The Meaning of Aloha

The Online Hawaiian Dictionary defines Aloha as: – love, affection, compassion, mercy, sympathy, pity, kindness, sentiment, grace, charity; greeting, salutation, regards; sweetheart, lover, loved one; beloved, loving, kind, compassionate, charitable, lovable; to love, be fond of; to show kindness, mercy, pity, charity, affection; to venerate; to remember with affection; to greet, hail. Greetings! Hello! Good-by! Farewell! Alas!

Confused yet? There is more…

If we break Aloha down into Hawaiian words we get the literal meaning:

“Alo“ means presence, front or face while “ha“ means breath or to breathe or the breath of life.

So the literal meaning is “In the presence of breath” or “In the face of breath” or “In the presence of the breath of life.”

Aloha is still more than that though… Aloha is a way of life. Aloha is showing your love, caring and understanding not only for yourself, but for all of those around you.

“Aloha Spirit” is even in the “law books” as a guide for public officials about treating people with respect and caring while they perform their duties. While this is more of a guide than a law someone could get punished for, it reminds us all to follow the guidelines and live Aloha.

Definition of Aloha Spirit State Law
contained in the Hawaii Revised Statutes (State Law):

[§5-7.5] “Aloha Spirit.”
(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:

“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 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.” [L 1986, c 202, §1]

Do something kind for someone today and show your Aloha Spirit!