Generous patrons leave waitress life changing tip

HONOLULU (KTVU, KHON) - A little small talk with customers led to one big tip, and then some for a waitress in Hawaii

Waitress Cayla Chandara said she still can't believe it after receiving the tip of a lifetime from a generous couple.

Chandara has been pulling double duty as a waitress at two restaurants, the Cheesecake Factory and Noi Thai Cuisine in Waikiki.

She said she hit it off with a couple from Australia at Noi Thai and ended up chatting with them quite a bit.

After a good meal and great conversation, the man and woman paid their two hundred dollar bill and left.

The waitress was shocked to see they left behind a tip for $400.

"I just thought it was so generous of them, I never get tipped that big. I had to say thank you. During dinner they told me where they were staying," Chandara said.

She was so moved by their generous gesture, she ended up sending a thank you note, desserts, and flowers to their hotel. 

But the couple's generosity didn't end with that enormous tip.

The next day, the man and woman came back to the restaurant and offered to help pay off Chandara's student loans and debt-- more than $10,000.

"I was at a loss for words," Chandara said.

She said she's heard of other stories like this, but never thought it would happen to her.

The couple wanted to remain anonymous but told their new friend that the best way to thank them is by being her best possible self.

Chandara said she does not want to disappoint: "I wanna make them proud, I will take this opportunity with an open heart and be a better person that I can be everyday."

The waitress said she plans to return to school to study liberal arts and business.