Honolulu Airport: Traditional Lei Greeting & Aloha Welcome

Summary

Oahu arrival with lei greeting at Honolulu airport and warm welcome

Your trip to Oahu starts with a fresh flower lei greeting at Honolulu Airport—feel the local aloha spirit from your first step off the plane. Meet your greeter at baggage claim, get help finding your way or catching your next flight, and carry that sweet scent of plumeria into your first island memories.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I was nervous stepping off that long flight into Honolulu. You know how airports can feel — loud, anonymous, everyone rushing. But then I spotted this woman waving a sign with my name (I still smile thinking about it), and she had this big, real smile. She said “Aloha!” in a way that felt like she meant it, not just some script. There was a faint scent of plumeria as she slipped the lei over my head — cool petals against my neck — and I suddenly felt awake again, even after hours in the air.

Our greeter (her name was Malia) chatted as we walked toward baggage claim. She told me her aunt actually made the lei that morning, which made it feel personal — not just something off a shelf. The airport was busy but somehow less overwhelming with someone guiding me. She pointed out where to catch the Wiki Wiki Shuttle if I needed it for my connecting flight. I tried to pronounce “Wiki Wiki” properly; Malia laughed and said I was close enough for a mainlander. That little moment stuck with me.

I didn’t expect to feel so welcomed right away — maybe it’s silly, but that first bit of Hawaiian hospitality set the tone for everything else on Oahu. If you’re landing at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and want something more than just another anonymous arrival, this airport lei greeting is worth it. It’s not transportation to Waikiki or anything — they meet you right inside the airport itself — but honestly, that’s all I needed after 10 hours in the air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Airport lei greeting and assistance

• Arrive at Daniel K. Inouye Airport
• Meet local greeter with fresh lei
• Receive warm aloha welcome
• Greeter assists at baggage claim
• Optionally ride airport Wiki Wiki Shuttle

Top questions

Is transportation to Waikiki included in the Honolulu airport lei greeting?

No, this service only takes place within Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and does not include transport outside airport boundaries.

Where will I be greeted for my lei greeting at Honolulu Airport?

Your greeter will meet you inside the airport at baggage claim or near curbside for international arrivals (except Canada).

Are international arrivals eligible for the lei greeting service?

International arrivals are only eligible if arriving from Canada; other international flights are excluded due to customs rules.

Is the lei fresh and who makes it?

The leis are often made fresh by your greeter or their family members specifically for you.

Can I book this service if I have a connecting inter-island flight?

Yes, many guests use this service during layovers or before catching inter-island flights within Hawaii.

Is this service wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces involved in this service are wheelchair accessible.

What information do I need to provide when booking?

You must include your arrival flight information; missing details may result in delays or extra fees.

What’s included

Your experience includes a traditional fresh flower lei greeting by a local host right at Honolulu Airport’s baggage claim area (or curbside for some international flights), plus any necessary assistance finding baggage or onward connections—gratuities and airport taxes are already covered too.