Appreciating Aloha: What This Word Taught Me

Patrick and I recently spent two glorious weeks in Kauai. We vacationed like pros — lots of long walks, tropical drinks in beach chairs, and frequent orders of Kalua pork and poke bowls. It was the most time that we’ve spent away in two-plus years, and it was one of the most unplanned trips that we’ve ever taken in terms of activities and reservations. The goal of the trip was to take everything day by day, and for two people who aren’t naturals at relaxing (the words “I need a vacation after this vacation” have been uttered many times in the past), I believe this was achieved. I have since learned that we were really living the true meaning of “aloha” while we were in Hawaii.

I think we all recognize the greeting of “aloha.” You probably are aware that the word means “hello” and “goodbye.” I know very little about the Hawaiian language, but during this trip, I read that, while “aloha” is used regularly and can have numerous contexts, there is a lovely meaning when you break down the word. “Alo” means “sharing” or “presence” and “ha” is “life energy” or “breath of life.” If you string it all together, “aloha” can be interpreted as “sharing the breath of life” or “the presence of life energy.” The word “aloha” is so much more than a greeting, a catchphrase, or a colorful bumper sticker — it’s a way to live and an acknowledgement of life.