Kauai: Lihue Airport Lei Greeting & Welcome Photo

Summary

Feel the aloha spirit with a traditional lei greeting at Lihue airport, fresh flowers or kukui nut necklace and a welcome photo marking your first Kauai moment

You’ll step off your flight into Kauai’s warmth and get greeted with a fresh orchid or kukui nut lei right at Lihue Airport. Someone local will welcome you with aloha, offer to snap your photo, and let you start your trip feeling part of island life—even before you leave arrivals.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I felt a little nervous stepping off the plane at Lihue Airport—maybe it was just the travel fog or that weird mix of excitement and not knowing what comes next. But then right there in arrivals, someone smiled, said “Aloha!” (it sounded different than when I say it), and slipped this cool orchid lei around my neck. The smell hit me first—sweet, almost grassy, but light. It’s funny how something so small can make you feel like you’ve actually arrived somewhere new.

The woman who greeted us (I think her name was Malia?) had this way of making everyone feel seen—she even crouched down to tie a candy lei for the kid next to me, who grinned like he’d won the lottery. My partner got a kukui nut lei and kept turning it over in his hands; he said it felt smooth and heavier than he expected. We snapped a quick photo on my phone—my hair was wild from the flight but I didn’t care. It’s still one of my favorite pictures from the trip.

I didn’t expect to remember that first five minutes so clearly. There was something about the way people moved around us—slow but purposeful—and the way the air felt softer somehow than back home. It wasn’t just about getting a flower necklace; it was more like being let in on something local, even if only for a moment. I still think about that welcome when I catch a whiff of orchids now. Anyway, if you’re landing in Kauai soon… don’t skip this part.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Lei Greeting at Lihue Airport

• Arrive at Kauai's Lihue Airport
• Receive fresh orchid, kukui nut, or candy lei
• Optionally take souvenir photo with lei

Top questions

Is the Kauai lei greeting at Lihue Airport wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can children receive a special lei during the airport greeting?

Yes, children can receive a candy lei as part of their welcome.

What types of leis are offered at Lihue Airport?

You can choose between an orchid flower lei, kukui nut lei (for men), or candy lei (for children).

Is there an option to have my photo taken during the greeting?

Yes, staff can take your souvenir photo using your own phone or camera.

Are service animals allowed during the airport lei greeting?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is public transportation available near Lihue Airport?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

Do I need to be physically fit for this activity?

No, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your arrival includes a fresh orchid flower lei—or kukui nut or candy lei depending on preference—a souvenir photo taken with your own phone or camera right at Lihue Airport, plus accessibility for wheelchairs and families with strollers or prams.