by Jane Gillespie (Editor)
Here is a collection mainly from those of Hawaiian ancestry of their understanding of aloha. Some are from authors or scholars, some from famous personages, and some from cultural practitioners. In some cases the meanings or definitions are in the form of proverbs or wise sayings handed down from generation to generation, in other cases they are represented by inspirational thoughts. Regardless, the message is the same: live aloha, be aloha, share aloha, teach aloha, pass aloha on.
Front Jacket
Visitors to Hawaii will inevitably encounter the term aloha at some pint during their stay. They will most likely hear the tour group gettingAloha!When they arrive. They will see aloha as part of many business names, as the closing salutation on signs and letters, and hear aloha as an everyday word spoken in encounters with local people. As they venture out to become more familiar and knowing of Hawaii, they will begin to sense that there is a deeper meaning and usage of the term. They will hear it said of someone"He has aloha," or "That is true aloha." They will soon realizes that aloha is not just a word, but a concept that is multi-dimensional, that it encompasses random acts of kindness, that it means giving love or affection to both close ones and strangers, and that it represents an attitude, a way of thinking, a spirit of living, a philosophy. Aloha is an integral part of the Hawaiian culture and can be considered its gift or legacy to the world. Giving aloha, acting with aloha, and caring with aloha sets examples for all mankind to follow.