Eye of the Flyer reader Sandy just returned from the LAX to Lihue mileage run we published in June. (And by “just returned,” I mean that she sent this to me as she was on her way back from the airport this morning!)
So if you’re taking the run, here are some tips Sandy graciously shared with us.
She visited the iconic Duke’s Kauai restaurant, which isn’t far from the airport. Here’s how she got there and back to LIH.
-
I tried to call for a cab to go to the Marriott (where Duke’s is located), and their response was “use the free shuttle.” The taxi company provided the Marriott’s phone number and said, “just call them, they will come out.” (Here’s the number: 808-245-5050) So, I did just that and hopped a ride! The same driver gave me a ride back. The shuttle driver never asked if I was staying at the property.
-
I ate dinner at Duke’s Barefoot Bar. There was a minimal wait at 5 PM. There were open tables in the dining room, but they were on a 20-minute wait. I am guessing because they didn’t have the staff. Since the bar had open seating, I opted for that. Plus, I had a nice view of the water. I wasn’t sure how fast/slow service would be thought I might have better luck at the bar. Bonus: it was also “Duke’s Birthday” so mai tais were $10 (vs $15) woot woot!
-
I returned to LIH airport around 6:45 PM, since I wasn’t sure how long/short the TSA line would be. It was minimal and I was through within 15 minutes.
-
There is a small, enclosed food place that has air conditioning. There are lots of tables and I sat in there for a while, because it was cooler than sitting outside.
-
Now that I know service is decent at Duke’s and TSA isn’t bad, I would definitely stay longer at Duke’s. I even might pack a bathing suit and go for a quick dip in the ocean.
Thanks for the great tips, Sandy!
I was scheduled to take the run this week. But my wife and I gave in and canceled at the last minute. Now I’m even more bitter that we didn’t go.
But if you’re taking the trip, have a great time! And make me even more jealous: share your pictures on social media and tag us!
- Instagram: @EyeOfTheFlyer
- Twitter: @EyeOfTheFlyer and @EliteMileageRun
- Facebook: Eye of the Flyer
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
I just took the milage run from MIA to MAD via Mexico City on AeroMexico. Great trip especially on the run from MEX to MAD on the 787-900 business class. Actually stayed 2 days, stayed at the nearby Marriott Convention Center near the airport and toured for 2 days. 2 1/2 hr layover in MEX. Most significant issue was to ensure that I had the covid test to clear through MEX to MIA. Actually had the covid test at the nearby CVS in MIA prior to departure and was within the 3 days prior to departure to fall within the defined criteria for the departure from MAD. Run MIA-MEX-MAD-MEX-MIA.
Thanks for the report and tips, Joseph!