aloha

[ uh-loh-uh, ah-loh-hah ]

noun

1. hello; greetings.
2. farewell.

adjective

1. friendly; hospitable; welcoming:

   The aloha spirit prevails throughout the islands.

aloha

/ əˈləʊə; ɑːˈləʊhɑː /

noun

1. a Hawaiian word for hello goodbye

Word History and Origins

Origin of aloha¹

Borrowed into English from Hawaiian around 1890–95

Example Sentences

He certainly wasn’t feeling the aloha spirit watching an offense that stumbled or special teams that looked wholly unprepared while the Bruins fell behind by 10 points in the first half.

From Los Angeles Times

“Come with aloha. Leave with aloha,” said longtime resident George Pali, sitting at a Wahikuli Wayside Park picnic table near some long-term tents.

From Los Angeles Times

“I wear cargo pants or shorts and an aloha shirt basically everywhere,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

People in Hawaii display the shaka to say hi and bye as well as thanks and aloha.

From Seattle Times

People in Hawaii have a variety of shaka styles and use it to convey a range of warmhearted sentiments, from hi and bye to thanks and aloha, among other meanings.

From Seattle Times