Aloha is a very well-known Hawaiian word for many people, but what does it actually mean? To many people, aloha is recognized as just an expression of greeting, being no more than a hello or a goodbye. But here in Hawaii, aloha means much more than that. Here, we will go into the meaning of aloha, the values of aloha, the aloha spirit, and how it is applied in everyday life by the people of Hawaii.
The Meaning of Aloha
Aloha is a word with great depth. The word itself can be broken down into two different parts: “Alo” and “Ha”. Alo can be translated to “in the presence”, while “ha” can be translated to “the breath of life”. This means the word aloha can be translated to “to share the breath of life”, showing great respect as a greeting.
The Values of Aloha
Aloha is not only seen as a greeting, but it also has a lot of sentimental value for the beliefs and way of life of the people of Hawaii. Aloha has an acronym that perfectly describes the value and spirit of it all.
A – Akahai – Kindness
Akahai is translated to kindness. The people of Hawaii are always taught, especially when we are young, to always treat others with respect and kindness. It is an integral part of the aloha spirit, treating even strangers as you would as your family.
L – Lokahi – Unity
Lokahi is translated as unity. It defines us and everyone as one, where we should work together, supporting and accepting each other, creating a bond through love for each other.
O – ‘Olu’olu – Agreeable
‘Olu’olu is translated as agreeable. This ideology is not argumentative or pessimistic, and to accept others, even though we all have our differences.
H – Ha’aha’a – Humility
Ha’aha’a is translated as humility. This instills the idea of being open-minded and embracing differences, allowing for the acceptance of new things and ideas.
A – Ahonui – Patience
Ahonui is translated as patience. It is used to express perseverance, keeping a strong state of mind, and knowing when is the best time to execute specific things.
On top of all of this, the aloha spirit is acknowledged by law in Hawaii. In the Hawaii Revised Statutes, section 5-7.5, it states:
“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 laulā loa may be used:
“Akahai“, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
“Lōkahi“, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
“ʻOluʻolu” meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
“Haʻahaʻa“, 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 Hawaiʻi. ”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. ”Aloha” means to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.
(b) In exercising their power on behalf of the people and in fulfillment of their responsibilities, obligations and service to the people, the legislature, governor, lieutenant governor, executive officers of each department, the chief justice, associate justices, and judges of the appellate, circuit, and district courts may contemplate and reside with the life force and give consideration to the “Aloha Spirit”.
More Than Just a Greeting
Aloha is also more than a greeting. It is the spirit that is lived by in Hawaii. Aloha has evolved from this, especially gradually during the history of Hawaii, having many different people from many different cultures come to one place, creating the melting pot of cultures that it is today. Aloha represents not only a greeting and the spirit, but it also represents the melting pot that Hawaii is. For example, the button shirts that are commonly tied in Hawaii are called aloha shirts. Though these shirts originated in Hawaii, it actually originates from Japanese influence and cultural blend, creating the infamous aloha shirts we know and love today.
How You Can Show and Practice Aloha
Showing aloha is not as hard and as complicated as it may seem. The best way to show aloha is just to be kind and show respect to anyone and everyone. There is also a hand sign that you can do that portrays the aloha spirit. This would be the shaka. It is a hand gesture where your ring finger, middle finger, and pointer fingers are all in a knuckle formation, while your thumb and pinky finger are extended. You could also use your hand with this gesture to add emphasis, showing greater aloha.
Experiencing Aloha First Hand
Aloha is a cultural phenomenon that only exists in Hawaii, creating a culture of love and respect for not only the people around you, but for people you have never talked to prior. It’s a spirit that believes in showing appreciation to others naturally. So next time you are in Hawaii, or even outside of Hawaii, show some aloha to the people around you! If you are interested in learning more about Hawaiian culture, check out our Hawaiian Culture guide, where we go in depth about the traditions, local values, and what makes Hawaiian culture unique!
