We have half a day left in kauai before our flight back to Honolulu in the afternoon. Due to road closure and poor weather, we decided not to try the Kalalau lookout again. We first visited two waterfalls. The Opaekaa falls supposedly is a must do and is just 8 min from our hotel. It was a big disappointment since the lookout is so far away and the falls is so puny. The next one which wasn't on tour book list is Wailua falls. This is much more decent. We even got our unexpected breakfast there: a lady vendor was selling very ripe passion fruits 4 for $1 plus her home baked mango, coconut, and chocolate loaf for $5. They were very good, esp. the passion fruits which were actually sweet, not sour like those sold in market.
We visited an interesting historic town we drove by yesterday: Koloa. The houses and old town were all well preserved and documented the lives of previous generation, mostly Japanese and Chinese immigrants who came here to work on the sugar plantations. The trees which were planted 100 years ago are now so hugh!
Last spot we visited is the harbour of Lihue. Despite it's a working harbour, the beach there is still very scenic. We stroked up an interesting conversation with a young man there. Originally from Texas and now taking a leave of absence of several months to come vacationing here, he got a room for $900/mo. He bought a 4th or 5th hand scooter to get around the island carrying his surf board. He's digging for turmeric as a living. He rented out his house in Texas in the meantime. Work style of our next generation!
Flight to Honolulu was uneventful but the trip to hotel is not. It's the first time we tried airport shuttle in HNL. The trip only costs $19 for the two of us, a great deal comparing to taxis or even other shuttle companies. We waited at the wrong spot initially due to unclear instructions. Glad he didn't drive off. After failing to pick up a second booked passenger, we had our own private shuttle!
The hotel Ala Moana is only ok, very bland decoration. The city view is incredible though, esp. at night. Like many in this city, it's a combination of hotel and private condos. Housekeeping staffs are all unionized and their pay is $31 including benefits!🤑😱. No wonder hotels here are so expensive!
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