When our couples come to Maui to get married or for their vow renewals, they begin realizing we use the word ALOHA to say hello, goodbye and as an expression of love. But Aloha is so much more – it is a way of life.

ALOHA really means love, compassion and inner peace. When someone has Aloha, the heart is so filled with love and peace that it is contagious to those around them and it is offered to them freely. Many people use the word Aloha too freely when saying hello and goodbye to anyone. It should only be said when it comes from the heart.

This helps me in so many ways. There are days that can be difficult as in any business but when you email or speak with your customers and end with an Aloha, it makes your heart open up and handle even the most difficult situations. It always makes me smile and I thought it was because I got through the situation but it’s not. It’s because no matter what, I offered my Aloha to someone. I shared my Aloha spirit.

When you look into the meaning of Aloha, you will find that it’s an acronym. Borrowed from Aloha International so that I can share it with you – here is what Aloha stands for:

A, ala, watchful, alertness

L, lokahi, working with unity

O, oia’i’o, truthful honesty

H, ha’aha’a, humility

A, ahonui, patient perseverance

Many times during our services we will tell you the meaning of Aloha or show you how we give Aloha with the sharing of the leis. This is an important part of the ceremony to all of us on the island which is why we like to share it with couples starting their lives together or renewing that commitment to one another.

Three key Hawaiian words are also located in Aloha which help show us the way to live:

Alo – sharing

Oha – Joy

Ha – the breath of life

How clear the ancient Hawaiians made it to show us how to live our lives by sharing joy with others which is the breath of life. When two Hawaiians meet you will see them go forehead to forehead as they exchange breath giving their Aloha to one another.

When you are on our beautiful island of Maui, breathe in the spirit of Aloha and take it home with you. Can you just imagine what a wonderful world it would be if we all lived with the Aloha spirit!

To all of you – much Aloha,

Peggy