The True Meaning of Aloha
Did you know that Aloha does not have an English equivalent? So, what is the true meaning of Aloha? The word actually comprises of two Hawaiian words. Alo, meaning “to be in one’s direct presence, face, or front.” And, Ha, meaning “breath of life.” Customarily, Native Hawaiians used to act out Aloha by pressing their noses together and exhaling at the same time. They would exchange Aloha or their breaths of life to show that they recognized the value and importance of one another. Today, many Hawaiians still practice this exchange. However, the pandemic has certainly hindered this tradition. Yet, the exchange of Aloha is still alive and well in Hawai’i.
What Aloha is to Native Hawaiians
To the Native Hawaiian people, Aloha is a word that holds extreme spiritual power. For instance, this special word represents the active philosophy of our culture. It is a sacred gift that our ancestors granted to all the people of Hawaiʻi (including visitors). Also, it embodies the magic, kindness, and honor of Native Hawaiians. Furthermore, we believe it holds the key to building unity on Earth.
What Aloha is NOT
Ironically, when visitors come to Hawaiʻi they usually hear the marketing version of the word. You know what Iʻm talking about…that emcee at the Hawaiian lūʻau. Greeting the audience with the standard (and cheesy) “Aloooooooha!” Making it seem as if this word simply means hello or goodbye. But the truth is, Aloha means so much more than that.
Kupuna (ancestor) Wisdom
Our beloved kupuna, Aunty Pilahi Paki, once said, “The world will turn to Hawaiʻi as they search for world peace because Hawaiʻi has the key…and that key is Aloha!” If what she said is true, then aloha has to mean more than a simple salutation. And, it does! First, she explained that aloha means having mutual respect and affection for others. Extending care and love for ALL with no obligations. Second, she said, Aloha carries the spirit that recognizes the importance of every person. And, it recognizes the divine relationship between all things. Through this act we acknowledge our interdependence and reliance on one another. However, Aloha goes beyond human exchanges. Yes, it speaks to humanity. But, it includes ALL things and our relationships with them. Humans, animals, plants, the elements, and EVERYTHING that keeps the world operating. Aunty Pilahi poetically explained that Aloha means:
“to hear what is not said, to see what cannot be seen, and to know the unknowable.”
The Aloha Spirit Law
In 1986 the Hawai’i State lawmakers passed the “Aloha Spirit Law” (Chapter 5 of Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes 5-7.5) written by Aunty Pilahi. She captured the energy of this word by explaining the life force of Aloha is:
Akahai, meaning kindness to be expressed with tenderness
Lōkahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony
ʻOluʻolu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness
Haʻahaʻa, meaning humility (empty), to be expressed with modesty
Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.
Aloha & Health
In essence, Aloha is a system of Hawaiian values that lends to the definition of optimal health. It is a behavioral and lifestyle method. Also, it unifies all things because it goes beyond color, race, creed, gender, religion, or any other condition that promotes separation. Aloha is unconditional love, trust, and friendship. And, it has the power to connect, sustain, and hold us in the energy of wellness and good health.
Inspired and Guided by Aloha
To sum it up, in sharing Aloha we are accepting responsibility for the health and well-being of ourselves, each other, our planet, and future generations. Aunty Pilahi was right. Aloha IS the answer! This is why it is the driving philosophy and wisdom We the well Beings depend on. We believe if we want to move toward a healthier body, mind, and spirit, we must practice and live Aloha. Aloha for the Divine and self, for others, all living things, and most importantly, Aloha for Akua (God/Source/Sai Baba/Shiva/The Universe) and life itself.