'''Aloha''' in the Hawaiian language means ''affection'', ''love'', ''peace'', ''compassion'', ''mercy'', ''goodbye'', and ''hello'', among other sentiments of a similar nature. It is used especially in Hawaii as a greeting meaning hello and goodbye. Variations occur based on circumstances when used as a salutation. "Aloha kakahiaka" is the phrase for "good morning". "Aloha auinalā" is the phrase for "good afternoon". "Aloha ahiahi" is the phrase for "good evening". "Aloha kākou" is a common form of "welcome to all".
Mahalo is a related term used for saying "thank you".
"Aole pilikia" is the Hawaiian term for "You're welcome.", lit. "No problem".
It is also the state nickname of Hawaii, the "Aloha State".

Contents

Etymology

Spirit

Trends

External links

Etymology

The word ''aloha'' derives from the Hawaiian words ''alo'' meaning "presence," "front," "face," or "share"; and ''ha'', meaning "breath of life" or "essence of life." In ancient times — and to this day — Hawaiians put their foreheads together and say "alo," and then breathe out saying "ha," thus literally facing and exchanging their life's breath.

Spirit

Over the decades the word aloha has been used in reference to a complex state of mind called the ''Aloha Spirit'' or ''sense of aloha''. The ''Aloha Spirit'' is often described as a sense of care and hospitality to those around as well as respect for their personhood, even in the face of stressful environments, occasions or people. It is from the ''Aloha Spirit'' that the State of Hawaii gets its official nickname, ''The Aloha State''. Also inspired by the ''Aloha Spirit'' was the naming of the Aloha Stadium in the Honolulu suburb of Salt Lake, Aloha Airlines and Aloha Tower at Honolulu Harbor.

Trends

Recent trends are popularizing the term elsewhere in the United States. Popular entertainer, Broadway star and Hollywood actress Bette Midler, born in Honolulu, uses the greeting frequently in national appearances. The word was also used frequently in the hit television drama ''Hawaii Five-O''. The Aloha Spirit is a major concept in ''Lilo and Stitch'', a very popular Disney series of movies and TV shows, set in Hawaii.
Lost, shot in Hawaii, has a thank you note at the end of the credits saying "We thank the people of Hawaii and their Aloha Spirit".
Arguably the most famous historical Hawaiian song, "Aloha Oe" was written by the last queen of Hawaii, Liliuokalani.

External links

★ Aloha Facts

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