The rich, fascinating, and spiritual side of Hawaiian culture...

What is the Aloha Spirit?

The Aloha Spirit is a well known reference to the attitude of friendly acceptance for which the Hawaiian Islands are so famous. However, it also refers to a way to resolve any problem, accomplish any goal, and also to achieve any state of mind or body that you desire. In the Hawaiian language, aloha stands for much more than hello or goodbye or love. Its deeper meaning is the joyful (oha) sharing (alo) of life energy (ha) in the present (alo). As you share this energy you become attuned to the divine power that the Hawaiians call mana. And the loving use of this power is the secret for attaining true health, happiness, prosperity and success.

The Aloha Spirit is the coordination of the true self's mind, heart, and soul, manifested by thinking good thoughts, emoting good feelings, and sharing goodness with others. Our kupûna (elders) taught us that the letters of Aloha help to remind us of its meaning:

A
AKAHAI
[ah kah hai']
Lit., careful offering
kindness, modesty, gentleness,
unpretentiousness, being unassuming,
unobtrusive, tenderness

L
LÔKAHI
[LOH' kah hee]
Lit., to obtain oneness
unity, agreement, accord,
unison, harmony

O
`OLU'OLU
[oh' loo oh' loo]
Lit., cool, refreshing
agreeable, pleasantness, amiability,
contentment, happiness, graciousness,
congeniality, cordiality, affability,

H
HA'AHA'A
[hah' ah hah' ah]
Lit., low
humility, humbleness,
self-effacing, modesty

A
AHONUI
[ah hoh nui']
Lit., great breath
patience, perseverance, endurance,
long suffering, tolerance

In reality, The Aloha Spirit is ineffable, i.e., too great to be described in words. Like a sunset or God, Aloha must be experienced. One word gets close:

LOKOMAIKA`I
[loh koh mai' kah ee]
Lit., good insides good will, good disposition, generosity, grace, kindness, humanity, benevolence, beneficence, Lovingkindness