Heading to Maui and want to get a lei when you land? Scroll to learn exactly how to book a Maui airport lei greeting as well as tips and tricks for making your lei last!
This guide to how to book Maui airport lei greetings in 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 you’ve stepped into a postcard the moment you land in Maui?
A lei greeting at Kahului Airport is one of those simple things that really does make your vacation feel special from the start.
I’ve been flying into Maui for years, and there’s something about having someone waiting with fresh flowers that just sets the right mood.
My kids still talk about their first lei greeting. It makes the whole family feel celebrated.
This guide covers everything you need to know about booking a Maui airport lei greeting, what it costs, which companies to use, and how to make your lei last beyond day one.
What Actually Is a Lei Greeting?
Here’s what happens: After you land at Kahului Airport and head down the escalator toward baggage claim, someone will be waiting at the bottom holding a sign with your name on it.
They’ll greet you, place a fresh flower lei around your neck, and usually offer to help point you toward rental cars or answer quick questions about the island.
The whole experience takes maybe five minutes, but it’s a genuinely nice moment after a long flight.
My family always goes for the purple orchid leis. They’re gorgeous, they last for days if you take care of them, and they don’t have a strong scent (which matters if anyone in your group is sensitive to fragrance).
A Quick History of Lei Greetings
Leis have been part of Hawaiian culture for over 1,000 years, brought by Polynesian voyagers who created them from flowers, shells, nuts, seeds, and leaves found on the islands.
Originally, leis represented political rank, honored gods, and were used in peace negotiations between chiefs. Over time, they came to symbolize love, friendship, respect, and welcome.
When tourists started arriving by boat in the early 1900s, lei vendors would line the pier to greet visitors. That image of being welcomed to Hawaii with a lei became iconic.
Airport security changed things. Greeters can’t meet you at the gate anymore, but the tradition continues at baggage claim. It’s not quite the same as the old days, but it’s still a meaningful way to start your trip.
Where to Book a Maui Lei Greeting
Several companies offer lei greetings at Kahului Airport. I recommend booking through sites with reviews so you know what you’re getting.
Best Options for Booking
Viator has multiple lei greeting options with hundreds of reviews. You can choose from single-strand orchid leis, deluxe triple-strand leis, ti leaf leis for men, candy leis for kids, and kukui nut leis.
Prices typically range from $35-$95 per person depending on the lei type.
Get Your Guide also offers lei greetings with flexible cancellation (usually up to 24 hours before your flight). Good option if your plans might change.
Ali’i Greeting Service is a local, Hawaiian-owned company that’s been operating since 1982. They’re a multi-generational family business, and their greeters are known for being warm and helpful.
Plumeria Lei Greetings is another local option. They donate a portion of their profits to Maui families in need, which is a nice way to give back to the community while getting your greeting.
What You’ll Pay
Lei greetings typically cost $35-$50 per person for a standard single-strand orchid lei. Deluxe leis with triple the flowers run $60-$95. Candy leis for kids are usually around $30-$40.
If you book last minute (within 48 hours of your flight), expect a $10-$20 rush fee.
Is it worth it? That depends on what matters to you. You can definitely buy leis at Costco or Walmart for $12-$15 once you land.
But the greeting itself, the personalized sign, the photos, and the feeling of being welcomed are what you’re really paying for.
For first-time visitors or special occasions (honeymoons, anniversaries, milestone birthdays), I think it’s worth the splurge. For regular trips, you might skip it and grab your own leis later.
How to Book Your Lei Greeting
Booking is pretty straightforward:
- Have your flight details ready (date, airline, flight number, estimated arrival time).
- Know your hotel information (most companies ask for this).
- Go to your chosen booking site and enter your arrival date and number of people.
- Select the lei type for each person. Purple orchids are the most popular. Tuberose leis are beautiful but very fragrant. Ti leaf or kukui nut leis are traditional choices for men.
- Double-check everything before you pay.
- Print or save your confirmation on your phone. You’ll need to show this to your greeter.
Most companies require at least 48 hours advance notice. Some allow booking up to 9am on the day of arrival for an extra fee.
Meeting Your Greeter
Your greeter will wait at the bottom of the escalators just before you enter the baggage claim area. They’ll wear aloha attire (often purple) and hold a sign with your name on it.
Greetings are available for flights arriving between 9am-9pm daily.
If you’re gifting this to someone else, make sure they know to look for a sign with their name. Otherwise they might walk right past.
Types of Leis Available
Purple Orchid Lei: This is what we always get. Single-strand, beautiful, no strong scent, lasts several days. The most popular choice.
Deluxe Orchid Lei: Triple the flowers of the standard lei. Much fuller and more dramatic. Great for honeymooners or special celebrations.
Tuberose Lei: Highly fragrant white flowers. Gorgeous smell, but only order this if you like strong floral scents.
Ti Leaf Lei: Long, open-ended lei made from braided green ti leaves. Traditional choice for men. Considered a good luck lei in Hawaiian culture.
Kukui Nut Lei: Made from glossy Hawaiian nuts. Not edible, but they last forever. Another popular option for men.
Candy Lei: Fun alternative for kids (or adults who don’t want flowers). Each one is filled with different candies.
Keiki (Child) Lei: Smaller fresh flower lei sized for children under 6.
If anyone in your group has allergies or is sensitive to fragrances, skip the tuberose and go with purple orchids or ti leaf leis.
Making Your Lei Last
Fresh flower leis can last 3-5 days if you care for them properly. Some people have gotten nearly two weeks out of a deluxe orchid lei.
Here’s what works:
Store your lei in the refrigerator when you’re not wearing it. Put it in a plastic bag with a few drops of water, leave some air in the bag, and seal it. The cold keeps the flowers fresh.
Sprinkle a tiny bit of water on the flowers if they start looking dry.
Don’t leave your lei in a hot car or in direct sunlight.
Wear it to dinner or to a luau, then put it right back in the fridge.
Scented leis (like tuberose) typically don’t last as long as unscented ones.
Lei Etiquette You Should Know
A few things to know about wearing leis:
It’s considered rude to refuse a lei if someone offers you one.
Never take off your lei in front of the person who gave it to you. If you need to remove it, wait until they’re not around.
Don’t throw your lei in the trash. Return it to the earth by hanging it on a tree, leaving it at a spot that felt special to you on the island, or scattering the flowers in the ocean.
Some people burn the flowers. The idea is to treat it with respect since it was a gift.
Is a Lei Greeting Worth It?
Honestly? For your first trip to Maui, yes. For a honeymoon or anniversary, absolutely. For celebrating something special, definitely.
If you’re a frequent visitor or traveling on a budget, you might skip the airport greeting and pick up leis at Costco, Safeway, or a local flower shop for a fraction of the price.
You’ll miss the personalized greeting, but you’ll still have beautiful leis to wear.
The airport lei greeting is about the experience, not just the flowers. It’s that moment of feeling welcomed and celebrated. For me, it’s worth it when I’m bringing family who’ve never been to Hawaii before.
More Maui Planning Resources
If you’re putting together your Maui trip, I’ve got you covered. My Maui Travel Guide for Families walks you through everything from where to stay to which beaches are best with kids.
I also host the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. Check out my episode on How to Plan a Trip to Maui for more tips on making your Maui vacation run smoothly.
Want personalized help planning your trip? I offer one-on-one travel consultations where we can map out your entire itinerary based on your family’s interests and travel style.
As a Hawaii travel expert and professional tourist who’s been to the islands over 40 times, I can help you avoid the common mistakes and find the experiences that’ll make your trip unforgettable.
Or grab my free 7-Day Email Course: How to Plan a Trip to Maui. I’ll send you daily lessons covering everything from where to stay to how to save money on activities.
Don’t Forget Your Rental Car
You’ll need a rental car on Maui. I always book through Discount Hawaii Car Rental because they compare rates across all the major companies and consistently offer the best prices.
Plus their customer service is excellent if anything goes wrong.
Capture Your Arrival
Want professional photos of your lei greeting and your whole Maui trip? I always recommend Flytographer for vacation photos.
They’re so easy to work with, the photographers know all the best spots on Maui, and you get beautiful images without having to beg strangers to take your photo. You can save $20 when you book through my link.
Ready to Book?
A Maui airport lei greeting isn’t necessary, but it’s one of those touches that makes your vacation feel more special.
Whether you book one for your whole family or just surprise your partner with one, it’s a nice way to start your island adventure.
Search for Maui lei greetings on Viator or Get Your Guide to see current availability and pricing for your travel dates.
Looking for places to stay once you land? Check out Maui hotels on Expedia to compare options and read reviews.
Have questions about planning your Maui trip? That’s what I’m here for. Book a travel consultation and we’ll figure out your perfect Maui itinerary together.
Looking for more Maui Travel Resources? Check out the best Maui luaus worth booking, best things to do in Kahului, how to get from Kahului Airport to Lahaina, where to eat on Maui with kids, best snorkeling on Maui for families, Haleakala sunrise tour review, and should you do a Maui pineapple tour?
