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photo by Tori Rogers

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HAWAII

(these are adapted from A Little Book of Aloha, which we highly recommend you purchase as a memento of your visit to the islands)

1) You may hear people refer to each other as auntie, uncle, cousin, sister ("sistah"), and brother ("bruddah"). However, these people may not really be blood-related relatives. They consider themselves to be as close as family, so they refer to each other as family names or titles. The term calabash family is used to describe the extended family networks that Hawaiians form. I have found that this relationship can be developed very quickly, as people get such a strong feeling or connection with someone that they may refer to you as one of these family titles when you first meet them. It is a wonderful compliment when this happens.

2) What is aloha? Well, there are so many meanings and interpretations. There are literal uses and spiritual uses. After coming to the islands for so many years, I can relate to the many versions of Aloha that I have read. Here are some quotes to consider when you are trying to understand the word aloha. I think it is my true understanding and internalization of all of this that allows me the opportunity to have such an amazing relationship with the Hawaiian wedding professionals on the islands. How you approach the people of Hawaii and its culture is very important. You cannot come with a demanding mainland mentality and harshly treat the Hawaiians. If you are completely opposite that, you will get more than you ever wanted. This is why I advise my clients to look at the pictures in the bridal magazines and enjoy some of the articles. But, many of the advice presented in those magazines DO NOT apply to the islands. So, you may need to adjust your expectations to have the most amazing experience in Hawaii that is possible.

"You cannot teach aloha---it is a feeling that comes from deep within you, from your heart. Hawaiians are born with this aloha, not the word 'aloha,' but the spiritual feeling or the mana that makes this word so special to us. It's like going up to someone and greeting them with no exchange of words, just holding each other and letting your mana say it for you. This is the true aloha spirit." Ken Kamakea

"Hawaiians don't have a lock on ;aloha.' Aloha is worldwide. If there is a difference...it's because the Hawaiian has it as a natural trait. We will give you the shirt off our back---all we ask of you is that you understand who we are. I compare it to 'host and guest.' As the host...I will give you all that I have. As the guest, you just need to know who the host is. A sense of aloha is one that provides hospitality...the ability to laugh when someone else is laughing...and the ability to hurt when someone else is hurting." Clifford Nae'ole

"Every aspect of Hawaiian life is full of spirit, based on natural laws, which a great reverence for and understanding of nature. Since we understand spirituality to be non-linear and ever-present, the spirit of aloha and the spirit of our ancestors are a natural part of Hawaiian life. Aloha is not a mental concept or a rule, but rather a way of living life." Maurizia Zanin