Aloha

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Much like the Hebrew term "shalom," aloha is a utility Hawaiian word used as a greeting, a send-off, a sign of affection and a wish of good fortune or mercy. Utility words are a must for any language that sports a whopping 12 letters. Moreover, the word refers to a distinctly Polynesian sense of hospitality and selflessness, a kickback karma system called the "aloha spirit" that still thrives among true island locals. Aloha is also the name of Hawaii's not particularly da kine inter-island airlines, most notable for a 1988 accident in which a hunking portion of the fuselage blew off the plane and sent one unlucky flight attendant plummeting to her death.

When visiting the Hawaiian Islands, you'll immediately notice a decelerated urgency amongst natives, a sense that quality of life is paramount to material gains. "Island time" generally means you're never late so long as you show up with a smile and maybe some fresh fish. Some have misinterpreted this theory to mean "don't ever get anything meaningful accomplished," as evidenced by the influx of mainland failures who think a relocation to the Islands will solve everything. Yet even with steady intrusions from the busy world beyond, there persists in Hawaii (particularly amongst the elders) a sense of blissfully blind trust and duty toward others -- a bygone notion that inviting strangers to a barbecue or picking up a wayward hitchhiker betters the world for all.

Know that your right to the aloha spirit is not inalienable and may be forfeited in certain instances, especially if you drop in on Johnny-Boy at Pipe or Perry Dane at Third Dip. Also, don't yell at local grommets as their cousins, older brothers, uncles, folks, neighbors and godparents can make your stay uncomfortable.

Some Hawaiians have dedicated themselves to spreading aloha spirit on a global scale. Duke Kahanamoku was the earliest such ambassador, masquerading as an Olympic swimmer while simultaneously giving surfing and aloha to the rest of the world. In more recent times, the late Rell Sunn picked up where Duke left off. First as a professional surfer, then as a woman of many hats, she ensured the spirit will live into the new millennium.

For a more literal use of the word, use it when meeting new people, addressing store workers, saying goodbye to loved ones and wishing folks a smile from the fates. In short, aloha means love, Hawaiian style. -- Greg Heller, December 2000