Getting Lei'd in Hawaii

The Aloha spirit is alive and well on the Islands in Hawaii.  Visitors (Malihini in Hawaiian) can be greeted with beautiful floral lei on their arrival.  The lei are almost iconic as a symbol of Hawaii, and many visitors look forward to their first introduction to the Islands when their greeter presents them with their lei.

The lei originated as a tourist greeting gesture in the early 1900’s, when all guests were greeted as they disembarked from the luxury liners of the time.  The beautiful fragrance delighted passengers and helped welcome them to the islands.  It was almost a tradition as well for the departing visitors to throw their lei into the sea as their ship passed Diamond Head, in a symbolic gesture that announced their hopes to return to the Islands again.

Alas, as tourism increased to the millions, and the ships turned into airplanes and airports, the tradition became a thing of the past.

Today the custom can still be celebrated, although you must make the arrangements yourself before you arrive.  There are various companies that will provide greeters at the airports complete with the fresh flower leis, and they also help with the transition from the plane to baggage claim, answering questions and being helpful with tips about Hawaii.

If you are interested in having a lei greeting, research the companies online and place your order before you leave home. 

Also remember to book your vacation car rental ahead of time to save you money and guarantee a vehicle on arrival.  There have been many times we have received phone calls from customers at the airport trying to find a vehicle during a sold out period.  Your vacation should be relaxing, and this includes your car rental experience.  Give us a call early, or go to our website www.discounthawaiicarrental.com and fill out a form, and let us do the hunting for you.  We promise to provide you with a vehicle at the lowest possible price available to us, and we will work for you with the same Aloha Spirit as your Lei Greeter.