aloha

Aloha is a Hawaiian word with a range of related meanings, including love, affection, peace, compassion, and mercy. In everyday use it is a standard greeting and farewell in the Hawaiian language, but it also expresses goodwill and positive regard in many social contexts.

The word's exact origins are debated. Popular explanations describe aloha as “the presence of breath” or the sharing of life and feeling, but scholars caution that such etymologies are folk interpretations. Regardless of origin, aloha functions as a social principle in Hawaii, linking people through warmth, respect, and mutual regard.

Aloha Spirit is a cultural concept that extends beyond the word itself. It denotes hospitality, kindness, harmony, and generosity, and is often cited as a guiding attitude in Hawaiian communities and interactions. The concept is closely related to broader Hawaiian values such as malama, meaning to care for people and the land.

Aloha is widely used in place names, branding, and tourism, and it appears in events and ceremonies, including festivals and performances. It is a hallmark of Hawaiian identity but has been popularized worldwide, sometimes as a generic symbol of the islands. The term remains an integral part of the Hawaiian language and cultural practice.