Aloha can get messed up when 10 million visitors a year arrive at Hawaii’s door, and it can be a word bandied about in various inappropriate usages. But then you hear cases like the following from a Kauai Facebook group (hat tip to Art).
A Kauai resident reported leaving her backpack on the beach with $600 worth of equipment. She returned the next day, thinking the chance of finding it there was slim. She was correct; the backpack was gone, but the lady who found it left a sign on the tree above the place where it was left. And that sign read, “Found Backpack” and a number to call. She was reunited with her backpack and made a new friend too. As the backpack owner said, “There are good people out there, and Kauai and the universe do indeed work miracles…”
Despite everything we’ve all been through over the past few years and in many ways continue to endure, does Aloha remain more than a word here. In addition, we’ve said before that Aloha is actually the law in Hawaii, and we’d like to add that many people feel that it largely remains the spirit of the Hawaiian Islands.
Aloha means hello and goodbye, friendship and love; it is the breath that unites us all and is an acknowledgment of the culture of Hawaii. Aloha is real, and it remains, in part, what makes Hawaii unique. This code word is inclusive and creates unity.
Why is there an actual Hawaii Aloha Spirit Law?
This law was enacted in 1986, but it couldn’t be more relevant than it is today. Aloha emanates from deep roots in Native Hawaiian culture. In a place as small as this, we all need to get along, and that has always been the case and still is. Aloha is working together in idealized kindness, harmony, and with respect.
The state Attorney General’s office said, “all citizens and government officials of Hawaii are obligated to conduct themselves in accordance with this law.” We’ll respectfully add visitors to the list of those it applies to.
Hawaii ranks highly regarding wellness measures, including low stress, life evaluation, emotional health, work environment, physical well-being, and healthy behaviors. We’ll add that Aloha is a large part of the reason that’s true.
Beat of Hawaii regular Melika once said, “There are so many gifts here … there is a beautiful “aloha spirit” here. I love the unique gift of “talking story.” If you wave at anyone (even if you don’t know them)… they will wave back! The ocean is so pure and cleansing… it is always my healer, physically and mentally. It always makes me smile! The brilliant colors and beauty here are unparalleled in my book; this is truly paradise… and of course, we do have the best weather on the planet! So many things that make Hawaii special are difficult to put into words… words cannot do it justice… Hawaii is an experience for all your senses! Can you tell I am completely, hopelessly smitten here!!!”
Here’s the Aloha Spirit Law [§5-7.5].
(a) “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 (free translation) may be used:
“Akahai,” meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness;
“Lokahi,” meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
“Oluolu,” meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
“Haahaa,”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 without obligation. “Aloha” is the essence of relationships in which each person is essential 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”. [L 1986, c 202, §1].
Hat tip to commenter Kika, who said, “Although there is no panacea for the regrettably belligerent tourist, it might help if there was more of an effort to promote and advertise the Aloha Spirit state law.”
Please share your thoughts about Hawaii’s Aloha you’ve experienced.
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Bugler C says
I use ShalomAloha as greetings and positive mantra affirmation and feel the belonging healing Kodesh Ruach Aloha Spirit has been calling me to live in Hawaii for a while and i pray i make it very very soon…
Ashley K says
After the pandemic there has been a lot of division with an “us” vs. “them” mentality. Everyone could use more Aloha mentality moving past the pandemic. As a visitor before and after the pandemic, the aloha spirit isn’t what it once was, which was one of the best parts of the trip. Wishing healing and unity to all! Aloha.
Kimberley W says
I experienced the aloha spirit when I mistakenly went to Walmart on Black Friday. Suddenly it was announced over the PA that a certain item was now on sale in an aisle.
People started running and I literally braced myself thinking I was going to get crushed. I was so surprised to see people at the front of the tower of goods, passing it back to others behind them, making sure kapuna got one – all the while laughing!! No fights, no cursing like you see on mainland news – everyone was having fun! I stayed for an hour just to watch it all over again when new items were announced
It’s a story I love to tell about the aloha spirit in Hawaii.
Mahalo for letting me share my story.
Carol L. says
That is a good story. On the mainland I have heard of people getting black eyes on Black Friday.
Mike S says
I think the Aloha Spirit is awesome, along with the paper work the airlines have you fill out, as you are approaching the Islands, they should have all tourists read the law. Maybe it would open their eyes and heart to it. We have been to Hawaii 5 times and every time I fall more in love with the people and the place. We always want to be a good example of what a tourist should be! If if you want to be a jerk go to New York.
Xavier S says
This is quite interesting to know that it is a State law, yet, many of the Government office have zeroe aloha, like the DMV where everyone is Rude! Also, Post Office in Waikiki Beach, many rude employees starting with Kawika who thinks he’s the man…making fun of tourists and being rude to everyone he comes in contact with. I believe the word Aloha needs to be re-examined on how it needs to be used by those coming into Hawai’i and those living in Hawai’i. It is sort of misused and many people and places Have No Aloha! I love the concept, so let’s really Bring It Up!
William H says
Stationed at Schofield after my unit (Wolfhounds) came back after we finished getting folks out of Saigon safely. I was just a kid on my own when I enlisted. No parents, family or any idea about life. I’ll always be grateful that the place I came back to was Hawaii. The aloha of the folks there gave me a great path to follow & a place to call home for over 30 years.
Bill J says
One of the clearest demonstrations of Aloha occurs about twice a day in the town of Waimea (Kamuela) at least twice a day. Whenever traffic becomes thick, drivers in the area offer courtesy to each other in order to keep the traffic flowing. It is unique and admirable to witness. Everybody, even visitors, quickly see how their own day is improved by giving and receiving aloha to each other.
Pressure to work harder and longer has resulted from poor politicians and the government supported scarcity of housing for the workers Hawaii depends upon. That pressure has yet to stifle the aloha in Waimea, but it is a great threat.
Laura K says
I dropped my wallet in the safeway store in Kona and when I discovered it was gone I called there the next day and they had it. Nothing was taken and they wouldn’t even take a small reward. I was so happy, it restored my faith restored in the kindness of people.
Dolly l says
Wonderful
Suzanne P says
How beautifully the philosophy of aloha spirit is in corporates into the societal rules that govern Hawaii! Given the rise of facism in the US, aloha spirit needed in all 50 states!
Eva B says
Couldn’t agree more ….
Lori K says
We have brought up this point before, you reap what you sow. We are annual visitors to Kauai and always feel so welcome. This past November I started playing pickleball with the group in Hanapepe and met the most amazing people. One of them went out of her way to help me with a quest of finding something appropriate to bring back to a sick friend, which also included a blessing by a traditional healer. It was an experience that brought me to tears. She told me she meets visitors all the time, but could tell I was different. Yes, I am different, I am respectful of the people and land and I try to live Aloha on the mainland too. Moral of the story, bring your Aloha with you to receive it in return.
Kealohagirl says
I lived in Hawaii 14 years and truly miss the Aloha of the local people. When I moved back to the mainland 5 years ago I found it shocking to live in a place where there’s no Aloha it doesn’t seem to exist in the heart of the mainland people. My heart has been so sad! So I share the love of living the aloha way everyday of my life. Spreading as much aloha with everyone I come in touch with. My Hawaiian name is Kealohapaū`ole (love that never ends). If your fortunate to befriend a local family that Hanai’s (adopts) you into their O’hana (family) & receive the gift of a Hawaiian name is truly the best gift you will ever receive.
PatG says
There is even aloha on the mainland, if you look for it. I find it mainly in the US South. Warm, friendly, helpful people. Also many places in Europe, like Italy and Portugal. Also the Bahamas, Puerto Vallarta, Spain, Malta. Aloha can be spread and received all over the planet. It’s not just a Hawaiian concept, it’s a human concept.
Eva B says
Personally, I grew up in Europe and enjoyed living in the South of France for 12 years before ending up in Washington, DC which is a beautiful city. However, the moment I arrived in Honolulu in 1989 with my (now ex) husband, there was something magical about this place. We also visited Kauai, the Big Island and Molokai. I cried when we left and my husband asked why (he became an ex 12 years ago!). He tried to convince me that there are similar places closer to DC and Europe (he was born in Spain) and I remember asking him in the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, Bahamas, Mexico, Puerto Rico & so on, if he thought this was Hawaii and he admitted that none of them even came close. I even tried to create Hawaii in my back-yard, but I now live in Maui!
Eva B says
Congratulation, Ben, if you are surrounded by people who are kind, tender, harmonious, agreeable, pleasant, patient and have humility. There are certainly people who embody the Aloha spirit, especially in Hawaii, but saying that we live in a peaceful world keeping the earth green and healthy tells me that you live in a bubble.
sandi says
A: Aina. The land is our foundation, our rock-literally and figuratively. Enjoy it, learn from it and about it, and respect the customs, laws, and rules. Visit the museums and the mountains both; stand on the beach at sunset and watch the power and beauty of the ocean as the moon rises and the stars emerge. L: Life is precious; it is shared and from it we learn. When you’re lucky enough to meet someone who has information to share, experiences to describe (positive or negative), a Kupuna with stories of the old days, or a child playing on the beach in the sand–take a mental snapshot and add it to your life’s photo album. Your album will be priceless and a part of you, no matter where you live or travel. O>H>A> will follow soon no more room
Reina99 says
Some visitors from the mainland doesn’t even know the meaning of respect. If you want the aloha spirit then practice respect to the Hawaiian culture and traditions. Lately there visitors are downright unruly, rude and ignores rules of the Islands.
PatG says
There are more rude people lately on the islands, also. We tend to have tunnel vision here.
Aloha is a universal concept. It is respect for the land, being kind to others, and cultural awareness, wherever you go. It has to do with how you are raised, and how you were taught how to live in harmony with nature and all the living creatures around you.
PK says
More people, more crowded, the more Aloha is needed. Not only in Hawai’i but the rest of a growing world population and shrinking land. More understanding, sharing and cooperation is needed in a changing world like this. But, try to preserve what you have now, before it’s all gone.
Cathy E. says
When we lived on Oahu, the commute was from Mililani to downtown Honolulu… a long, slow slog. But it was made bearable because all the commuters drove with Aloha. I don’t remember even one negative traffic incident. Quite remarkable! I hope that continues.
Jasmine s says
Sad thing is , they’ve forgotten Aloha aina down here in Puna , Hawaii .. change.org/pgvpetitionaole
Eva B says
Jasmine, I think it might be helpful to find someone who can better explain to the general public what this petition is for ..?
Ben W. says
Here is the good, great, fantastic news: Just about every positive value people think of in terms of ‘Aloha’ is present all over the mainland, and also just about everywhere even reasonably peaceful on the face of this earth. Look at each adjective in your list…and think…..are these things really absent in, say, most of California? Chicago? The Netherlands? And so on?
Most people are nice. Most people are honest. Lost valuables get returned, and there are many, many people all across the globe who want to, and are able to, keep the natural world green and healthy. Yes…problems too… Yes, in Hawaii as well.
Different words for ‘Aloha’ maybe. But plenty of good people, and good earth all over.
Kauaidoug says
Aloha, visitors I talk to now are always curious about what it was like on Kaua’i during COVID. I always say that here we took to masking up as Showing our Aloha by masking. I mask up for you so please mask up me. Aloha is the Hawaiian version of the Golden rule that most westerners are most familiar with.
One must slow down from the rat race, whether on the mainland or here, to recognize, receive, and give Aloha. Lucky live Kaua’i.
PatG says
The Golden Rule – good analogy.👍🏼 The Golden Rule coupled with environmental awareness and appreciation.