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We're originally from the south, and we often feel there's an apt comparison between "southern hospitality" and the concepts of aloha and ho'okipa here.
Funny how 2 people who are both on Kauai can see it differently. "Aloha" however you see it is one of the main considerations for me choosing either Oahu or Kauai for relocation.
I have to say that when I have called many businesses on both islands to see about getting cars serviced, availability of foods, etc, I hear the Aloha spirit. Without exception when I call people on Kauai they go out of their way to be friendly and engage in conversation ("talk story") - something that is VERY different than calling most mainland stores. I notice aloha on Oahu also but a bit more on Kauai (I have been to both as well).
Maybe everyone who reads this site can do their part to give of the Aloha spirit - it shouldn't become watered down or disappear entirely - you can't rely on certain individuals to make it happen - maybe if everyone reading this did their part to strive to have that Aloha spirit - it would become contagious, and spread back to the ways it once was more of a reality. The Aloha spirit is what makes the islands so special, and if too many people just 'expect it' or come in with a bad attitude, they are ruining it for future generations.....be the one to make the change and pass it on.
Funny how 2 people who are both on Kauai can see it differently. "Aloha" however you see it is one of the main considerations for me choosing either Oahu or Kauai for relocation.
I have to say that when I have called many businesses on both islands to see about getting cars serviced, availability of foods, etc, I hear the Aloha spirit. Without exception when I call people on Kauai they go out of their way to be friendly and engage in conversation ("talk story") - something that is VERY different than calling most mainland stores. I notice aloha on Oahu also but a bit more on Kauai (I have been to both as well).
It's all about where you live, one's experiences and one's attitude. I'm a haole and always show respect, am friendly but at the same time don't take any shi_.
Also what a tourist experiences and a resident does are two different things.
I just read a terrific article in Ke Ola magazine by Robert James (a poet)... here is a small excerpt for you...'There is only one heart, one center, one spirit, one aloha. Find aloha at the core of your own being and you will have instantly found it in everyone and everything.'
Koale
Location: Big Island- Hawaii, AK, WA where the whales are!
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I was also going to quote that book/article Koale! Good job.
I do believe it in what was said very much so. Is there Aloha? I believe so as a new transplant hanging out with I guess senior citizens post. Is it every where no sadly. Can you create - keep yourself in areas that it does happen yes. Am I a philospher, living in a yurt doing mediatation each day only eating vege's to do this? NO ( but no offense to anyone doing this) I go out to bars and met locals, tourists, snowbirds, people from other countries working here, give Aloha to everyone I meet because I got aloha to come here in the first place.
I have jumped on the back of Hawaiian Bikers to go a block down the street and they talk story about growing up. I have locked my keys in a park on North side, where no cell phone works, offered something to destress me - thanks need to get the keys out- A Portaguse guy gave me a ride found tow truck took me back - two truck unlocked the door for free. The person that gave me a ride gave my aunt his polarized binocs expensive rest of the day to watch whales. Offered his place any time any years.
I just ran into people I met last year haven't seen since I came back. There invited myself plus to party tomarrow without knowing who I would bring.
Aloha - is it every where sigh no, but have I been blessed in finding it? Yes along with my friends that have lived here since the 70's. I don't think it is so much you looking for it as you respect and it comes back to you if your lucky. And I find the little things count more than the big- but also have found the big!!
I respect the land the spirit of the people. I respect the culture (all) enough to learn to read to expand. I even respect the server that just got here from CA explain to me Mahiahi is two seperate words and are a very unique fish. OK Mahalo for that help.
And for the record I do stay in an area that Mahalo and Aloha and Pau and many other words are common day language not seeming to be anything out of the norm. You move to a differnt area you learn differnt lingo -- normal not trying to talk pidgen.
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More Aloha...
OK Mahalo for that help. 
