The Hawaiian Greeting: Aloha and the Lei
How Hawaii says hello, with words, a lei and the spirit of aloha.
Get Free Hawaii Trip QuotesThe Hawaiian Greeting, in Words and in Flowers
The Hawaiian greeting most people know is a single word, aloha, often given with a fragrant lei placed around the shoulders. Behind both are customs that are worth understanding before you land: what aloha actually means, which phrases go with it, how a lei greeting at the airport works and how to accept, wear and part with a lei politely. Hawaiian Greeting covers exactly those things, and nothing else.
For the wider Hawaiian language, place names, history and visitor etiquette, see our sister site Hawaiian Information. For things to do on each island, My Hawaii Planner and Best in Hawaii are the places to start.
Aloha Meaning
Love, compassion, hello and goodbye: what the word means, and how Hawaii law describes the Aloha Spirit.
Greetings and Phrases
Good morning, welcome, thank you, see you later, happy birthday and more, with pronunciation.
Lei Greeting at Honolulu Airport
How airport lei greetings work at HNL, what to expect, and how to arrange one.
Maui, Kona and Kauai Airports
Lei greetings on the neighbor islands, from Kahului to Līhuʻe.
Lei Types and Etiquette
Flower, leaf, seed and shell lei, how to give and wear them, and what to do afterward.
Lei Day, May 1
How May Day became Lei Day in Hawaii, and where to celebrate.
Four Ways Hawaii Says Hello
- Aloha. Hello, goodbye and much more. Used morning to night, to friends and strangers.
- The lei. A garland of flowers, leaves, seeds or shells given in welcome, farewell, celebration or thanks.
- The honi. The traditional greeting of touching noses and foreheads to share breath; you may see it at ceremonies and between family members.
- The shaka. Thumb and little finger out, hand gently rocked. Hello, thanks, hang loose; it became Hawaii’s official state gesture in 2024.
Locals also greet each other with “howzit,” a Pidgin hello, and with a hug and a kiss on the cheek among friends. If you are unsure, a smile, “aloha” and a handshake are always right.
Arriving With a Lei
Few travel moments are as memorable as walking out of the terminal and having a fresh lei placed around your neck. Lei greetings date back to the steamship days, when crowds met ships in Honolulu Harbor with flowers and music. Today they happen at the airports, arranged by family, friends, a travel advisor or a greeting service. Our guides to the lei greeting at Honolulu airport and to Maui, Kona and Kauai explain how it works, what to ask and how to make it special for a honeymoon, a milestone birthday or a family reunion.
Planning the trip itself? Compare flights on Airfares for Less, browse hotels on Rooms Cheap, or ask a travel specialist for a free Hawaii quote; tell us you would like a lei greeting and we will build it in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the traditional Hawaiian greeting?
In words, it is aloha. In gesture, the traditional greeting is the honi, in which two people touch foreheads and noses and share breath. Today most people greet with aloha and a hug, a kiss on the cheek or a handshake, and often a lei for a special arrival.
What is the answer to the crossword clue “Hawaiian greeting”?
Almost always ALOHA, five letters. If the clue is three letters and mentions a garland or wreath, the answer is usually LEI.
Should visitors say aloha?
Yes. Aloha is used by everyone in Hawaii as hello and goodbye, and visitors are welcome to use it. Say it warmly and mean it; the word carries more than a casual “hi.”
More From Our Travel Network
About Hawaiian Greeting
This site is part of the Smart Traveler network, led by Mister Cruise. He has sold travel since 1972 and worked full-time in the industry since 1977. He has sold or originated more than $500 million in cruises and has trained more than 500 travel agents.
When you ask for a trip quote through the Official Travel Directory, a travel specialist plans it with you personally — not a call center. Meet Mister Cruise →
Start Your Trip With Aloha
Tell a travel specialist your islands and dates, and ask for a lei greeting on arrival. Free, no-obligation quotes.
Get a Free Hawaii Quote