Arriving at Lihue Airport (LIH) is often a traveler’s first introduction to the island of Kauaʻi—and few welcomes are as meaningful as a traditional Hawaiian lei greeting. This cherished custom symbolizes aloha, love, respect, and hospitality, offering visitors a warm and memorable start to their time on the Garden Isle.
Whether you’re visiting Kauaʻi for a honeymoon, family vacation, milestone celebration, or a relaxing island escape, receiving a handcrafted lei upon arrival at LIH creates an immediate connection to Hawaiian culture and sets a welcoming tone for your stay.
Compared to larger airports, Lihue Airport offers a more intimate and relaxed arrival experience, making lei greetings feel especially personal. Several Kauaʻi-based floral studios and greeting services provide pre-arranged lei delivery and meet-and-greet services at LIH.
Upon arrival, your greeter typically waits near the baggage claim or designated arrivals area, holding a personalized sign with your name or group identifier. As the lei is placed around your neck, you’ll be welcomed with a warm “Aloha” or “E komo mai.”
Select a Kauaʻi-Based Lei Provider: Choose a local floral shop or greeting service specializing in airport lei delivery.
Choose Your Lei Style and Quantity: Options include orchid, plumeria, ti leaf, maile-style leis, and child-sized leis.
Provide Arrival Details: Submit flight number, arrival date and time, and passenger names.
Customize Your Greeting: Add welcome signs, occasion notes, or coordinated group greetings.
Confirm Your Reservation: Receive confirmation with meeting instructions and contact details.
Orchid Lei: Long-lasting and elegant, ideal for first-time visitors.
Plumeria Lei: Fragrant and vibrant, perfect for celebrations and romantic trips.
Tuberose Lei: Sweet-smelling and traditional, often chosen for honeymoons.
Ti Leaf or Maile-Style Lei: Symbolizing respect, peace, and friendship.
Children’s and Specialty Leis: Smaller sizes and custom designs for keiki and themed events.
Meet Your Greeter: The greeter waits in the arrivals area with a personalized sign.
Lei Presentation: The lei is gently placed around your neck with a warm greeting.
Photo Opportunity: Capture the moment with a quick arrival photo.
Light Assistance: Guidance toward baggage claim, rental cars, or transportation.
Honeymoons and anniversaries
Family vacations and reunions
Birthdays and graduations
Group travel, retreats, or tours
Weddings and vow renewals
First-time visits to Kauaʻi
Reserve Early: Book in advance during peak travel seasons and holidays.
Share Flight Updates: Notify providers of major delays when possible.
Consider Scent Sensitivities: Orchid or ti leaf leis are less fragrant.
Preserve Your Lei: Orchid leis dry well and make lasting souvenirs.
A lei greeting at Lihue Airport (LIH) is more than a floral gesture—it is a meaningful expression of Hawaiian hospitality and connection. Whether welcoming loved ones or beginning your own island journey, a lei greeting ensures your experience begins with aloha, tradition, and a smile.