Why Hawaii Should Be on Your Bucket List

“Aloha” greets you as soon as you land in Honolulu—it’s that Hawaiian word that has made its way into the global vocabulary, meaning so much more than just “hello.” “Aloha” conjures images of palm trees, sandy beaches, high waves, lush vegetation, and volcanoes. In fact, it’s used as both a greeting and a term for a way of life, embodying love, affection, understanding, farewell, compassion, and sympathy all at once. It’s an almost ubiquitous concept, one that has even made its way into Hawaiian law: the “Aloha Spirit Law” mandates treating oneself and others with respect and love. This extends to the flora and fauna of the island chain as well.