After living on the mainland for many years, I have come to realize how precious and special the "aloha spirit" is. You don't appreciate it until you leave Hawaii and live on the mainland. Growing up, people I encountered in my life generally were kind, respectful, generous, humble and forgiving with a level of unconditionality and class. On the mainland, relationships tend to be more transactional, there is more selfishness, individuality, superficiality, and rudeness without a sense of shame or humility. I am sometimes in awe at the behavior of people not caring how they make others feel just so they can satisfy their own needs. After awhile, you become numb to this behavior, but when I go back to Hawaii, it is a breath of fresh air and I appreciate the "aloha spirit" and try to foster it as best I can knowing how special it is and not take it for granted.
Agree. After years on the mainland, even though I met a lot of nice people, that spirit of aloha, in general, usually wasn't there. And when you come back to Hawaii, you just sense it.
@@HelloFromHawaii Yeah, because Aloha is from the heart and it is instilled and formed during childhood from family, friends and people you encounter growing up, unique to the culture, history and natural beauty of Hawaii. I think I could write a whole thesis about the Aloha Spirit. Lol. Your reply kind of confirmed what I was feeling, but I couldn't put my finger on it when you said "even though I met alot of nice people, that spirit of aloha, in general, usually wasn't there." I have been going back and forth about transitioning back to Hawaii and that comment kind of pushed me over the edge to move back because I thought I was the only one thinking yeah, there are nice people here, but there is a lack of warmth and I guess "aloha" in people that I really miss on a day-to-day basis. I think I am seriously going to make my way back home now. Your comment put clarity in my decision.
Thanks for your thoughts. Aloha was shown to me when I was living on Oahu, and I do my best to show it now whether I'm there or here. I am not always successful, but I do think about it and put in some effort. I appreciate that you do the same. As for Mainland, like so many things, it has become political. If I can show aloha by calling it the Continent, it doesn't cost me anything and might make someone feel better. Just my view. Thanks for yours.
If I have learned anything it is that we Hawaiians lovingly demonstrate it instinctively and be the aloha; it’s not just a feeling. The thing is that it’s within any person - exuding kindness, grace, humbleness, generosity… often indifference to those who do them harm to remain at peace with self. That is the power of aloha by folks who have the intelligence of knowing its empowerment, since the beginnings of their being.
Hawaii will always be home for most of us who left. I come back often for the Aloha. I mostly stay on Big Island, for the smiles, the greetings, the Shakas, weather rain or shine, I appreciate the kindness, generosity, spirit.....will always be home.
U know the “ aloha spirit “ is alive and well in Samoa 🇼🇸, Tahiti, Tonga 🇹🇴 and Japan 🇯🇵, yes Japan 🇯🇵! Generosity and respect is not unique to ur islands man! Take in some refugees from Gaza, that would help right?! I’m sure the .001 % Hawaiians would love it!!!
- Leaving home for me, was much like your experience...finding myself and direction in life. The mainland offered me to opportunity to expand and see beyond my island family and friends. To be a little uncomfortable, and strike out on my own. Succeed and fail, with virtually no one there but myself to pick me up. The greatest experience of my life! - When you mentioned about your freeway encounter, it reminds me of what I offer to people about 'taking-a-beat' before reacting. Much of our violence and anger may be derived from people going with their first instinct...reacting before compassion & understanding. That's what ALOHA is supposed to be about. And in this day & age, when everything is so readily available, people often forget to 'take-a-beat. - To an extent, ALOHA is 'social integrity'. It's not only the grace that we show one another to display love and acceptance, it's the love we should show one another by not blasting explosive fireworks, because it affects kupuna (elderly), keiki (children), pets, war veterans, etc...; it's not littering, as that is a disgrace to the aina (land); it's what we do when no one is around to witness our behavior. - I always felt that 'continent' is a selective term, and locally raised Hawaii residents don't usually use the term 'continent'. Although I used it quite a bit when I was in the military, because CONUS is the term for the Continental United States. And even Hawaii, which is a state, is deemed as an overseas assignment. Plus technically, the entire area of North America is the continent.
❤❤❤Brother. Downey theatre January 28 2024. Robert cazimaro hawain music. It’s growing, I will be with Hawaiian islanders creation, I will be showing my surfboard collection. I want to have more Hawaiian music in Downey. My Gardena brothers call me. Paniolo Mexicano Hswiann cowboy. If, you have time can you do a show on the paniolo and visti and give more story.. Downey has a 80 percent Mexicano and Latinos which we need mor hawain music. Last year they had marachi heavy metal band. I made an issue.. damn I enough.. littl by lite. Downey California Surfer Frank. 😅
Please inform yourself about the use of the term "mainland" and "continent." It is very rooted in the Native Hawaiian psyche and sovereignty and if you present yourself as born and raised, you should at least be informed about this issue. Here are two of the most powerful kumu of our times explaining this topic: ruclips.net/video/o1ai30X7vZ0/видео.htmlsi=pxekK9KtmUmhb72e
It struck me that how you defined Aloha has more than a passing resemblance to Christianity, Jesus uses very similar language as to how we should (but rarely do) treat each other. Also, it got me wondering, where does the aloha spirit we have here come from? Native Hawaiian culture had good and bad points but it clearly wasn’t an Aloha society with absolute rule of a tiny minority enforced by violence and slavery (like so many other societies of the past). My guess is it comes from the soft side of native Hawaiian culture mixed with the better aspects that the Christian missionaries brought.
Hawaiians specifically are the ambassadors of aloha, that’s why aloha is disappearing in Hawai’i, there are so few Hawaiians left in Hawai’i now to perpetuate it. As we disappear, so does aloha. We’ve been telling people for years that’s there’s no Hawai’i without Hawaiians… I think people are starting to understand that now. The cries of “this isn’t the Hawai’i I grew up in” are ridiculous, of course it’s not, malihini have done everything they can to push Hawaiians out of our homelands and this is what you’re left with. The term “aloha spirit” is contrived, it was just a marketing scheme to sell Hawai’i to tourists. Real aloha is not what people think it is today, that’s a haole interpretation of the demeanor and behavior of Hawaiians of the past. Today it’s used as a gauge of Hawaiian-ness and also as a way to shame Hawaiians into compliance… how many times have people questioned “where’s your aloha spirit” when Hawaiians don’t agree to give give give everything we are and everything we have?! There’s a reason why aloha also means goodbye & that’s because aloha has its limits, we aren’t obligated to give aloha or share aloha, that’s just what malihini have twisted it into meaning. There are limits to aloha, that’s why Captain Cook met the end that he did. As for “mainland”, Hawai’i is my main and only land & it’s offensive for people to refer to it in any other way. Also there are legal issues at play which make it additionally offensive to Hawaiians to call it that. I call it “the states”, or just refer to it as what it is, the US.
I found your channel out of falling in love with Hawaii 40 years ago and i want to get back soon it’s a gravitational pull of love that’s what the state made me feel it forced me to fall love the land that is Hawaii ! you are so blessed to be there!
To me aloha is like positive energy given from whomever says it, if your arguing with someone and they said aloha that bad vibe goes down and it gives good meaning on anything everything.
I disagree with you about Mainland. Japan is an island is the Asian continent the Mainland for Japan? If not why? For Native Hawaiians, Hawaii is the homeland. Hawaii is 2400 miles away from the North American Continent. The Mainland would be more appropriate for Catalina Island, Martha's vineyards, Nantucket, ...etc. Aloha takes work, but should be the way of life. Or maybe was a way of life before 1778.
In your example of Japan, I'm not sure what Okinawa or the other islands of Japan refer the the main island of Japan. Not sure if there is an equivalent term. I'll have to ask my wife.
45 years in Los Angeles, after graduating UH. More years in the mainland than my years in Honolulu. I have taken the Aloha spirit with me and applied it living here. But i still consider Honolulu home.
I have been watching RUclips lately to look up some of the attractions in the Hawaiian Islands, that I would like to see. My wife and I are planning a trip to three of the Hawaiian Islands, in the future. RUclips suggested one of your videos about a week ago. I have now watched four of your videos. I like the perspective and I will keep watching. I would like to know what it's like for the people that actually live there. I am from Oregon, I'm sorry to hear you had a hard time when you were up this way.
This happened way back in the late 60s. My best friend and I were in our teens. We were full of attitude and ourselves. We got on Da Bus at Ala Wai and Kalakaua. When we got on we kind of threw our transfers at the driver with attitude. As we were walking toward the back he said to the passenger sitting behind very loudly, "No more da Aloha Spirt eh!". The rider concurred as they stared us down. Funny how that moment stuck in me. I started to have more awareness of how I was treating folks.
Mahalo for sharing. It's hard when we're younger to see how we're acting. I'm sure I acted in a similar way as a kid. Just have to be aware as you get older.
Regarding "mainland vs. continent," keep in mind that the continent includes Canada and Mexico, too, while the mainland refers only to the United States. Also, this got me to thinking of how we call the other islands in reference to O'ahu the neighbor islands and not the outer islands.
I had to learn to use "neighbor island" instead of outer island when I started working in Hawaii. I never thought anything of it, but then again, I'm from Oahu.
@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom I know that some people feel like that implies that Hawaii is not one of the states and, therefore, on a lesser standing than the other states. But I get it. If you deny the US claim of authority over the sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii, then your way makes sense.🤙
@@christopherturco197 Yes. I wholeheartedly *deny* _(thank you for wording it that way rather than “think” or “feel” a certain way)_ the US’s claims of annexation and subsequently authority over The Hawaiian Kingdom. And thankfully we have an every growing international community backing us on this and offering us aid to end it, finally. 🤙🏽
@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom Although I have a hard time accepting the move to restore a sovereign Hawaiian nation, I respect your position. I don't feel that way because I think your position is wrong, but because I wonder how we undo all the historic wrongs throughout the world without creating unfettered chaos. I struggle with facing what would be pono in this case. I'm sure you can figure that I'm a non-Hawaiian American, but hope you won't hold that against me. If the restoration occurs in our lifetime, I would still want to be welcome in Hawaii as someone who in my heart thinks of Hawaii as home.
If someone is walking across the freeway...um yeah it's okay to get pissed off about it and not be "gee I hope his reasoning is okay and that he'll be fine". People are on freeways for a reason-work, family, maybe medical emergency, and many more. Your and I'm sure others' reaction is called "being a human". And if one or more cars get damaged due to having to slam on the brakes, anyone would get mad. And guess what? That's okay. Anger is a natural emotion.
I love the Aloha spirit ❤. I been living on Oahu almost 7 years. Whether here I’m here in the islands or the mainland I try to exhibit the Aloha spirit. Thanks for the video😊.
You have brought up a good point just cuz everyone else no show ALOHA is not an excuse fo you to to do the same, in fact it's mo important fo you to lead by example & practice true ALOHA, I thank you fo reminding me of this ❤😊 mahalo
It's really easy to not do it when others aren't. It's hard when others aren't and you choose to do it. Like I said, you'll stand out and people will notice.
After living on the mainland for many years, I have come to realize how precious and special the "aloha spirit" is. You don't appreciate it until you leave Hawaii and live on the mainland. Growing up, people I encountered in my life generally were kind, respectful, generous, humble and forgiving with a level of unconditionality and class. On the mainland, relationships tend to be more transactional, there is more selfishness, individuality, superficiality, and rudeness without a sense of shame or humility. I am sometimes in awe at the behavior of people not caring how they make others feel just so they can satisfy their own needs. After awhile, you become numb to this behavior, but when I go back to Hawaii, it is a breath of fresh air and I appreciate the "aloha spirit" and try to foster it as best I can knowing how special it is and not take it for granted.
Agree. After years on the mainland, even though I met a lot of nice people, that spirit of aloha, in general, usually wasn't there. And when you come back to Hawaii, you just sense it.
@@HelloFromHawaii Yeah, because Aloha is from the heart and it is instilled and formed during childhood from family, friends and people you encounter growing up, unique to the culture, history and natural beauty of Hawaii. I think I could write a whole thesis about the Aloha Spirit. Lol.
Your reply kind of confirmed what I was feeling, but I couldn't put my finger on it when you said "even though I met alot of nice people, that spirit of aloha, in general, usually wasn't there." I have been going back and forth about transitioning back to Hawaii and that comment kind of pushed me over the edge to move back because I thought I was the only one thinking yeah, there are nice people here, but there is a lack of warmth and I guess "aloha" in people that I really miss on a day-to-day basis. I think I am seriously going to make my way back home now. Your comment put clarity in my decision.
Not all of we Mainlanders are as uncouth as you have opined.
Thanks for your thoughts. Aloha was shown to me when I was living on Oahu, and I do my best to show it now whether I'm there or here. I am not always successful, but I do think about it and put in some effort. I appreciate that you do the same. As for Mainland, like so many things, it has become political. If I can show aloha by calling it the Continent, it doesn't cost me anything and might make someone feel better. Just my view. Thanks for yours.
Mahalo for sharing. Always great to know others are putting in the effort. Aloha doesn't always come easy.
If I have learned anything it is that we Hawaiians lovingly demonstrate it instinctively and be the aloha; it’s not just a feeling. The thing is that it’s within any person - exuding kindness, grace, humbleness, generosity… often indifference to those who do them harm to remain at peace with self. That is the power of aloha by folks who have the intelligence of knowing its empowerment, since the beginnings of their being.
I think aloha is also taught and passed on from one generation to the next.
A very important kuleana to teach it to the next generation and for them to learn it.
i saw the aloha in the daily life of my dad....generous, kind, thoughtful,
Visiting family in Hawaii right now! I equate giving Aloha with having emotional maturity.
🤙
Hawaii will always be home for most of us who left. I come back often for the Aloha. I mostly stay on Big Island, for the smiles, the greetings, the Shakas, weather rain or shine, I appreciate the kindness, generosity, spirit.....will always be home.
🤙
U know the “ aloha spirit “ is alive and well in Samoa 🇼🇸, Tahiti, Tonga 🇹🇴 and Japan 🇯🇵, yes Japan 🇯🇵! Generosity and respect is not unique to ur islands man! Take in some refugees from Gaza, that would help right?! I’m sure the .001 % Hawaiians would love it!!!
Well said, Nephew. Respect.
🤙
- Leaving home for me, was much like your experience...finding myself and direction in life. The mainland offered me to opportunity to expand and see beyond my island family and friends. To be a little uncomfortable, and strike out on my own. Succeed and fail, with virtually no one there but myself to pick me up. The greatest experience of my life!
- When you mentioned about your freeway encounter, it reminds me of what I offer to people about 'taking-a-beat' before reacting. Much of our violence and anger may be derived from people going with their first instinct...reacting before compassion & understanding. That's what ALOHA is supposed to be about. And in this day & age, when everything is so readily available, people often forget to 'take-a-beat.
- To an extent, ALOHA is 'social integrity'. It's not only the grace that we show one another to display love and acceptance, it's the love we should show one another by not blasting explosive fireworks, because it affects kupuna (elderly), keiki (children), pets, war veterans, etc...; it's not littering, as that is a disgrace to the aina (land); it's what we do when no one is around to witness our behavior.
- I always felt that 'continent' is a selective term, and locally raised Hawaii residents don't usually use the term 'continent'. Although I used it quite a bit when I was in the military, because CONUS is the term for the Continental United States. And even Hawaii, which is a state, is deemed as an overseas assignment. Plus technically, the entire area of North America is the continent.
You are very respectful. I call it the mainland with no apologies. It’s a bigger land mass. Pau!
❤❤❤Brother. Downey theatre January 28 2024. Robert cazimaro hawain music. It’s growing, I will be with Hawaiian islanders creation, I will be showing my surfboard collection. I want to have more Hawaiian music in Downey. My Gardena brothers call me. Paniolo Mexicano Hswiann cowboy. If, you have time can you do a show on the paniolo and visti and give more story.. Downey has a 80 percent Mexicano and Latinos which we need mor hawain music. Last year they had marachi heavy metal band. I made an issue.. damn I enough.. littl by lite. Downey California Surfer Frank. 😅
Please inform yourself about the use of the term "mainland" and "continent." It is very rooted in the Native Hawaiian psyche and sovereignty and if you present yourself as born and raised, you should at least be informed about this issue. Here are two of the most powerful kumu of our times explaining this topic: ruclips.net/video/o1ai30X7vZ0/видео.htmlsi=pxekK9KtmUmhb72e
It struck me that how you defined Aloha has more than a passing resemblance to Christianity, Jesus uses very similar language as to how we should (but rarely do) treat each other. Also, it got me wondering, where does the aloha spirit we have here come from? Native Hawaiian culture had good and bad points but it clearly wasn’t an Aloha society with absolute rule of a tiny minority enforced by violence and slavery (like so many other societies of the past). My guess is it comes from the soft side of native Hawaiian culture mixed with the better aspects that the Christian missionaries brought.
Hawaiians specifically are the ambassadors of aloha, that’s why aloha is disappearing in Hawai’i, there are so few Hawaiians left in Hawai’i now to perpetuate it. As we disappear, so does aloha. We’ve been telling people for years that’s there’s no Hawai’i without Hawaiians… I think people are starting to understand that now. The cries of “this isn’t the Hawai’i I grew up in” are ridiculous, of course it’s not, malihini have done everything they can to push Hawaiians out of our homelands and this is what you’re left with.
The term “aloha spirit” is contrived, it was just a marketing scheme to sell Hawai’i to tourists. Real aloha is not what people think it is today, that’s a haole interpretation of the demeanor and behavior of Hawaiians of the past. Today it’s used as a gauge of Hawaiian-ness and also as a way to shame Hawaiians into compliance… how many times have people questioned “where’s your aloha spirit” when Hawaiians don’t agree to give give give everything we are and everything we have?! There’s a reason why aloha also means goodbye & that’s because aloha has its limits, we aren’t obligated to give aloha or share aloha, that’s just what malihini have twisted it into meaning. There are limits to aloha, that’s why Captain Cook met the end that he did.
As for “mainland”, Hawai’i is my main and only land & it’s offensive for people to refer to it in any other way. Also there are legal issues at play which make it additionally offensive to Hawaiians to call it that. I call it “the states”, or just refer to it as what it is, the US.
When you want everyone else to be happy.
I found your channel out of falling in love with Hawaii 40 years ago and i want to get back soon it’s a gravitational pull of love that’s what the state made me feel it forced me to fall love the land that is Hawaii ! you are so blessed to be there!
To me aloha is like positive energy given from whomever says it, if your arguing with someone and they said aloha that bad vibe goes down and it gives good meaning on anything everything.
🤙
I disagree with you about Mainland. Japan is an island is the Asian continent the Mainland for Japan? If not why? For Native Hawaiians, Hawaii is the homeland. Hawaii is 2400 miles away from the North American Continent. The Mainland would be more appropriate for Catalina Island, Martha's vineyards, Nantucket, ...etc. Aloha takes work, but should be the way of life. Or maybe was a way of life before 1778.
In your example of Japan, I'm not sure what Okinawa or the other islands of Japan refer the the main island of Japan. Not sure if there is an equivalent term. I'll have to ask my wife.
45 years in Los Angeles, after graduating UH. More years in the mainland than my years in Honolulu. I have taken the Aloha spirit with me and applied it living here. But i still consider Honolulu home.
Great that you've brought aloha with you. And glad to hear that Honolulu is always home no matter where you live 🤙
I love your comfortable intimacy you give off..
..this is a precious thing I want to cultivate too
🤙
I have been watching RUclips lately to look up some of the attractions in the Hawaiian Islands, that I would like to see. My wife and I are planning a trip to three of the Hawaiian Islands, in the future. RUclips suggested one of your videos about a week ago. I have now watched four of your videos. I like the perspective and I will keep watching. I would like to know what it's like for the people that actually live there. I am from Oregon, I'm sorry to hear you had a hard time when you were up this way.
Mahalo for checking out the channel. My time in Oregon was tough, but I grew up a lot. I was down in Tigard. Hope you enjoy your trip 🤙
This happened way back in the late 60s. My best friend and I were in our teens. We were full of attitude and ourselves. We got on Da Bus at Ala Wai and Kalakaua. When we got on we kind of threw our transfers at the driver with attitude. As we were walking toward the back he said to the passenger sitting behind very loudly, "No more da Aloha Spirt eh!". The rider concurred as they stared us down. Funny how that moment stuck in me. I started to have more awareness of how I was treating folks.
Mahalo for sharing. It's hard when we're younger to see how we're acting. I'm sure I acted in a similar way as a kid. Just have to be aware as you get older.
👍👍👍👍👍
Regarding "mainland vs. continent," keep in mind that the continent includes Canada and Mexico, too, while the mainland refers only to the United States. Also, this got me to thinking of how we call the other islands in reference to O'ahu the neighbor islands and not the outer islands.
I had to learn to use "neighbor island" instead of outer island when I started working in Hawaii. I never thought anything of it, but then again, I'm from Oahu.
That’s why I refer to it as “the states”.
@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom I know that some people feel like that implies that Hawaii is not one of the states and, therefore, on a lesser standing than the other states. But I get it. If you deny the US claim of authority over the sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii, then your way makes sense.🤙
@@christopherturco197
Yes. I wholeheartedly *deny* _(thank you for wording it that way rather than “think” or “feel” a certain way)_ the US’s claims of annexation and subsequently authority over The Hawaiian Kingdom. And thankfully we have an every growing international community backing us on this and offering us aid to end it, finally.
🤙🏽
@@The.Hawaiian.Kingdom Although I have a hard time accepting the move to restore a sovereign Hawaiian nation, I respect your position. I don't feel that way because I think your position is wrong, but because I wonder how we undo all the historic wrongs throughout the world without creating unfettered chaos. I struggle with facing what would be pono in this case. I'm sure you can figure that I'm a non-Hawaiian American, but hope you won't hold that against me. If the restoration occurs in our lifetime, I would still want to be welcome in Hawaii as someone who in my heart thinks of Hawaii as home.
🤙 I like how honest you are about yourself, good and bad. 🤙
Mahalo. Yeah, as much as I'd like to be, I'm not always good 😅
If someone is walking across the freeway...um yeah it's okay to get pissed off about it and not be "gee I hope his reasoning is okay and that he'll be fine". People are on freeways for a reason-work, family, maybe medical emergency, and many more. Your and I'm sure others' reaction is called "being a human". And if one or more cars get damaged due to having to slam on the brakes, anyone would get mad. And guess what? That's okay. Anger is a natural emotion.
I agree that it's okay to get upset, but also important to quickly let it go once we're okay. No sense holding on to bitter or angry feelings.
@@HelloFromHawaii And if that bitter, angry feeling gets to be too much, go to UFC BJ Penn gym on Pokuhaina St. and get on those punching bags.
great video
🤙
I love the Aloha spirit ❤. I been living on Oahu almost 7 years. Whether here I’m here in the islands or the mainland I try to exhibit the Aloha spirit. Thanks for the video😊.
That's great. I think just trying is a great effort. I know it's hard for me to do it at all times, but I try my best.
You have brought up a good point just cuz everyone else no show ALOHA is not an excuse fo you to to do the same, in fact it's mo important fo you to lead by example & practice true ALOHA, I thank you fo reminding me of this ❤😊 mahalo
It's really easy to not do it when others aren't. It's hard when others aren't and you choose to do it. Like I said, you'll stand out and people will notice.