Aloha Hoaloha – Greetings!
Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Aloha spirit is more than a friendly greeting. It encompasses the Hawaiian Islanders’ belief in living life to the fullest and honoring nature and family.
At the heart of it is caring and sharing, recognizing that the bounty of nature – the gifts from the sea and land – is to be shared and enjoyed by all.
Rather than focusing on I, me or mine, Hawaiians emphasize we, us and our.
More important than money and things, is the way we spend our time – observing the beauty around us, celebrating happy moments with others and graciously giving back to the community and nature.
Aloha Spirit isn’t limited to Hawaii. SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel often see examples of it here in the OC when we’re talking to volunteers at a beach cleanup or an event or activity.
To get the Aloha Spirit, here are some Hawaiian phrases to guide you:
I kanaka no ‘oe ke malama I ke kanaka. – Care for those who serve you.
He ‘olina leo ka ke aloha. – Joy is the voice of love.
E hana me ka ha ‘aha ‘a. – Work together with humbleness.
A ohe lokomaika’i I nele I ke pana’i. – A good deed is its own reward.
You can take the Aloha Spirit with you wherever you go and share it with others. The more you share, the more you’ll get back.
A hui ho – Until we meet again.
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Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.