Greeters of Hawaii and Flowery Lay Necklaces
Lei'd in Hawaii
Originally started centuries ago by Polynesian settlers and reinstated during the “steamer days” when visitors traveled to the islands on ships, fresh flower lei’s have always been presented with a “warm aloha.” This traditional custom can still be arranged on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island, it’s ideal for anyone who’s interested in experiencing a bit of old Hawaiian charm.
Today, lei can be made from many different types of flowers, as well as other objects such as ribbon, feathers, beads, shells, and even money or candy. The most popular lei greeting is floral, and given to express love, respect, congratulations, and of course, “welcome”. Flowers for traditional lei have protocols for picking, and many of the flowers and plants are found in forests, and picked in traditional ways. Showing that someone loves and respects you, a traditional lei can take much time to pick and prepare.
There is an etiquette that surrounds lei:
Because lei is known as a symbol of love and affection, a lot of time goes into making the lei, and it is considered rude not to accept it. It is also considered rude to remove the lei in front of the person giving you the lei
When giving a lei, a kiss on the cheek is expected and appropriate, although a hug is acceptable as well
The proper wearing of a lei is to drape it across the shoulders, and let it hang in the front and the back, not just hanging in front from the neck.
A lei should never be thrown in the trash. As lei come from nature, they should be returned to nature – consider leaving it in a garden.
Does Everyone Get a Lei When Arriving in Hawaii?
Lei greetings are not free, and they don’t happen automatically when you disembark from your flight – you need to plan ahead. A lay in Hawaii can be arranged right at the airport when you arrive, and there are a number of companies that will perform a Hawaiian lei greeting with “Aloha!”. It is often the first Hawaiian experience you will have when you arrive on your chosen island. If you are interested in a “lei greeting” you will have to arrange it before you fly to Hawaii. As much like a car rental, a lei greeting will need your flight information and landing time, as well as your payment up front.
Some visitors like to choose a lay in Hawaii at the end of their trip to take home as a gift, and lei airport availability is good – you can look in the stores when you arrive at the airport for your trip home, and they may even be able to help you pack it to preserve it during your flight.
Can I Bring a Lei Home from Hawaii?
Lei are able to travel home with you in most cases. Make sure there are no parts of the citrus plant, gardenia, jade vine or Mauna Loa – they may be restricted in some parts of the country. If you are traveling to the mainland United States, you can pack your lei and take it home with you.
If you are traveling from another country, you may need to report your lei at customs and immigration, and they may need to examine the lei, so it is best to keep it in your carry on luggage. You can check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on what is allowed into your state, or check with your own country to see what is allowed.
Lei Greeters & The Best Companies for a Traditional Lei
| OAHU: | You can choose a lei greeting in Oahu that suits your needs, from the Classic Orchid Lei Greeting, to a small or large group greeting. Even Honeymoon greetings are all available to book. |
| MAUI: | For lei greetings in Maui – choose the greeting that best suits your family. A Maui Lei greeting will be a great start to your Maui vacation. |
| KAUAI: | Hawaiian lei greetings on Kauai are a special greeting, and a way to start your Kauai memories. | BIG ISLAND of HAWAII: | Receiving a lay necklace on the Big Island is a wonderful way to experience the Aloha spirit as you arrive to explore this beautiful destination. |