Column: Taking in the spirit of aloha

Arriving in Hilo, Hawaii, I was greeted on the big island with a “Welcome home” from immigration, a lei of flowers and a warm “Aloha.” In the midst of the shield volcanoes, black sand beaches and Akaka falls situated around the Hamakua coast, a rich culture flourishes.

Respect for one another and the environment makes Hawaii a distinguished diamond of diversity that cannot be found on the mainland of the United States.

Even if it has a place in the lyrics of “Fifty Nifty United States,” the history of Hawaii that predates its adoption into the U.S., along with its intriguing and exceptional culture, had me at aloha.

The Hawaiian language, comprised of only 13 letters — five vowels and eight consonants — was a Polynesian language used to write the constitution in 1839. A difficult language to master, there are many hidden meanings and messages within the majority of the words, including the famous expression “aloha.”

More than just hello and goodbye, aloha connotes an imperative principle of Hawaiian culture. As a greeting and blessing, aloha expresses love, compassion, affection for another and, most importantly, respect.

The Hawaiian culture depends on the core values that emphasize practicing humbleness, honesty and protecting peace in daily life. Whether in relation to the surrounding ocean that acts as Hawaii’s playground or to the society that composes the island’s ohana, meaning family, being pleasant and considerate is of utmost importance in maintaining the island’s spirit.

I was curious as to where the connotations came from, and my newest friend, J.R., explained that aloha could be literally translated as “breath’s presence”: alo- meaning presence and -ha being the breath. Using aloha is the way to spread the importance of breath to everyone around you.

“It’s just the way of a lovely life,” he said.

A word I initially thought was just a greeting not only symbolizes the most significant core values Hawaiians preserve, but is even found in the state law. The Aloha Spirit State Law practiced by the people signifies their promise to act with harmony, tenderness, pleasantness, modesty and perseverance.

I took my time in Hawaii as the chance to live with aloha, taking in the best of the breath and absorbing the positive energy. I felt aloha in the ukulele music, the legendary stories and even the fragrance of the flowers. From the spewing lava formed at the highest point on Mauna Kea to the surfers paddling in the sea, aloha resonates across the island, giving an authentic aura that can’t be found anywhere else. Queen Lili’uokalani has been noted for saying “Aloha to learn what is not said, to see what cannot be seen and to know the unknowable.”

Like the word aloha itself, there is only so much about Hawaii that can be understood from the surface, for the vital value lies within its
essence.

­— espitzer@indiana.edu