The Aloha Spirit

By Jan Bridges

The “Aloha Spirit” is intrinsically woven into the fabric of Hawaiian culture. It is so important that it is written into the state law:

“Aloha Spirit” is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, “Aloha,” the following unuhi laulā loa may be used:

•            Akahai: Kindness, expressed with tenderness

•            Lōkahi: Unity, expressed with harmony

•            ‘Olu‘olu: Agreeable, expressed with pleasantness

•            Ha‘aha‘a: Humility, expressed with modesty

•            Ahonui: Patience, expressed with perseverance 

But what does this mean and how is it experienced by those perhaps unfamiliar with these concepts? I can only speak to my experience, to honor what is there, without appropriating it and taking the definition and meaning away from those who live within the culture.

I noticed immediately when I landed in Hawaii a palpable, gentle peace surrounding me. The smiles on the faces of those who interacted with me at restaurants, hotels, and the airport were filled with kindness. The humble gentleness as someone caught my eye walking down the beach always seemed an expression of the Aloha Spirit.

I arrived at a lomilomi massage training a day early and, not realizing that the meal plan started the next day, I inadvertently stood in line to eat without paying. Once I learned of my mistake, I expected to be told to go back and pay before being given a plate. But when it was my turn in line, a plate was handed to me by a lovely person with bright, shining eyes who said, “Please enjoy—have all you need.” They did not check or care to see if I had paid or not. Of course, being given something that you don’t deserve is grace. That is how I continuously experienced the Aloha Spirit.

Nature also exudes this welcoming spirit. The rugged beauty of the differently colored sand beaches, the flashing minerals in the cooled lava, the delicious mangoes, ripe and hanging from the trees, and the coconuts, split open to taste that sweet, delicious juice were, all infused with this essential ingredient. The plants, animals, water, land, and people all share the Aloha Spirit of the islands.

One thing I would recommend as a visitor to these islands is to open yourself to new experiences. Look for the quiet quality of loving kindness in everything, and you will find it. If you don’t eat Hawaiian food at home, try poke, butter fish, taro chips, or a new sauce that you wouldn’t normally choose. Try all the native foods, all locally grown in Hawaii’s rich, beautiful soil. I found that even familiar flavors are more delicious here than anywhere else.

Take in as many beautiful sights as you can. Hike to waterfalls and peek between the roots of the Banyan trees, learn about all the native trees and plants and how they thrive there. Listen to the different sounds of the frogs and birds. Let your senses come to life. Immerse yourself until you are overflowing with Hawaii’s loving spirit, and when you return home with your beautiful sea glass treasures, your tan, and a smile on your face, pour that Aloha Spirit into those you love.

This article appeared in Beachcombing Magazine Volume 48 May/June 2025.