The Aloha Culture of Hawaii

In the United States, Hawaii is the happiest state according to a 2020 survey from Wallethub. In this report, Hawaii received top scores in the “Emotional & Physical Well-Being” and “Community & Environment” categories. In addition, Hawaii state has ranked number one in Gallop’s National Health and Wellbeing Index for seven years in a row.

Aunty Pilahi Paki, the beloved Hawaiian poet and philosopher, gave a touching account of aloha in the Aloha Chant: “Make this offering a habit, all persons of Hawaii: Obtain oneness, free of duality, Let thoughts be at ease, Emptiness is your anchor, Be with your breath until complete union.”

Aunty Pilahi Paki inspired the Aloha Spirit Law. She foresaw that “the world will turn to Hawaii, as they search for world peace because Hawaii has the key – and that key is aloha!”

The Aloha Spirit Law passed in 1986 declares: “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… These are traits of character that express the charm, warmth, and sincerity of Hawaii's people. It was the working philosophy of Native Hawaiians and was presented as a gift to the people of Hawaii.”

Within each ohana, members are obliged to take care of each other. Hawaiians constantly ask themselves “What can I do for my ohana?” It is through building these loving connections and caring for each other that Hawaiians find true happiness.

Like everybody in the world, Hawaiians also have to deal with life’s trials and tribulations, but their approach in dealing with these can teach us something about being happier. We are all connected to each other in so many ways, so, let’s find those connections, and build our own ohanas with the spirit of aloha and ho’ihi, and we will all be nourished in the universal ocean of love. This might just be the secret ingredient of true happiness.