A for Aloha, which we found every day in Hawaii last month

What Does Aloha Mean? These answers were from: http://www.to-hawaii.com/aloha.php

Kay and Art

Aloha is the most Hawaiian word. In the Hawaiian language, it can mean hello or goodbye. It also means love and affection. The word aloha is used in a combination with other words, such as aloha kakahiaka, which means good morning; aloha auinala used as a greeting that means good afternoon; and aloha ahiahi is how you can wish good evening in Hawaiian. Because of aloha’s unique meaning and popularity, Hawaii is called the Aloha State.

Aloha is a Hawaiian symbol. Its meaning goes beyond any definition you can find about it in the dictionaries. In Hawaii, you hear aloha all the time and you are treated with aloha everywhere.

The Spirit of Aloha


The literal meaning of aloha is “the presence of breath” or “the breath of life.” It comes from “Alo,” meaning presence, front and face, and “ha,” meaning breath. Aloha is a way of living and treating each other with love and respect. Its deep meaning starts by teaching ourselves to love our own beings first and afterwards to spread the love to others.

According to the old kahunas (priests), being able to live the Spirit of Aloha was a way of reaching self-perfection and realization for our own body and soul. Aloha is sending and receiving a positive energy. Aloha is living in harmony. When you live the Spirit of Aloha, you create positive feelings and thoughts, which are never gone. They exist in space, multiply and spread over to others.

Inspired by the philosophy and the wisdom of the Spirit of Aloha, nowadays many institutions and businesses in Hawaii carry its name. Many Hawaiian singers write and perform songs about aloha as well. (The most famous historical Hawaiian song, 'Aloha O'e' was written by the last queen of Hawaii, Liliuokalani: from Wikipedia)

Flag of Hawaii

The Spirit of Aloha as Law

Aloha Spirit is considered a state “law.” Although the word law sounds too strong and strict, Aloha Spirit is not such a type of law that will get you in trouble if you break it. Its main purpose is to serve as a reminder to government officials while they perform their duties to treat people with deep care and respect, just like their ancestors did. Aloha Spirit is more a lesson than a law. By learning and applying this lesson to real life, government officials can contribute to a better world, a world filled with aloha.

Definition of Aloha Spirit State Law

(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 may be used:

The unofficial state bird tries to meet all buses
and direct tourists to all the facilities.
The official state bird is the Hawaiian Goose or Nene
which has more important official duties to perform.
Besides, we never saw one, just lots of chickens.

"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.

Hawaiian Kay and Canadian Kay

"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." 

When we visited Hawaii in December, we were met by my blogging friend Kay, and her husband Art, who wished us Aloha, gave us leis and took us on a wonderful all-morning tour of Honolulu. After visiting the Iolani Palace, we drove past a Santa giving the "hang-ten" hand signal, which is probably another form of Aloha. 

Posted for the first week of Round 8 in ABC Wednesday,

a meme that really makes us think.

Thanks to Mrs. Denise Nesbitt for bringing us ABC Wednesday!

To see how others around the world have used the first letter of the alphabet, please click

HERE!