Roberta Aguirre
Honolulu International Airport offers a traditional Hawaiian lei greeting service, where you can be welcomed at your arrival gate by a friendly greeter wearing Hawaiian attire and offering assistance with your luggage. You can also reserve a Hawaiian lei greeting for yourself or as a gift for someone else in advance. If you would rather buy a lei yourself, there are lei stands and shops located in Terminals 1 and 2 of the airport, as well as kiosks and carts in the baggage claim area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lei Greeting Services | Available at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport |
| Lei Greeting Location | Before entering the baggage claim area |
| Lei Greeting Reservation | Possible with a $15 surcharge for last-minute bookings |
| Lei Greeting Timing | Greeters wait for late flights; Leis delivered to hotels if greeting isn't possible |
| Lei Types | Standard, Deluxe, Kukui Nut Bracelet, Flower, Orchid, Plumeria, Pikake, Carnation, Tuberose, Candy, Kukui Nut and Ti Leaf |
| Lei Stands | Located outside Terminal 1; Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
| Lei Shops | Available in Terminals 1 and 2, near Gates A18, F1, F2, E2, and E1 |
| Lei Carts | Rotating carts in baggage claim areas |
| Lei Availability | Lei stands, shops, and carts at the airport; Waikiki, Chinatown, and lei makers outside the airport |
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What You'll Learn
Lei stands at the airport
Lei stands are located on the left side of the airport entry road before Terminal 1 at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. The stands are generally open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and sell a variety of leis made from different types of flowers, including plumeria, orchid, carnation, and pikake. Orchid flowers are popular with those who prefer fragrance-free leis.
In addition to the lei stands outside the airport, you can also find lei greeting services inside the airport. These services can be pre-arranged before your arrival, and the greeter will usually meet you at the baggage claim area with a sign and a fresh Hawaiian lei. There are also shops and kiosks selling leis inside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. However, some travellers have noted that the leis inside the airport tend to be more expensive and not as fresh as those from the lei stands outside.
If you are looking for a specific type of lei or have a special request, it may be worth reserving a lei greeting service in advance. This way, you can ensure that your request is accommodated and that someone will be there to greet you upon your arrival. When booking a lei greeting service, be sure to look for specific instructions and follow any recommended arrival procedures.
For those who are not interested in a lei greeting service but still want to experience the tradition of wearing a lei, purchasing a lei from the stands outside the airport or from the shops inside may be a better option. This way, you can choose your favourite lei and wear it as you explore the airport and the surrounding areas. Whether you choose a lei greeting or purchase a lei on your own, the tradition of exchanging leis is a wonderful way to embrace the aloha spirit of Hawaii.
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Lei greeting services
Location
The lei greeters are typically located just before you enter the baggage claim area at Honolulu International Airport. For domestic arrivals, the greeter will be at the baggage claim carousel, while for international arrivals, they will be curbside outside the Customs and Agriculture doors. Greeters can be identified by their distinctive attire, often wearing aloha shirts in colours like turquoise, purple, or black, and holding a personalised sign with your name on it.
Timing
It is recommended to book your lei greeting service in advance. Some companies offer last-minute bookings, but there may be a surcharge for reservations made within 48 hours of the requested time. If your flight is delayed, the lei greeters will usually wait as long as they are able, and if an airport greeting becomes impossible, they will deliver the leis to your hotel.
Lei Options
The lei greeters offer a variety of options to suit different preferences and occasions. You can choose from standard leis, leis for men, kid-friendly candy leis, or even deluxe leis with more flowers. The leis are typically made from fresh flowers, with popular choices including dendrobium orchids, carnations, plumerias, tuberose, and pikake. Orchid leis are also a good option for those who prefer a fragrance-free lei.
Additional Services
Some lei greeting services provide additional offerings to enhance your experience. You may be able to add a kukui nut bracelet to your lei greeting order. Shuttle services to Waikiki area hotels can also be arranged separately, but they typically do not include the lei greeting service.
Pricing
The price of lei greeting services can vary, and it is recommended to compare prices from different providers. While some travellers have mentioned that the leis available inside the airport terminals may be more expensive and less fresh, others have praised the lei stands outside the airport for offering a good selection at inexpensive prices.
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Lei shops in Chinatown
Honolulu's Chinatown is home to several lei shops, including community staples such as Cindy's Lei Shoppe and Lin's Lei Shop.
Cindy's Lei Shoppe has been a family-owned business for over 65 years, sharing the beauty and tradition of leis with folks in Hawaii and around the world. The shop has been recognised as a landmark in Chinatown and is one of the oldest lei stands in Hawaii. They offer a variety of leis, including seasonal items and new lei offerings. They also provide convenient services such as curbside pickup.
Lin's Lei Shop, located on the corner of Maunkea and King in Chinatown, is another popular choice for locals. They offer a range of leis, including ginger lei, Haku lei, open lei, and Maile lei. Lin's Lei Shop is known for its reasonable prices and fresh, well-made leis. They also have a social media presence, where they post specials and other flowers available in the store.
In addition to these shops, there are other lei vendors in and around Chinatown, such as Nita's Leis & Flower Shoppe, which offers a large selection of lei varieties. For those seeking shell leis, Maui Hands, located near Chinatown, features pieces from acclaimed Niihau lei makers.
For travellers passing through Honolulu International Airport, there are also options to purchase leis. Lei Stands are located on the left side of the airport entry road before Terminal 1, and floral greetings can be pre-arranged with lei greeting services.
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Waikiki's Dukes Lane Market and Eatery
When it comes to dining, Dukes Lane Market and Eatery presents a variety of options to satisfy any craving. Basalt Waikiki, one of the prominent restaurants within the market, stands out for its mouthwatering ribeye steak, offering a delicious meal at a price that's hard to beat compared to other Waikiki beach restaurants. The restaurant's rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Opentable, based on over 2000 reviews, speaks to its consistent quality and popularity.
For those seeking a more casual bite, Maui Hands is a great option, featuring an array of styles, including shell lei, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. You'll find an impressive selection of lei crafted by acclaimed Niihau lei makers like Kaleialoha Roback. Maui Hands has four convenient locations, making it easily accessible.
In addition to its culinary offerings, Dukes Lane Market and Eatery also boasts a range of unique shops. One notable mention is Na Mea Hawaii, a coveted destination for those seeking the prized Niihau lei on Oahu. Here, you'll find a carefully curated assortment of these cherished lei, each meticulously crafted over decades with tiny shells sourced from the island's shores and expertly drilled and strung by skilled artisans.
Whether you're a hungry traveller seeking a delectable meal or a souvenir hunter on the prowl for a unique Hawaiian memento, Waikiki's Dukes Lane Market and Eatery is a one-stop destination that promises to delight all your senses and provide a true taste of Hawaiian culture and hospitality.
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Florist shops and carts in the Terminals
If you're looking to buy a lei at the Honolulu International Airport, you can find them at the florist shops and carts located inside the terminals.
In Terminal 1, there is a lei kiosk across from Gate A18. In Terminal 2, shops are located near Gates F1 and F2, and between Gates E2 and E1. There is also a shop inside security checkpoint 4, across from the Duty-Free shops, and a cart that rotates through baggage claims 16-31 as flights arrive.
The lei on offer inside the terminals are reportedly overpriced and not as fresh as those found at the lei stands outside the airport. However, if you are short on time, the florist shops and carts in the terminals are a convenient option.
For a more traditional and memorable experience, you may prefer to arrange a lei greeting. Lei greeters will meet you before you enter the baggage claim area, holding a personalised welcome sign. They will welcome you with a fresh flower lei and offer assistance with your luggage. This can be a wonderful way to start your Hawaiian vacation and experience the aloha spirit.
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Frequently asked questions
Lei stands are located on the left side of the airport entry road before Terminal 1. Lei are also available from florist shops and carts in the Terminals. In Terminal 1, a kiosk is located across Gate A18. In Terminal 2, shops are located near Gates F1 and F2 and between Gates E2 and E1, inside security checkpoint 4 across from Duty-Free Shops, and from a cart that rotates through Baggage Claims 16-31 as flights arrive.
Lei are made from many kinds of flowers, but the most popular are plumeria, orchid, carnation, and pikake. Specialty lei are also available. Orchid flowers are popular with those who like fragrance-free lei. You can also request a kukui nut bracelet to go with your lei.
Yes, you can pre-arrange a lei greeting service at the airport. Greeters will be wearing distinctive aloha shirts and holding a sign with your name on it. You can also book a shuttle service to your hotel at the same time.
