The Meaning Of Aloha

To the people of Hawaii, the word aloha has many meanings:

It’s a greeting, a farewell, an expression of love and – perhaps most important – a philosophy of life.

This philosophy promotes the belief that we are all part of a global community that needs to respect our differences as well as what we have in common.

Aloha is a gift to be shared through daily acts that reflect courtesy and respect for others.

A visit to Hawaii offers unique natural and cultural experiences. The Islands are known for hospitality and visitors to Hawaii find people here to be welcoming. Overall, the general lifestyle is laid back. Visitors come to realize that, here, the lifestyle and business style is a little different as they experience the inherent “aloha spirit” unique to Hawaii. What visitors take from this experience varies but when one has been here long enough, or visits frequently, one comes to understand what is “pono” —and what is not.

Pono means righteous. And, “living pono” means living with respect; living pono benefits everyone.

Aloha {noun-transitive verb, noun-stative verb}

Love, affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, pity, kindness, sentiment, grace, charity; greeting, salutation, regards; sweetheart, lover, loved one; beloved, loving, kind, compassionate, charitable, lovable; to love, be fond of; to show kindness, mercy, pity, charity, affection; to venerate; to remember with affection; to greet, hail. Greetings! Hello! Good-by! Farewell!

Definition of Aloha Spirit State Law [§5-7.5] “Aloha Spirit.”

“Aloha Spirit” is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others.

In the contemplation and presence of the life force, “Aloha,” the following unuhi laula loa may be used:

A

L

O

H

A

Akahai: meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness

Lokahi: meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony

´Olu´olu: meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness

Ha´aha´a: meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty

Ahonui: meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance

These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth and sincerity of Hawaii’s people. It was the working philosophy of Native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii. “Aloha” is more than a word of greeting or farewell or a salutation. “Aloha” means mutual regard and affection and extends warmth in caring with no obligation in return. “Aloha” is the essence of relationships in which each person is important to every other person for collective existence.

Source: Hawaiian language; culture; tradition