September’s Hawaiian Proverb of the Month – “O ke aloha ke kuleana o kahi malihini.”

‘Ōlelo No‘eau – Hawaiian Proverbs and Poetical Sayings
By Kimo Jenkins, Director, Product Development & Implementation Cultural Guide

“O ke aloha ke kuleana o kahi malihini.”
Love is the host in strange lands.

This ‘ōlelo no‘eau speaks of responsibility (kuleana), visitors (malihini) and most importantly aloha. Aloha has diverse meanings and applications – 35 different definitions are found in the Hawaiian dictionary – but one true meaning. Alo – presence, hā – breath, life. Aloha is to be spoken with respect, shared with dignity, and practiced continually. Hawai‘i is both a culture and a place, aloha is its essence; and once experienced they never leave you …