Traditional Airport Lei Greeting on Kona Hawai'i

Active

(84 reviews)

15m

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Aloha! Be welcomed on the Big Island with traditional lei greetings at the Kona International Airport (KOA). Start your Hawaiian vacation the right way and embrace Hawaii's tropical beauty with a lei greeting including gorgeous lei's made from fresh native flowers.

Available options

Kukui Nut Lei Greeting

Traditional Kukui Nut Lei - Keepsake

Kukui Nut & Ti Leaf Twist Lei

Ti Leaf braid and polished kukui nut twist.

Classic Orchid Lei Greeting

Fresh Single Strand Orchid Lei.

Deluxe Kukui Nut Lei Greeting

Polished black kukui nuts interspersed with mongo sea shells and Hawaiian greenery.

Keiki (Child) Lei Greeting

A shorter orchid lei custom made for a child under 4 years old.

Deluxe Tuberose Lei Greeting

Triple the tuberose - an intoxicating fragrant lei.

Ti Leaf Lei Greeting

Traditional Ti Leaf Lei

Ti Leaf & Orchid Twist Lei

Ti leaf braid and purple orchid twist.

Fragrant Tuberose Lei Greeting

Single strand of fragrant white tuberose interspersed with purple orchids.

Candy Lei

A fun alternative to flowers for children and adults. Candies in each lei vary and are a mixture of hard candy and gummies.

Deluxe Cigar Lei Greeting

Tubular cigar flower blossoms with colors of orange-red to yellow-orange.

Deluxe Orchid Lei Greeting

A big beautiful triple orchid lei.

What's included

Lei Greeting ONLY

Airport/Departure Tax

What you'll see

When you arrive in Kona at the Kona International Airport (KOA), look for your lei greeting representative at the first non-secured area and receive your wonderful island greeting. Treat yourself and loved ones to a traditional lei welcome, featuring beautiful, fresh local orchids. This is the perfect way to start your family vacation, honeymoon or special occasion.

The history of the lei dates back to the ancient Hawaiians, who wore braided leaves, native flowers, shells, feathers, stones and bones to beautify themselves. They often offered these garlands to each other and to their gods as a symbol of love and friendship. The lei was treasured and worn with pride by people of every age.

Leis are still carefully made by hand by Hawaiians, weaving fragrant, colorful flowers and leaves together to create a work of art. A symbol of Hawaii, leis are worn on all special occasions and given to family and friends as gifts of love.

What's not included

Airport transportation

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

79 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.4

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Multiple flights for one order will not be adhered; it is one order per flight

You must include flight information. Failure to do so may result in a $10 late fee.

Meeting point

Please look for your lei greeting representative just outside of the terminal area, en-route to baggage claim, holding a sign with your name on it

Important notes

If you haven't done so already, you MUST call the local supplier and reconfirm your flight details

About Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, known for its diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, active volcanoes, and lush rainforests. It offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This national park is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. It offers hiking trails, scenic drives, and the opportunity to witness volcanic activity up close.

Nature/Adventure Full day Moderate ($30 per vehicle)

Mauna Kea Summit

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Nature/Adventure Half day to full day Free (but requires acclimatization)

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Nature/Cultural Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Hapuna Beach State Park

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Beach Half day Free (but parking fee applies)

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls is a stunning 442-foot waterfall surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. The park offers a scenic loop trail leading to the falls.

Nature 1-2 hours Moderate ($5 per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Poke

A raw fish salad marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, and green onions, often served with rice.

Appetizer Contains fish, can be made with various types of seafood

Loco Moco

A hearty dish consisting of white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and brown gravy.

Main Course Contains beef, eggs, and gluten (from the gravy)

Shave Ice

Finely shaved ice flavored with syrups and often topped with sweetened condensed milk or ice cream.

Dessert Vegetarian, can be made with various toppings

Kona Coffee

A premium coffee grown in the Kona region, known for its rich and smooth flavor.

Drink Caffeinated, can be decaffeinated

Popular Activities

Hiking Volcano exploration Water sports Beach lounging Spa treatments Scenic drives Traditional Hawaiian luaus Local markets

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit the Big Island, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. The ocean is warm, and the weather is generally dry and sunny.

21-30°C 70-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Hawaiian, Japanese, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST, GMT-10:00)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

The Big Island is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, visitors should be aware of natural hazards such as volcanic activity and ocean conditions.

Important Precautions:

• Rent a car with full insurance coverage
• Be cautious when purchasing souvenirs and tours, and research options in advance
• Be aware of ocean conditions and currents when swimming and snorkeling

Getting there

By air

Kona International Airport • 20 km from Kona
Hilo International Airport • 10 km from Hilo

By bus

Hilo, Kona

Getting around

Public transport

The Hele-On Bus is the public bus system on the Big Island. It is affordable but has limited routes and schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kona Hilo Waimea

Day trips

Mauna Kea Summit

30 km from Waimea • Half day to full day

Mauna Kea is the highest point in Hawaii and offers stunning views, stargazing opportunities, and a unique alpine environment.

Waipio Valley

60 km from Hilo • Half day

Waipio Valley is a lush, scenic valley known for its taro farms, waterfalls, and black sand beach. It is also a significant cultural site for Native Hawaiians.

Hapuna Beach State Park

30 km from Waimea • Half day

Hapuna Beach is one of the largest white sand beaches on the Big Island, offering swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing opportunities.

Festivals

Merrie Monarch Festival • April Kona Coffee Cultural Festival • November Ironman World Championship • October

Pro tips

Rent a car to explore the island at your own pace and access remote areas
Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park early in the day to avoid crowds and see the best views
Pack layers, as temperatures can vary significantly depending on the elevation and location
Try local dishes like poke, loco moco, and shave ice for an authentic taste of the Big Island
Respect the environment and local culture, and follow guidelines for visiting protected areas and sacred sites