Checked baggage is put through a screening machine before flight check-in. Carry-on luggage is inspected at the security check point. Leis that have any parts of a citrus plant including leaves or flowers are prohibited, as are leis made of the jade vine or the Mauna Loa, a fast growing lily.
Can you fly with a lei from Hawaii?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits certain items, including some flowers used in Hawaiian leis, from entering the U.S. mainland to protect against harmful plant pests.
Can you fly with flowers from Hawaii?
USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) prohibits or restricts the entry of many agricultural products from Hawaii into the U.S. mainland, including most fresh fruits and vegetables and certain types of plants and flowers.
Can I take a real lei home from Hawaii?
Those flower lei from your friend’s Hawaii wedding? You can take them home… usually. Be sure to ask the lei maker there are any citrus plant parts incorporated in the lei.
Can I bring lei to the mainland?
A: White or yellow ginger, tuberose, maile or orchid lei are fine as long as they pass inspection, but any lei containing fresh botanical fruits, such as berries or hala (pandanus) fruit or citrus leaves, including pieces of mock orange leaves in between kukui nuts or other lei, are not allowed.
How do you transport leis on a plane?
If you can, you should take your leis in your carry-on luggage, so they are not tossed around roughly by any baggage handlers.
What can you not bring back from Hawaii?
Items from Hawaii that travelers may NOT bring to the U.S. mainland:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, except for those listed above as permitted.
- Berries of any kind, including whole fresh coffee berries (aka, coffee cherries) and sea grapes.
- Cactus plants or cactus plant parts.
- Cotton and cotton bolls.
Can you buy a lei at the Honolulu airport?
Lei Greeting is done in the baggage claim area. Lei are also available from Florist shops and carts in the Terminals. In Terminal 1, a kiosk is located across Gate A18.
Do you get a lei when you land in Honolulu?
As you arrive in Honolulu, you’ll experience true Hawaiian hospitality the moment you step off the plane! Your greeter will meet you at your gate with a warm “Aloha” and embrace you with a fresh Hawaiian lei. Then, rest easy and let your greeter escort you to baggage claim and answer any questions you may have.
How long does a fresh lei last?
During busy times of the year or for particularly large orders we often bring our lei in on Fridays and Saturdays as well. How long do they last? All flowers differ, but generally they will last three to four days in the refrigerator.
How do you preserve a lei forever?
Leis dry best by hanging up with the flowers upside-down, just like bouquets do. If your home has high humidity, run a dehumidifier or air conditioner in the room while your lei dries.
What can you do with old leis?
Never throw away your lei in the trash – that is like throwing the gift-giver’s affection away. Instead, discard your lei by throwing it in the ocean, burning it, or hanging it in a tree. The idea is to return the lei to the area from which it came, which is a sign of respect.
Can you take pineapple on the plane from Hawaii?
Yes, if you are boarding a flight in the continental United States*, you can bring pineapples through airport security in your carry-on baggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows both whole and cut-up pineapple to pass through airport security.
How do you preserve Hawaiian leis?
Quick Tips
- Unpack the lei(s) immediately.
- Keep cool in refrigerators, between 50 ° F – 55 ° F, do NOT store in freezer.
- If a refrigerator is unavailable, mist the lei(s) with cool water and lightly wrap in a damp paper towel.
- Fragrant leis should be used immediately.
What does a kukui nut lei mean?
enlightenment, protection
The Kukui Nut tree was a symbol of enlightenment, protection, guidance and peace, and its spiritual powers are still believed to flow through Hawaiian culture and its ceremonies. In 1959, the Kukui tree itself was made the official tree emblem for the state of Hawai’i. Kukui Nut trees are fairly easy to spot.
Do you still get leis when you land in Hawaii?
Arrange a traditional lei greeting for your arrival at the airport on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island of Hawaii! Your friendly island greeter will welcome you with a warm “aloha” and present you with a beautiful fresh flower lei – a symbol of aloha, welcome and love in Hawaii.
What does giving a lei mean?
A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor or greeting. In essence, it is a symbol of Aloha. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty and rank. It is also associated with hula, religion and geography.
What do you say when you give someone a lei?
Lei Etiquette
- Always accept aloha: Because lei are considered a symbol of affection and aloha, you should never refuse lei.
- How to wear lei: The proper way to wear lei is gently draped over the shoulders, hanging from both the front and back.
Can I take shells from Hawaii?
Second, some people think it is illegal to remove rocks or sea shells from the shore in Hawaii. According to the Division of Land and Natural Resources, taking small amounts of sand, dead coral, rocks or other marine deposits for personal, noncommercial use is allowed.
Can you bring lava rock back from Hawaii?
HAWAII (CBS) – Tourism officials in Hawaii are reminding visitors not to take lava rocks home with them. Taking things from National Parks is against the law, so taking volcanic rocks from Hawaii’s volcanoes is illegal.
Are you allowed to take rocks from Hawaii?
Not only is it illegal to remove anything from a national park, but it is just unwise to trifle with Pele, the volcano goddess of Hawaii. A legend, referred to as Pele’s Curse, says that visitors who take rocks or sand away from Hawaii will suffer bad luck until the native Hawaiian elements are returned.