One of the world's most famous athletes got a warm welcome in the islands on Monday.

David Beckham is here for the first Pan-Pacific Soccer Championship.

Since details of his arrival were not released to the public the crowd at the Honolulu Airport was pretty small.

The Verdin family of Kailua showed up hoping to score a signature from the star. They didn't even know what flight the team would be on.

"He's my favorite player. I like how he plays and everything," said fan Osbaldo Verdin.

"I like playing soccer like him and he's good," said Osbaldo's younger brother Irving.

Luckily, their nearly three-hour long wait paid off.

Beckham and his LA Galaxy teammates emerged, and were greeted with lei, music and hula dancers.

When the players walked to their tour bus, fans had a quick chance to get photos and autographs.

"Just scream at him and say come over here," explained Verdin. "He just started looking at the cameras and signing the balls and everything."

The brothers got their goal: a soccer ball signed by several players, including Beckham.

"Excited. Happy. Just can't believe it," said Verdin.

State leaders urged fans to show up for the two-day tournament at Aloha Stadium on Feb. 20 and 23.

The three other teams competing are the Houston Dynamo, Gamba Osaka and Sydney FC.

"It's my first time in Hawaii, so I'm looking forward to looking around and seeing the beaches and seeing everything that's beautiful here," said LA Galaxy player David Beckham.

"For us here in Hawaii, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. You're gonna see some players you don't get to see up close and in person in any venue," said Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona.

With all this international attention focused on Hawaii, organizers hope to showcase everything the state has to offer.

"The images coming out of Hawaii are going to go around the world. The interest for this event has been amazing," said Will Wilson of Soccer United Marketing.

"We have a world class reputation in hosting athletic events and soccer is just the latest we hope to be in a long line of successful ventures here," said Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann.

Tickets for Wednesday's doubleheader range from $10 to $50. Prices for Saturday's matches when the champion will be crowned go from $15 to $60.

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