Ruth Haines
Honolulu International Airport, also known as Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, offers a traditional Hawaiian lei greeting service. Lei stands are located on the left side of the airport entry road before Terminal 1, and in the baggage claim area. Leis can also be purchased from florist shops and carts in the terminals. While some sources claim that the airport's leis are overpriced and not as fresh as those found in lei stands outside the airport, the airport's lei greeting service is generally well-received, with greeters offering assistance to baggage claim and recommendations for things to do on Oahu.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Greeting service | Greeters will meet you at the baggage claim area wearing a purple or turquoise-dark-blue aloha shirt and holding a sign with your name on it. |
| Lei types | Single-strand orchid leis, kukui nut and ti leaf leis, candy leis, and flower leis. |
| Lei pricing | Leis at the airport are overpriced. |
| Lei freshness | Leis at the airport are not as fresh as the ones in the lei stands. |
| Lei stands | Lei stands are located on the left side of the airport entry road before Terminal 1 and outside baggage claim. |
| Lei greeting services | Greeting services can be pre-arranged before arrival. |
| Lei availability | Leis are also available from florist shops and carts in the terminals. |
| Lei delivery | Leis can be delivered to the guest's hotel if an airport greeting is not possible. |
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What You'll Learn
Lei greeting services at Honolulu Airport
There are several companies offering lei greeting services at Honolulu Airport, including Hawaii Discount, VELTRA, and Fly Shuttle & Tours. You can reserve a Hawaiian lei greeting for yourself or as a gift for someone else, such as honeymooners or first-time visitors to Oahu. When booking, you may be able to choose from a variety of lei options, including standard leis, leis for men, kukui nut leis, and kid-friendly candy leis. Some companies also offer add-ons such as kukui nut bracelets or a shuttle service to Waikiki area hotels.
It is recommended to book your lei greeting service in advance, especially if you are arriving within 48 hours, as some companies charge a surcharge for last-minute bookings. When you arrive at the airport, you can expect to find your greeter just before entering the baggage claim area. They will be wearing a distinctive shirt and holding a sign with your name or group name. If you are running late or need assistance, most companies provide a local phone number you can call.
In addition to the lei greeting services, you can also purchase leis directly from lei stands located outside the airport terminals. These stands are generally open from 6 am to 10 pm and offer a wide selection of fresh leis at fair prices. However, some travellers have noted that the leis available inside the airport terminal can be overpriced and not as fresh as those found at the lei stands or in Chinatown.
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Where to buy leis at the airport
Greeting visitors with a lei is an important tradition at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. Lei stands are located on the left side of the airport entry road before Terminal 1, and they are generally open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can also find lei greeters in the baggage claim area, and at kiosks and shops in the terminals.
If you want to buy a lei before you arrive at the airport, you can reserve a Hawaiian lei greeting online. Your greeter will meet you just prior to entering the baggage claim area, and you can choose from a variety of leis, including standard leis, leis for men, and kid-friendly candy leis. If you are ordering within two days of arrival, there is a surcharge per party, and only "Standard" Leis are available.
If you are unable to arrange a lei greeting in advance, you can purchase a lei at the airport. Lei stands are located outside baggage claim along the loop road near the International Parking Garage, and there are also family-owned lei makers like Harriet's Lei Stand, Dorothy's Lei Stand, and Rachel's Lei Stand. You can also find lei shops in the terminals, but the selection is limited and the prices are higher.
In addition to the airport, there are several other places to buy leis in Honolulu. Waikiki's Duke Lane Market and Eatery on Kuhio offers fresh leis, and there are also lei shops in Honolulu's Chinatown. If you are staying at a luxury hotel, you may also receive a lei greeting at check-in or when you attend a luau.
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Types of leis available
Greeters at the Honolulu International Airport offer a selection of leis to visitors, including standard leis, leis for men, and kid-friendly candy leis. The type of flower used in a lei varies depending on the season and availability, but popular options include dendrobium orchids, carnations, plumerias, tuberose, and pikake. Orchid leis are a good option for those who prefer fragrance-free leis.
The standard lei is a single strand of flowers, while the deluxe lei is a more lavish option with three times the number of flowers. For couples or honeymooners, there are special sets of deluxe leis available, which typically start at $75 per set.
If you're travelling with a group, you can choose a unique lei for each person, with prices starting at $39. For larger groups, there are options to accommodate everyone.
In addition to the flower leis, you can also find nut leis and candy leis at the airport.
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History of the lei greeting tradition
The tradition of giving and receiving a lei, a garland or wreath, is a powerful symbol of Hawaiian identity and culture. The lei custom was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers who travelled from Tahiti, navigating by the stars in sailing canoes. Leis were originally made from flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, and even bone and teeth from various animals.
In ancient Hawaiian society, leis were more than just adornments; they were used to express love, respect, honour, friendship, and appreciation. They were also indicators of social status, with Hawaiian royalty often wearing elaborate leis crafted from rare and precious materials, such as the lei hulu, made from bird feathers. Leis were also used to distinguish status, honour achievements, and offer protection.
The act of giving and receiving a lei is a gesture of goodwill, connecting people through the spirit of "aloha", which is central to Hawaiian identity. The tradition of lei-giving is a regular part of any special occasion, such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and graduations. With the advent of tourism in the islands, the lei quickly became a symbol of Hawaii to visitors worldwide. During the early 1900s, arriving vacationers were greeted with leis by friendly locals as they disembarked from luxury liners, and this tradition continued with the arrival of planes.
Today, visitors can still experience a traditional flower lei greeting at the airport, where greeters welcome them with a warm "aloha" and adorn them with fresh leis. The lei-making tradition is deeply valued by the Hawaiian community, who are committed to preserving it through educational initiatives and community programs, ensuring that it remains an essential part of Hawaiian culture and its future.
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Alternatives to an airport lei greeting
Lei greetings are a well-known custom at Honolulu International Airport. Greeters wearing traditional Hawaiian attire and holding a personalised welcome sign wait for travellers before they enter the baggage claim area. The greeters welcome visitors with a fresh flower lei and embody the spirit of 'aloha'.
If you are looking for alternatives to an airport lei greeting, here are some options:
Kukui Nut Lei
A non-floral alternative to a traditional flower lei is a Kukui Nut Lei. These leis are made from traditional Hawaiian nuts and are known for their glossy, long-lasting quality. Kukui nut leis can be purchased at the airport or ordered in advance as part of a lei greeting service.
Candy Lei
Candy leis are a fun alternative, especially for children, but can also be enjoyed by adults. The type of candy varies in each lei, offering a delightful treat for all ages. Like the Kukui Nut Lei, candy leis can be purchased at the airport or included in a pre-arranged lei greeting service.
Ti Leaf Lei
A Ti Leaf Lei is a braided green leaf lei that is considered a good luck charm in Hawaiian culture. This type of lei can be a unique alternative to a traditional flower lei and can be purchased at the airport or included in a lei greeting package.
Deluxe Lei
For a more extravagant option, a Deluxe Lei offers three times the amount of flowers compared to a standard single-strand lei. This lavish choice is perfect for those seeking a more premium experience. Deluxe leis can be requested when booking a lei greeting service or purchased directly from lei stands at the airport.
Greeter-only Service
While a lei greeting is a wonderful tradition, you may opt for a greeter-only service. The greeter can welcome you with the spirit of 'aloha', assist with baggage claim, and provide recommendations for things to do during your stay. This option is ideal if you prefer a more low-key arrival experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy leis at the Honolulu Airport. There are lei stands on the way into the airport, outside baggage claim, and in the airport terminal.
Lei stands are located on the left side of the airport entry road before Terminal 1. In Terminal 1, there is a kiosk across from Gate A18. In Terminal 2, shops are located near Gates F1 and F2 and between Gates E2 and E1.
Yes, you can reserve a lei greeting at the airport. Greeters will meet you before entering the baggage claim area, wearing an aloha shirt and holding a sign with your name on it.
There are many different lei options at the airport, including simple single-strand orchid leis, kukui nut leis, ti leaf leis, and candy leis for kids. The most popular flowers used in leis are plumeria, orchid, carnation, and pikake.
