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.
Want to feel like a VIP the second you step off the plane in Hawaii? A lei greeting at Honolulu Airport might be exactly what you need to kick off your Oahu vacation.
I’ll never forget my first trip to Hawaii when I was 10 years old. My grandma met me with a fresh flower lei, and I felt so incredibly special.
It’s one of those unique-to-Hawaii experiences that makes you feel instantly welcomed to the islands.
Is a Lei Greeting Worth the Money?
Here’s my honest take as a professional tourist who’s been to Hawaii over 40 times…
A lei greeting can absolutely make you feel like a VIP, and it’s perfect for first-time visitors, honeymoons, babymoons, or any special celebration.
But you don’t need one every single trip.
If you’re planning your first Oahu vacation and want to start things off right, I think it’s worth splurging on.
The look on your face (or your partner’s face) when someone greets you with fresh flowers after a long flight? That’s the kind of moment you’ll remember.
Ready to start planning your Oahu trip? I’ve put together a comprehensive Oahu travel guide for families with everything you need to know.
You can also grab my free 7-day email course on planning a trip to Oahu to make the planning process way easier.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Check out my guide.
The History Behind Lei Greetings
Before we talk about booking, let’s cover where this tradition actually comes from.
About 1,000 years ago, Polynesian voyagers arrived in Hawaii and started making leis from flowers, vines, nuts, and shells they found on the islands.
Originally, leis showed someone’s economic or political rank, but they were also made to honor the gods and used in peace talks between tribal leaders. Over time, they came to represent honor, love, friendship, and welcome.
You wear leis draped over your shoulders, hanging equally in front and back (not like a necklace). Men often get leis made from ti leaves or kukui nuts instead of flowers.
When boats full of tourists started arriving after Hawaii was annexed by the United States, lei vendors would line up on the pier to greet visitors.
That image of a native Hawaiian welcoming you with a handmade flower lei became the picture Americans had when they imagined Hawaii.
The tradition changed after 9/11 when airport security got stricter and greeters couldn’t meet you at your gate anymore.
But you can still book that nostalgic welcome through lei greeting services today.
Your greeter will meet you at baggage claim, place leis on your shoulders, help with your luggage, and answer any questions you have about the island.
Where to Book a Lei Greeting in Honolulu
When you start searching for lei greetings, you’ll find tons of companies. I recommend going through booking platforms that have ratings and reviews from people who’ve actually used the service.
Traditional Lei Greeting Services
Hawaii Flower Lei via Viator or Get Your Guide
This is a solid option for families. You book one service for your whole group and choose from classic orchid leis, deluxe options, or even candy leis for kids.
Your greeter will meet you at baggage claim with a sign with your name, place leis on everyone’s shoulders, help with luggage, and can take family photos.
Prices vary by lei type, but expect to pay around $30-40 per person for standard options.
Honeymoon or Special Occasion Options
If you’re celebrating something special, check out the Honeymoon Lei Greeting on Viator.
You can choose lei combinations made specifically for couples (like an orchid lei for the woman and kukui nut lei for the man). Some packages will even deliver leis to your hotel if you somehow miss your greeter.
Lei Greeting with Airport Shuttle
Many airport shuttle services include lei greetings as an add-on for around $12-15 per person. This can be a budget-friendly option if you’re already booking transportation to Waikiki.
How to Book Your Lei Greeting (Step-by-Step)
Booking a lei greeting is pretty straightforward, but you’ll want to have your flight and hotel information handy.
Step 1: Make sure your flight and hotel are booked first. You’ll need exact arrival information.
Step 2: Choose your booking platform (Viator, GetYourGuide, or directly through a lei greeting company).
Step 3: Enter your arrival date and number of travelers to see available options.
Step 4: Pick the type of lei for each person. If someone has allergies, skip the tuberose leis (they’re very fragrant) and go with purple orchids (no fragrance) or non-flower options like ti leaves or shells.
Step 5: Double-check everything. Correct arrival date? Right number of people? Leis you want?
Step 6: Enter payment and provide your exact flight number, arrival time, and hotel name.
Step 7: Print your confirmation or save it on your phone. You’ll need to show this when you meet your greeter.
Most companies ask you to book at least 48 hours in advance, though some allow last-minute bookings for a rush fee.
Important Things to Know
Pricing: Lei greetings typically cost $30-50 per person depending on the type of lei and where you book.
Basic orchid leis are on the lower end, while deluxe or specialty leis (like kukui nuts or triple-strand options) cost more.
Where You’ll Meet: Your greeter will be at baggage claim holding a sign with your name. For international arrivals, they’ll meet you outside the customs area.
Multiple Services Available: Some companies offer just the lei greeting, while others bundle it with shuttles or island tours. Read the details carefully so you get exactly what you want.
Cancellation Policies: Most services require 24-hour cancellation notice for a refund. No-shows typically aren’t refunded.
Lei Etiquette: Always accept a lei if offered (it’s considered rude to refuse), and don’t take it off in front of the person who gave it to you.
When you’re done with your lei, don’t throw it in the trash. Traditionally, you return it to the earth by hanging it in a tree, placing it on a statue, or scattering the flowers in the ocean.
Budget Alternative: Airport Lei Stands
If a formal lei greeting feels too expensive for your family, there’s another option. The Honolulu Airport has lei stands located on the left side of the airport entry road before Terminal 1.
They’re typically open from 6 AM to 10 PM, and you can buy beautiful, handmade leis for $6-15 each. Your family can pick out their own leis, which is actually pretty fun.
This isn’t the same as being greeted right when you get off the plane, but it’s a nice way to start your vacation without spending $150+ for a family of five.
Make Your Arrival Extra Special with a Photo Shoot
If you want to capture those first moments in Hawaii with your fresh leis, consider booking a family photo shoot.
I almost always book Flytographer when we travel to Hawaii because it’s easy, affordable, and guarantees I’ll actually be in some photos. You can save $25 when you book through that link.
Need Help Planning Your Oahu Trip?
Planning a Hawaii vacation can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time.
That’s exactly why I offer Hawaii travel consultations where I help families figure out which island to visit, where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of their time.
I also host the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. The How to Plan a Trip to Oahu episode walks through everything you need to know about visiting Oahu, from where to stay to what activities work best for families.
Book Your Oahu Activities
While you’re planning, go ahead and book your Oahu activities in advance. The island’s most popular attractions and tours sell out quickly, especially during peak season.
Check out Viator and Get Your Guide for everything from snorkeling tours to luaus to Pearl Harbor tickets. Booking ahead means you won’t waste vacation time trying to figure out what to do each day.
Don’t Forget Your Rental Car
If you want to explore beyond Waikiki, you’ll need a rental car.
I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they compare prices across all the major rental companies and usually have the best rates.
Plus, you can cancel or modify for free up to 48 hours before pickup.
What to Pack for Hawaii
A few essentials that’ll make your Hawaii trip better:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required by law in Hawaii)
- Water shoes for rocky beaches
- Waterproof phone case for beach and pool days
- Lightweight beach towels that dry fast
Start Your Vacation the Right Way
A lei greeting might seem like a small thing, but it really does set the tone for your whole trip.
There’s something about being welcomed to the islands with fresh flowers and genuine aloha spirit that makes Hawaii feel even more special.
Whether you book a full lei greeting service or grab leis from the airport stand, take a minute when you arrive to just breathe in that flower-scented Hawaiian air and remember: you’re on vacation.
Your Oahu adventure is about to begin, and as a professional tourist who’s spent years exploring these islands, I can tell you that you’re going to love it.
Aloha and safe travels!
Looking for more Oahu Travel Resources? Find out how to get from Honolulu Airport to Waikiki, how to get from Honolulu Airport to Disney Aulani, tips for navigating Honolulu Airport, and things you need to know about Oahu before you go!
