Owais Crawford
You can buy leis at Kahului Airport in Maui, with several companies offering a traditional Hawaiian lei greeting service. These companies include Ali'i Greeting Service, Hawaii Discount, and Maui Lei Greeting Service. The greeters will meet you at the airport, holding a welcome sign with your name or group name, and place a fresh flower lei around your neck. You can also buy leis from Costco when you land at the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Greeting service | Available at Kahului Airport |
| Greeting location | Bottom of the escalators before entering baggage claim |
| Greeting time | Daily from 9 am to 9 pm |
| Greeting options | Fresh flower leis, kukui nut leis, ti leaf leis, orchid leis, candy leis for children |
| Greeting prices | $20 surcharge per party for orders within 2 days of arrival |
| Greeting benefits | Assistance with directions, a warm welcome, a traditional Hawaiian experience |
| Greeting companies | Ali'i Greeting Service, Hawaii Discount, Maui Lei Greeting Service, leigreetinghawaii.com |
| Leis outside the airport | Available at Costco, resorts, and from friends and family |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy leis at the Maui airport
If you're looking to buy leis at Maui Airport, you're in luck! The airport, also known as Kahului Airport (OGG), offers a variety of options for purchasing and receiving leis. Here are some places and ways to obtain leis at the airport:
Lei Greeting Services:
Maui Airport has several lei greeting services that allow you to pre-book and reserve a lei greeting for yourself or your loved ones. These services offer a traditional Hawaiian welcome, where a friendly greeter will meet you at a designated area of the airport, usually before baggage claim, and place a fresh flower lei around your neck. You can choose from a variety of leis, including standard leis, leis for men, and candy leis for children. Some popular lei greeting services include Ali'i Leis, Maui Lei Greeting Service, and LeiGreeting.com. You can book these services online and specify your preferences ahead of time.
Retail Stores:
If you prefer to purchase leis directly, there may be retail stores within the airport that sell leis. However, specific store information at Maui Airport is limited. One traveller mentioned buying leis from Costco upon landing, which offered a more affordable option compared to the greeting services.
Resorts and Hotels:
When travelling to Maui, keep in mind that many resorts and hotels offer leis to their guests upon check-in or arrival. This is a common practice and can be a convenient way to obtain a lei without purchasing it at the airport.
Airlines:
Historically, some airlines used to provide leis to passengers arriving in Hawaii. While this practice may have decreased over time, it doesn't hurt to check with your airline to see if they offer leis upon arrival or as part of their in-flight services.
Friends and Family:
If you have friends or family in Maui, they may choose to greet you at the airport with leis. This is a traditional and meaningful way for locals to welcome visitors to the island. However, this option may not be available to everyone.
When planning to receive or purchase leis at Maui Airport, it is recommended to check the operating hours of the lei greeting services, as they may vary. Additionally, consider any applicable surcharges for last-minute bookings. By planning ahead and exploring the available options, you can ensure a memorable and authentic Hawaiian welcome.
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Greeters at Maui airport
Maui airport greeters offer a traditional Hawaiian welcome to visitors. The greeters will meet you at the airport, holding a personalised welcome sign. They will be wearing a purple aloha shirt and will place a handcrafted Hawaiian lei necklace around your neck. The lei is a symbol of Hawaiian hospitality and warmth, and it is a wonderful way to begin your holiday.
There are several companies that offer this service at Maui airport, including Ali'i Greeting Service, Hawaii Discount, and Hawaii Activities. The greeters will meet you at the bottom of the escalators before you enter the baggage claim area. You can choose from a variety of leis, including fresh flower leis, kukui nut leis, and candy leis for children. The type of flower used will depend on the season and availability.
You can book a Maui lei greeting service online before your arrival at the airport. It is important to note that the service is only available from 9 am to 9 pm, and orders must be placed at least 48 hours in advance. The cost of the service varies depending on the company, but it typically includes the lei and assistance with directions and answering any questions.
Some people choose to buy their leis from alternative sources, such as Costco, which offers a cheaper option at 2 for $15. However, the lei greeting service provides a more personalised and traditional experience, with the opportunity to select a lei that suits your preferences and the occasion for your visit.
The lei is a symbol of connection and a meaningful part of Hawaiian culture. It is a way to show your respect for the islands and their traditions. Whether you choose to book a lei greeting service or purchase a lei elsewhere, wearing a lei upon your arrival in Maui is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture and begin your Hawaiian adventure.
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Types of leis available
There are many different types of leis available, each with its own unique meaning and significance. The most common type is the single-strand orchid lei, which is often given as a welcome to visitors or as a thank you. Orchid leis are popular due to their status as the modern-day symbol of Hawaii and are suitable for everyone.
Another type of lei is the Maile lei, which is a leafy vine lei that symbolises respect, peace, and love. This type of lei is traditionally worn by the groom during wedding ceremonies. The bride, on the other hand, often wears white floral leis made from flowers like pikake or tuberose, symbolising purity and love. Head leis, known as Lei Po'o, are also worn by brides and sometimes grooms to signify honour and respect.
For those seeking a non-floral option, the kukui nut lei is a wonderful alternative. Kukui nuts, also known as candle nuts, were used as a source of light in ancient Hawaii. This long-lasting garland is a great option for those seeking a lei to wear throughout their Maui visit.
The Ti leaf lei is another non-floral option, made from fresh native green ti leaves. Symbolising prosperity and protection, this simple yet stylish lei is suitable for any event. The Hilo style of lei-making often uses ti leaves, twisting two strands together to form a rope.
Leis can also be made from a variety of other materials such as carnations, plumeria, seeds, shells, feathers, bone, nuts, and teeth. Each island in Hawaii has its own official lei, showcasing the harmony of colour and texture unique to that island.
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History and cultural significance of leis
The Hawaiian lei is a wreath or garland, often made of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, or feathers, and typically worn around the neck. In Hawaiian, the plural form of "lei" is "nā lei". The tradition of lei-making is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture, with parallels in various Polynesian and Asian cultures. On the island of Maui, lei-making is a vibrant tradition, often incorporating unique local flora such as plumeria and orchids.
The history of the lei dates back to ancient times, when Hawaiians used these flower arrangements to signify peace agreements between competing tribes. They were also worn by chiefs or ali'i to signify their elevated status and their divine connection to the gods. In modern times, leis have become a universal sign of affection, often exchanged during special occasions such as luaus, weddings, and school dances.
The lei is much more than a decorative garland; it embodies the Aloha spirit and symbolises love, honour, respect, unity, and the interconnectedness of life. Its significance is especially evident during life's milestones, such as births, graduations, weddings, and funerals, when leis are exchanged as tokens of emotional bonds and well-wishes. The art of lei-making showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of Hawaiians, blending tradition with innovation. Each lei is crafted with intention, with materials carefully chosen to convey specific meanings. For example, a Pikake flower lei may signify romantic love, while a Maile lei represents respect or honour.
The tradition of lei-making has evolved over time, adapting to the changing Hawaiian landscape and society. This evolution reflects the broader cultural history of Hawaii, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of its people. Despite the commercialisation of lei-making due to increasing global popularity, the Hawaiian community remains committed to preserving this tradition, recognising its role as a cornerstone of their cultural identity and heritage. Educational initiatives and community programs encourage Hawaiians of all ages to participate in lei-making, ensuring that this vibrant tradition is passed down through generations.
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Alternatives to buying leis at the airport
If you are looking for alternatives to buying leis at the Maui airport, there are several options available. Firstly, you can pre-book a traditional Hawaiian lei greeting service at the airport. This option allows you to be greeted by a friendly local islander wearing a purple aloha shirt, who will place a handcrafted lei around your neck as you exit the terminal and guide you towards baggage claim. You can choose from a variety of leis, including fresh flower leis, kukui nut leis, ti leaf leis, and candy leis for children. This service is a wonderful way to experience the aloha spirit and immerse yourself in the culture of Hawaii as soon as you arrive.
Secondly, you can purchase leis from various stores outside of the airport. The Maui & Lanai'i Family Guide book recommends Ooka's grocery store in Wailuku or the Safeway in Lahaina and Kihei. You can also try Longs Drug, Kmart, Walmart, or even the gift shops at the airport, which offer a selection of beautiful leis and flower bouquets. If you are looking for a good deal, the Star Market in Honokowai and Ali'i Lei in Kahului are recommended for their affordable and fresh leis.
Additionally, if you are looking for a specific type of lei, such as an orchid, carnation, or tuber rose, you may find better prices at a local grocery store or a florist outside of the resort areas. However, keep in mind that some leis, such as those made with gardenia, jade vine, or Mauna Loa, are not allowed to be taken out of Hawaii due to agricultural restrictions.
Lastly, if you are planning an event or wedding, it is essential to consider the longevity of the leis. Different flowers have varying "staying power," and refrigeration can help extend their lifespan. For a wedding, it is recommended to purchase the leis a day or two before the event to ensure they look their freshest.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy leis at the Maui airport. There are various types of leis available, including fresh flower leis, kukui nut leis, and candy leis for children. You can also pre-order leis and have them delivered to your hotel or residence in Hawaii.
The most popular choice is the classic orchid lei, a single strand of fresh orchids. Other options include leis made from ti leaves, which symbolize prosperity and protection, and leis featuring a variety of flowers based on the season and availability.
Yes, kukui nut leis are a non-floral alternative. The kukui nut, also known as a candle nut, is a long-lasting option that can be reused and makes for a great souvenir.
You can book a lei greeting service online through various websites, including HawaiiActivities.com and LeiGreeting.com. You must place your order at least 48 hours before your arrival, and the service is available daily from 9 am to 9 pm.
