All Things Aloha

As soon as you step off the plane in Hawaii, the greetings of Aloha almost instantly begin. But that’s not because it’s some travel slogan meant to entice visitors in the way “What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas” draws tourists to Sin City. Aloha is a part of Hawaiian culture, history, and philosophy. It’s deeply rooted in the fabric of society—not just as a word, but as a way of life. MEANING OF ALOHA The literal meaning of the word Aloha is “breath of life,” but this uniquely-Hawaiian term is used to express so much more. Aloha can be a greeting of warmth such as hello or goodbye, but it can also represent love, affection, charity, compassion, and goodwill. The “Aloha Spirit” reminds Hawaiians to love and respect themselves and then extend that same feeling outward to others through kindness towards one another. Living the Aloha way means embracing the concept that everyone is connected—and that those connections create and sustain the balance of life. For the intertwined life force to be harmoniously balanced, positive energy is required. In Hawaii, which became officially known as the Aloha State in 1959, the Aloha Spirit is even a state law—although not in the traditional sense where people are fined or jailed for lack of Aloha. Rather, it’s an important reminder for Hawaiians to live in a positive, life-affirming manner. ALOHA FESTIVALS The Aloha Spirit thrives on a daily basis in Hawaii, but since 1946, it has also been formally and traditionally celebrated with what began as Aloha Week and has now become known as Aloha Festivals. The series of cultural festivities are held in Oahu each year, and include parades, concerts, street fests, and various forms of entertainment, including hula. Locals and tourists alike flock to the Aloha Festivals, enjoying the local food, art and craft vendors, cultural displays, and most importantly, the spirit of Aloha. ALOHA FRIDAY Aloha and Friday seem like the perfect pairing—after all, both words evoke a feeling of happiness and good spirits. For many, Friday signifies the end of the work week, and what could be better than that? That must have been what the Hawaiian Fashion Guild, a professional manufacturing association, was banking on in 1965, when it began to lobby for “Aloha Friday.” The Guild, which had been marketing its button-down, Hawaiian-print shirts as business attire since 1962, set out to change the way businessmen dressed—at least on Fridays. Though workplace attire was anything but casual at the time—with suits and formal dress the required standard—the Guild vigorously campaigned to allow men to wear Aloha shirts, not only for comfort, but to support the state’s garment industry. They reportedly even went so far as to send two Aloha shirts to every member of the Hawaii Senate and House of Representatives. In 1966, Aloha Friday officially began, which eventually gave way to “Casual Friday” at businesses throughout the world. Today, Aloha Friday as a concept in the state has moved beyond the scope of the office, and is now virtually synonymous with the expression “TGIF.” ALOHA TOWER Aloha is everywhere on the islands—in the hearts of its people, in its festivals, in its attire, and even in its architecture. The Aloha Tower stands as a beacon of welcome to those entering Honolulu Harbor, and is one of the most recognizable Hawaiian landmarks. The iconic lighthouse was constructed in 1926 to safely guide vessels into the harbor, and today still maintains that function. It’s also a popular tourist attraction with its 10th-floor observation deck, accessible free of charge to those looking for a spectacular view of Diamond Head, downtown Honolulu, the Ko’olau mountains, and of course, the harbor. With the word ALOHA prominent above the tower’s famous clock, this nationally-registered historic landmark aptly expresses the welcoming spirit of the island and its residents. When visiting any of the Hawaiian Islands, don’t just see the sights—open your heart, mind, and soul and experience the unique way of life that embraces Aloha.