What is Aloha?

Travelers come to Hawai’i every year to rejuvenate, enjoy the outdoors, relax on the beaches, have fun with many water sports and countless other activities. When these travelers arrive, they begin to hear the word Aloha. What is Aloha? Where does this feeling come from and how can I get some?

This is what Aloha means to me.

Aloha is not a destination. It is not a souvenir you pick up from the store. It comes from within you. It is a matter of attitude. It’s the way you embrace life, embrace the people around you, and the people you meet. It’s sharing, caring, compassion, love, respect, friendship. All of these things. It’s a way of life. As you give Aloha, Aloha is given to you by the world around you.

Aloha is the difference between a traveler and a visitor. Are you here to observe or experience? Aloha is a respect for nature, the natural world, and all the creatures in it.

Whale breach, Maalaea, Maui

You already possess all you need to live Aloha. You should bring your Aloha with you when you arrive on vacation and you should take it home with you when you leave. You should have it with you from when you wake up in the morning until you go to sleep at night. You should share it with as many people as you can throughout your day, wherever you are.

Aloha means respect for others, all others. You do not know what that person’s situation is, give them a smile, they may need it today.

Aloha is treating others the way you would like to be treated. We all live here together. We share joy, happiness, love, hurt, loss, and sadness. None of us are immune to life’s normal happenings. No matter what our current station in life, we are the same.

Aloha is waving at your neighbor and saying good morning. Checking on and helping out your Kupuna (elders). Aloha is family. The joy and peace we feel when we are together. Aloha is love. We all have love to give, share it with the people around you. I feel Aloha when I kiss my family goodbye in the morning and remind them to have a great day. I feel it when I hold the door for someone at the supermarket or stop to let someone cross the street. I feel it when I smile at someone I pass in the hallway or on the sidewalk.

Fishing at Uncle Tracy’s pond

Let me tell you one thing though, not everyone practices Aloha in Hawaii. You will find that out soon enough. If you share your Aloha with them, maybe they will pick it up and pay it forward, you never know. It is our example of Aloha that spreads and multiplies and touches people.

West Side is the best side

Whether you’re here on vacation, visiting, or looking for a second home, Aloha is something you’ll need and want to wrap yourself up in. It’s why we love this magical place.

Want to Find Your Aloha?

Aloha means different things to different people, but I do know one thing, for me, it starts right here. For a deeper understanding of Aloha and our host’s culture, please read this article at Aloha International.

If you’d like to plant more permanent roots and find your Aloha, call me, I can help.