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Surely you’ve seen a scene in a movie or television show where characters arrive in Hawaii and are welcomed with a beautiful flower lei. Often, they step off the plane and are greeted with hula dancers and a musician playing the ukulele, creating a memorable first impression of the islands. While real-life arrivals are usually a little less dramatic, you can still enjoy that special tradition with authentic Hawaii lei greetings when you land.
Your welcome to the islands may not look exactly like a Hollywood movie scene, but receiving a fresh flower lei upon arrival is still one of the most meaningful and memorable ways to begin a Hawaiian vacation. Not only does it make for a wonderful keepsake, but it also connects you to a long-standing island tradition and fills the moment with the fragrance and beauty of Hawaii.
Where does the lei originate?
The lei tradition dates back to the earliest Polynesian voyagers who arrived in Hawaii by navigating the Pacific Ocean using only the stars. Leis were made from flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts and feathers, just as they are today, and were worn by ancient Hawaiians to beautify themselves and mark special meaning, status or celebration.
Over the years, the giving of a lei has remained one of Hawaii’s most cherished traditions. A lei may be given to welcome someone to the islands, or to celebrate birthdays, weddings and graduations. It is often a joyful and colorful sight to see graduates covered in so many leis that they can barely see.
When receiving a lei, it is important to remember that it is considered rude to remove it in front of the person who gave it to you. Respect for tradition is very important in Hawaii, so this is a small but meaningful custom to keep in mind.
If your Hawaiian vacation is coming up soon, you can start it in a truly memorable way with a traditional lei greeting. It is a beautiful welcome, a meaningful part of local culture and a wonderful souvenir to remember your trip. Hawaii Discount offers lei greetings at airports throughout the islands, so no matter which island you are visiting, you can enjoy this classic Hawaiian arrival experience.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Oahu tours and Oahu activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or even months in advance, especially popular experiences such as Sea Life Park Luau. To secure your preferred dates, we recommend booking your tours early. Call our office or reserve online today to take advantage of our low price guarantee.