fun, easy, and island-style.

🚤 1. What You Pay Goes to the Boat — What You Tip Goes to the Captain

Fuel. Maintenance. Repairs. Dock fees. Safety gear. Insurance. Licenses.Running a charter boat is like running a floating business with endless overhead.

The charter price mainly pays for:

• Fuel (LOTS of it!)

• Keeping the boat in top shape

• Tackle & gear

• Permits, harbor fees, and maintenance

• Wear and tear from saltwater life

Your captain’s skill, time, effort, and service?That’s where tips come in — just like a server in a restaurant.

🎣 2. Your Captain Works HARD — Long Before You Arrive

People often see the fun part, but here’s reality:

• Checking weather, tides & swell forecasts

• Rigging gear before sunrise

• Cleaning the boat (again!)

• Catching or preparing bait

• Planning where the fish will likely be biting

• Greeting you with a smile and all the Aloha

Then after your trip, they:

• Clean gear

• Wash down the boat

• File safety logs

• Cut & bag your fish

• Prep for tomorrow

Your 2-hour or 4-hour charter?For the captain, it’s a 6-12 hour day. Every day.

🐟 3. Tips Show “Hey Captain, You Rock!”

When you land that big fish, hear whales singing through a hydrophone, or catch your kiddo’s first fish ever — your captain is working their ocean magic to make that moment happen.

Tips say:

• “Thanks for going above and beyond.”

• “I appreciate your passion and knowledge.”

• “You made our day amazing.”

Just like you’d tip a great server who made your meal unforgettable —your captain is serving you an experience.

🌅 4. What’s the Standard Tip for Charters?

Across the industry (Hawaii, mainland U.S., and internationally), the standard is:

💸 15–20% of the charter price

And more if the captain absolutely crushed it.

If the day was tough but your captain worked hard, stayed positive, and tried everything?A tip still shows appreciation for their dedication — not just the fish count.

🧡 5. Tipping Helps Keep Local Captains Doing What They Love

Most charter captains are small business operators or independent contractors.

Tips help them:

• Support their families

• Maintain their gear

• Cover the rising cost of fuel

• Keep charter prices reasonable for future guests

• Stay on the water (their favorite place)

Your tip truly makes a difference.

🌺 Final Thought: A Little Aloha Goes a Long Way

Your captain wants nothing more than to give you an unforgettable experience —safe, fun, full of knowledge, excitement, and memories you’ll take home forever.

Tipping is your way of saying:

“Mahalo, Captain — you made our day amazing.”

So next time you're out on the water…Smile, soak up the sun, catch some fish — and don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra Aloha.

Mahalo for supporting local captains – The Hawaii Whale Tale Tours Team 🌊💙