In Hawaii, aloha is more than a greeting – it’s an attitude that permeates every aspect of life. Each island has something different to discover, but the spirit of aloha unites them all

In Hawaii, ‘aloha’ is everywhere. It’s reflected in the name of the boldly patterned shirts for which the 50th state is known, and you’ll see the word in the titles of businesses, restaurants and hotels. It also pops up in greetings, offerings of thanks and declarations of love. But why is it used so much?

Aloha isn’t just a word, or a way to say hello and goodbye. It’s a spirit that inhabits and influences almost everything that happens here, and the locals see it as a manifesto for life. It takes in many different meanings but, broadly put, it encapsulates generosity, friendliness and an over aching mantra of ‘do no harm’. Traditional Hawaiian culture doesn’t separate humanity from the natural world; both are regarded according to the values of unity, honesty and humility that aloha represents. If you want to truly understand it, you have to experience it first-hand. Here are a few suggestions of where to start.