Akaka Falls on the Big Island of Hawaii soothes the soul.
According to a report by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, 107,364 people flew into the Hawaiian Islands in the month of March 2010. For 68 percent of them, it was their first visit to the Aloha State. Getting off the plane, surrounded by people bearing plumeria leis and tropical flower bundles, the visitors could not help but feel the immediate embrace of the Aloha Spirit and a welcome unique to the island chain.
Hawaii
Sunrise at Haleakala on Maui is one way to experience the islands.
With its volcanoes, rain forests, trade winds and pristine waters, Hawaii is a land of mystery. The islands of Maui, Molokai, Hawaii, Kauai, Oahu, Lanai and Niihau are alive with ancient stories and warm currents of peace and harmony. To experience them fully is to experience the Aloha Spirit. Residents and visitors alike enjoy days immersed in nature. The sea is everywhere, the jungles overflowing, the flowers abundant. Clusters of little pink bananas hang from wild trees in a dense valley. Papaya groves, sugar cane and pineapple fields radiate connections to Mother Earth. Pikake, white ginger, bird of paradise, hibiscus, wild orchids, lehua and kukui flowers are useful for artistic creations, but also pervade their surroundings with a silent beauty.
Defined
Pineapples grow in fields in Hawaii.
Enter the word "love" into the Hawaiian dictionary, and the translation is the word "aloha." The Aloha Spirit is the welcoming and nurturing of all peoples, the practice of unconditional love, kindness, harmony, and the elevation of the senses.
The government of Hawaii has defined this spirit in state documents:
"'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... 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."
People
Plumeria blossoms add to Hawaii's beauty.
Many races and cultures merge in Hawaii, which has residents from Asia to Polynesia, and more recently from farther away. Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Samoan, Tongan are just a few, and Native Hawaiians continue to keep their ways alive. The Bishop Museum offers much information about the history of the islands and her peoples. The Aloha Spirit joins these diverse people in a unified bond.
Expressions
Hawaii's islands were formed by volcanoes.
Starting with the first exaggerated "Alooooooohaaaaaa" that greets new arrivals to the islands, the Aloha Spirit is a joy to experience. Its expressions range from simple handshakes, smiles and hugs, to passing out fruit samples and teaching the local language. Pointing "mauka," or toward the mountains, a guide might lead you to a secret waterfall or spiritual heiau. Luaus express the spirit in the Polynesian dances and ancient hula. You also can find the Aloha Spirit in the warm Pacific waters or in one of the many pools along the road to Hana.
Tips
Waves of the Pacific Ocean surround Hawaii as does the Spirit of Aloha.
Smile a lot. Respect the people and sacred places of Hawaii.
When someone shares the Aloha Spirit, receive it with open arms and ease.
Observe island life, and you will witness it everywhere. The people of Hawaii extend the spirit to you, so that you can carry it within you always. So take some home. Spreading aloha spirit doesn't have to be limited to your island visit. It is meant to be shared--anywhere and everywhere.
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