Hawaiian Airlines spread a little aloha spirit in Sydney this morning, surprising commuters emerging from Martin Place train station with fresh leis and warm Hawaiian greetings.
The airline flew in 500 handmade floral leis to offer Sydneysiders a sweet surprise in the lead up to traditional Lei Day celebrations in Hawaii.
Hawaii comes alive each year on May 1 with colourful festivities and vibrant cultural performances in a time-honoured tradition that pays homage to the symbolism of the lei.
In Hawaiian culture, these colourful garlands represent love, friendship, and the aloha spirit.
“What better way to remind everyone of the warm hospitality that awaits visitors to Hawaii than sharing a cherished cultural tradition right in the middle of Sydney,” Hawaiian Airlines regional director of South Pacific sales, Andrew Best said.
The pop-up lei stand was created as part of the airline’s ‘Aloha Around the World campaign’, with commuters across Los Angeles, Tokyo and Hawaii being treated to the same traditional greeting.
The campaign comes fresh off the back of Hawaiian Airlines move to join oneworld alliance, which includes Qantas, linking the carrier to nearly 1,000 destinations across more than 170 countries.
