Being met at the airport with a fresh flower lei is one of the warmest ways to begin a trip to Maui. There are several ways to arrange it, and the companies that offer lei greetings differ more than you might expect: in how much notice they need, when they take payment, what fees they add and who actually greets you. This guide explains how lei greetings work and how to choose the right option for your arrival.
What is a lei greeting?
A lei greeting is a Hawaiian welcome: someone meets you as you arrive and places a fresh lei over your shoulders as a sign of aloha. The custom grew from the steamship “Boat Days” of the early 20th century, when arriving ships were met with music and lei at the pier in Honolulu, and moved to the airports as visitors began arriving by air. Today, most visitors arrange a greeting in advance with a lei greeting service. More about lei traditions.
How lei greetings work at Kahului Airport
At Kahului Airport (OGG), greeters wait as you come down the escalators toward Baggage Claim, holding a sign with your name. The airport publishes a list of companies that provide lei greetings, and arrangements are made in advance by the traveler or by someone on their behalf. A typical greeting includes:
- A fresh lei for each guest
- A greeter holding a sign with your name
- Flight tracking, so the greeter adjusts to delays and early arrivals
- A few minutes for photos before you collect your bags
Your options for a lei on arrival
What to look for in a lei greeting company
- How much notice they need. Many services ask for at least 48 hours. If your plans are still taking shape, look for a shorter booking window.
- Late or rush fees. Some services add a fee, often $10 to $20, if you book within 48 hours of landing.
- When you pay. Booking sites usually take payment upfront. Paying on arrival means you only pay for a greeting you’ve received.
- Who you deal with. Can you speak to the person who will greet you, or only to a booking site?
- How fresh the lei is. Ask whether lei are made on the day you arrive.
- Greeting hours. Check that they greet flights at your landing time.
- Reviews. Read recent Google reviews, and look for specifics about the greeting itself.
- Group and wedding planning. For larger groups, look for someone who will plan the arrival with you.
How Lei Maui compares
Here is how booking with Lei Maui compares with the other ways to be met with a lei at Kahului Airport.
 Lei Maui |
Other lei greeting companies | Booking sites | Buying a lei yourself | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greeter with your name on a sign | — | |||
| Notice needed | 6 hours | Often 48 hours | Usually 48 hours | None |
| Late or rush fees | None | Often $10 to $20 within 48 hours | Can apply | None |
| When you pay | When we meet you | Varies | Usually when you book | When you buy |
| Who you deal with | Reggie, the owner | Varies | The booking site, then the greeting company | — |
| Lei handmade on your arrival day | Varies | Varies | Varies | |
| Lower per-lei price | From 2 guests | Varies | Varies | — |
| Free cancellation | Up to 24 hours before | Varies | Often up to 24 hours before | — |
| Locally, veteran and minority owned | Varies | — | — | |
| Rated on Google | 5.0 from 14 reviews | Varies | Varies | — |
Based on published booking terms and listings for lei greetings at Kahului Airport, October 2026. Terms vary by company, so check before you book.
What a lei greeting costs on Maui
A standard single-strand orchid lei greeting at Kahului Airport commonly costs about $35 to $50 per person, with premium and multi-strand lei costing more and some listings over $60. Late fees of $10 to $20 can apply if you book within 48 hours of landing.
With Lei Maui, a standard orchid lei is $57 for one guest, $47 per lei for groups of two to five, and $37 per lei for six or more. Premium multi-flower lei are $10 more. There are no booking or late fees, Hawaiʻi General Excise Tax is added, and nothing is charged until we meet you. For groups of six or more, that puts Lei Maui below the typical price at the airport. See all prices.
Is a lei greeting worth it?
For most visitors, yes. A lei greeting turns a tiring arrival into a warm welcome, and it means someone is waiting to help you find your way. It’s especially worthwhile for:
- First-time visitors, who appreciate a friendly face and clear directions
- Honeymoons and anniversaries, where the welcome becomes part of the memory
- Parents and grandparents traveling on their own
- Surprises and gifts for someone you can’t meet in person
- Weddings, reunions and groups, welcomed together. Group greetings
You might skip it if your flight lands outside greeting hours, or if you simply want a lei to wear: the airport’s flower shops and Maui’s florists and grocery stores sell lei.
Why guests choose Lei Maui
- Book up to six hours before you land, with no rush fees. Last-minute greetings
- Pay when we meet you, by cash, card or payment app. Nothing is charged online.
- A personal welcome. Reggie calls or texts to confirm your greeting and tell you exactly where we’ll be.
- Lei handmade with fresh flowers on the day you arrive.
- Locally, veteran and minority owned, with more than 40 years of welcoming people to Maui. Our story
- Rated 5.0 on Google by every one of our 14 reviewers.
“I reached out to Lei Maui Greeting before we flew out of Seattle on our way to Maui. Reggie responded immediately and said he could get (2) leis to greet my mom and Ionce we landed in Maui (6 hours away)! I was truly astonished he and his wife could make it happen so fast and were the sweetest couple to greet us.”
“Incredible costumer personalized service!! Reggie and his wife are amazing people with big hearts 💕 They greated us with a personalized sign our leis and smiles and they were beautiful!! 😍 Thanks so much!”
Frequently asked questions
What is the best lei greeting at Maui’s airport?
The best choice depends on what matters to you. If you’d like a personal welcome, short notice and no payment until you’re met, Lei Maui is an excellent choice: book up to six hours before you land, with no rush fees, and you’re greeted personally at the foot of the escalators beside Baggage Claim.
How much does a lei greeting cost at Kahului Airport?
A standard orchid lei greeting commonly costs about $35 to $50 per person, with premium lei costing more. With Lei Maui, it’s $57 for one guest, $47 per lei for two to five guests and $37 per lei for six or more, with no booking or late fees.
How far in advance should I book a lei greeting?
Many services ask for at least 48 hours’ notice and charge a late fee for anything sooner. Lei Maui needs just six hours’ notice.
Can I buy a lei at Kahului Airport?
Yes. The airport has flower shops that sell lei, and florists and grocery stores across Maui sell them too. A lei greeting adds someone to meet you with your name on a sign.
Where do lei greeters meet you at Kahului Airport?
Greeters wait as you come down the escalators toward Baggage Claim. Lei Maui meets you at the foot of the escalators beside Baggage Claim. See the terminal map for our Maui airport lei greeting.
Is a lei greeting worth it?
For most visitors, yes, especially for first visits, honeymoons, family surprises and groups. It turns a tiring arrival into a personal welcome.
