Meaning of Aloha

THE ALOHA SPIRIT

In the Words of Auntie Pilahi Paki

“The world will turn to Hawai’i as they search for world peace because Hawai’i has the key…and that key is Aloha!”

The 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 may be used:

Akahai – meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness;

Lōkahi – meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;

‘Olu’olu – meaning agreeable, to be expressed with gentleness;

Ha’aha’a – meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;

Ahonui – meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.

ALOHA

In the Words of Pono Shim and Ramsay Taum

Aloha is more than a greeting or salutation. It is a condition, a way of life, a mind set and an attitude.

Aloha is an action, not a reaction. It is a natural response of respect, love and reciprocity, and not a contrived series of motions or expressions that have been rehearsed and perfected for a commercial expectation. 

Aloha is to be in the presence of life, to share the essence of one’s being with openness, honesty and humility.  It is a way of being, a way of behaving, a way of life. It is a commitment to being real. It is a commitment to accepting others and giving dignity to who they are and what they have to offer.   

Aloha is not a slogan, pitch line or monogram. It is a spiritual principle that conveys the deepest expression of one’s relationship with oneself, the creative and life‐giving forces, one’s family and community, and with one’s friends and strangers.