Heading to Oahu and want to get a lei when you land? Scroll to learn exactly how to book a lei greeting in Honolulu as well as tips and tricks for making your lei last!
This guide to how to book a lei greeting in Honolulu Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Do you want to make your next trip to Oahu especially memorable?
You’ve been planning your dream vacation to Hawaii, and you want to go all out. Give your family a treat and book a lei greeting in Honolulu when you arrive at the airport!
You might be dreaming of the classic aloha welcome to the islands with a garland of flowers being draped around your neck. But you should know that it takes just a little planning these days!
Whether you’ve been to the islands too many times to count or you’re planning a special trip, you can set the tone with this special Hawaiian tradition.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about booking an Oahu airport lei greeting.
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Hawaii blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Oahu.
Popular Oahu Tours/Activities
- Kualoa Ranch UTV Tour (this is a fun adventure with the prettiest views)
- Full Pearl Harbor Tour (this is the BEST way to do everything at Pearl Harbor)
- Hawaii Bucket List Tour (you get to pick where you stop on this custom Oahu Circle Island tour)
- Toa Luau (this is my all-time favorite Oahu luau)
- CLIMB Works Ziplining (this is the longest zipline on Oahu)
- Book a Photo Shoot (this is a Hawaii souvenir you’ll treasure forever)
Favorite Oahu Resorts/Hotels
- Hilton Hawaiian Village (this is our favorite Waikiki resort because of the amazing pool area and nearby restaurants)
- Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (this is a splurge that is totally worth it)
- Royal Hawaiian Hotel (this is a luxury resort in Waikiki that is pink and gorgeous)
Want to Rent a Car in Hawaii?
One of the best places to rent a car in Hawaii is Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they get the best rates from top national companies like Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and Payless.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
FAQs about Lei Greetings
There’s no distinction between plural and singular in the Hawaiian language, so ‘lei’ works for both! Don’t be surprised if you hear the word used this way. But don’t feel silly saying ‘leis.’ The term has been Anglicized with the influence of American tourism for those who are less familiar with the Hawaiian language and culture.
There aren’t any rules, but there’s a kind of unspoken etiquette. It’s considered rude to turn down a lei if it’s offered to you! Also, never take it off in the presence of the person who placed it on you. So, if you need to take it off after your Lei Greeting in Honolulu, do it discreetly!
Throwing your lei in the garbage is disrespectful! A lei is a gift symbolizing love and friendship, so it should be respected. Traditionally, you’re supposed to return it to the earth. You’ll find lots of leis hung in trees or placed on statues around Honolulu because the visitors are encouraged to leave their lei somewhere they felt a connection to the island. You can also remove the flowers from the string and burn them or scatter them in the ocean.
At one time this may have been the case, but not anymore. Today, you can purchase a lei greeting for a fee through several companies ahead of your arrival. You can also include a lei greeting in your hotel shuttle package or it can be gifted to you by someone else. It’s a great way to surprise the family if you’re traveling with others!
Yes! You are welcome to a lei greeting for loved ones who will be traveling to Honolulu. Just make sure that you obtain their flight and hotel information. You’ll need this information when you book, and they’ll need to confirm their identity to receive the service.
The Story Behind Lei Greetings
While you plan your lei greeting in Honolulu, you might know nothing about the history. It’s beneficial to know where the tradition comes from!
It all started around 1,000 years ago when the earliest travelers to the Hawaiian Islands came to settle there. These Polynesian voyagers were the ones who invented leis once they arrived, making it a unique part of Hawaiian culture.
What is a Lei?
Basically, leis have always been made from items like flowers, vines, nuts, and shells that are strung together and worn ornamentally. You might also see leaves, certain types of berries, seeds, feathers, or even bones used.
The Polynesians most commonly wore leis to represent their economic or political rank, but they were also just beautiful to wear!
They made some leis to honor the Polynesian gods and others to be used in peace talks between tribal leaders. They eventually came to represent honor, love, friendship, and a warm welcome.
Traditionally, you wear leis draped over the shoulders, hanging them equally in front and back, not like a necklace. You’ll also find flower crowns and wristlets. Men can wear flower leis but are often given ones made of ti leaves or kukui nuts.
You’ll Find Leis Everywhere
Leis have never just been for greetings. You’ll see flower leis at special occasions like weddings, at parties, and all over the place at luaus.
But you don’t need a special occasion to wear yours on the islands! You might see locals wearing a garland of shells, nuts, or other things that last longer than flowers.
The Evolution of Lei Greetings
After the annexation of Hawaii by the United States, boats of tourists started pouring in. In those days you would see lines of lei vendors on the pier waiting to greet visitors and make some money.
A native Hawaiian welcoming you with a handmade flower lei became the image Americans thought of when imagining an island getaway!
Well into the 20th century, this was the tradition. Along the way, it became less and less common, especially with the rise in airport security. Greeters could no longer meet you at your gate and the tradition changed.
So, what is a lei greeting today?
You can enjoy the nostalgia of the golden days by booking a Honolulu lei greeting for your airport arrival. Your greeter will welcome you and your party, placing leis on your shoulders.
Then, if you book a lei greeting with a shuttle, they’ll warmly assist you with your luggage to your transport.
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Where to Book a Lei Greeting in Honolulu
When you start your search for a lei greeting in Honolulu, you’ll find all kinds of private companies. It can get confusing, but I suggest focusing on going through booking companies that offer ratings and reviews from those who previously booked the service.
Hawaii Flower Lei Oahu Lei Greeting
For a traditional airport lei greeting, check out this one by Hawaii Flower Lei. They offer a basic package that you can book one time for the whole family.
Choose from a selection of classic and deluxe leis, as well as leis made especially for children. They even have candy leis! Check the latest prices.
Hawaii Flower Lei’s greeters will meet you at baggage claim. You should look for their official airport ID badges and someone holding a sign with your party’s name on it. They’ll greet you with leis by placing them over your shoulders.
After this, in true Aloha spirit, they’ll assist you with your luggage and answer any questions you have. They can take a picture of you and your family in your leis, help you get to connecting flights or rental services, and more.
Honolulu Lei Greetings
If you prefer a more special lei greeting on your honeymoon or any other romantic getaway, you can also find ones for couples. I like this one from Honolulu Lei Greetings for a smaller travel party because it takes the guesswork out of booking!
Just choose from a variety of lei combinations, like an orchid lei for a woman and a kukui nut lei for a man. Check the latest prices.
While the other booking is non-refundable for no-shows like if your flight is canceled, the couple’s booking has another big plus. If for any reason you can’t meet your greeter, your leis will be delivered to your hotel!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Booking a Lei Greeting in Honolulu
To book your Oahu lei greeting at the airport, there are certain steps you want to take. For the most positive experience, follow my how-to below:
- Before anything else, get your flight and accommodations in order. You’ll need this information when you book your lei greeting.
- Steps on booking sites vary. I highly recommend entering your arrival date and number of travelers first so you know what your available options are.
- The site will prompt you to choose what kind of lei you want for each person you include in your booking.
- At this point, double-check that you’re happy with your order. Make sure you’ve entered the correct arrival date, number of people, and lei choices.
- Enter your payment choice and provide your exact flight and hotel info.
- After you finish booking, print the confirmation or voucher. It might pop up on the screen or be sent via email. You’ll need this printed paper when you meet your greeter to confirm it’s you.
That’s basically it! It’s not difficult to book a lei greeting, but it’s good to be prepared with all the correct information. Make things as smooth as possible so you can relax and enjoy your vacation!
Tips for Booking a Hawaii Lei Greeting
If you like the sound of a traditional Oahu lei greeting, there are a few things to keep in mind. Keep reading for all the details.
When you book, you’ll get to choose from a variety of lei types
If the person you’re booking for has allergies or sensitivity to fragrant flowers, skip leis made with tuberose. This is a highly fragrant flower. Instead, you can go with purple orchids that have no fragrance, or choose a lei made of something else, like seashells or ti leaves.
Remember to book in advance
Keep in mind that most companies offering lei greetings ask you to book them at least 48-hours in advance of your arrival for logistical reasons. Sometimes you can book last minute if you pay a small rush fee.
Health/Safety protocols are in place
Be aware that all guests and greeters are required to wear masks throughout the experience for everyone’s safety. Greeters will move into your personal space to place the lei on your shoulders. If you or someone in your party aren’t comfortable having someone that close to you, you might want this service.
It will cost between $35-$50 per person
Prepare for lei greetings to cost anywhere from $35 to $50 per person, depending on where you book. This price reflects not only the cost of the lei but also the labor of your greeter! If you want a deluxe lei or a lei made of kukui nuts, this may change the price as well. If you book your greeting along with a shuttle to your airport, it’ll probably run about $15 to $25 for the add-on.
There are several Oahu lei greeting services
When booking a lei greeting in Honolulu, you’ll have to decide what kind of service you want. You’ll find bookings for just lei greetings, as well as lei greetings that include transportation or tours around the island. Read the fine print along the way to make sure you get what you want.
You might book a shuttle that includes a lei greeting
When you’re on Oahu Island, you may skip the rental car and book a shuttle for things like luaus or sightseeing tours. Lei greetings are included on many of these van shuttles. If a lei greeting at Honolulu airport sounds too hectic, consider instead adding one to your shuttle package for a special treat!
Start Your Vacation with an Oahu Airport Lei Greeting
Now you have all the information you need to book a lei greeting in Honolulu! When you travel, traditions are more enjoyable for everyone when you have a historical and cultural context. Plus, if you’ve never had a lei greeting, the last thing you want to worry about is the technical stuff!
Take it easy, breathe deep, and remember that you’ll be on vacation! The whole point of a Hawaiian greeting is to help you feel welcome and relaxed from the very start of your stay. Be open to the personal, accommodating greeter. Let them adorn you with the lei and enjoy their hospitality!