Hawaii is world-renowned for its beautiful landscapes and shorelines. But what keeps me coming back to the islands is the aloha culture. For Hawaiians, aloha is not just a way to say hello and goodbye; it’s a lifestyle of love, compassion and recognition. “Ha,” like in many languages, signifies the breath of life. When you greet someone with aloha or you interact with someone with an aloha spirit, it’s about recognizing a person’s humanity and their significance in creation. I think of it as like saying, “I recognize God in you.” With that in mind, your interactions with others can be more kind, more considerate and more loving, improving your day and perhaps even someone else’s.
Enjoy these 10 Hawaiian sayings translated into English that capture the spirit of aloha and these beautiful photos from the island of Molokai.
Brooke Obie visited Molokai, Hawaii courtesy of the Destination Molokai Visitors Bureau.
