Spirit of Aloha | Message of Aloha | January/February 2007

Hawai‘i on My Mind

The globe-trotting novelist and travel essayist Paul Theroux once told an interviewer, “Hawai‘i is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.” An article that appears in this issue of SPIRIT OF ALOHA, written by Paul’s brother Joseph, a Big Island resident, explores the idea that Hawai‘i is not only a state of grace, it’s a state of surprises.

Although so much has been written about our Island state, there is always more to be said. Everyone relates to Hawai‘i differently, perhaps because there are so many cultural influences at play; perhaps because the 50th state is a rare collection of Island cultures, each with its own lifestyle, each contributing to the overall Island-style experience that is Hawai‘i.

You may be someone who was born or raised in these Islands, with family roots that extend deep into Hawai‘i’s rich history. Or, like me, you may be someone who is still discovering what Hawai‘i is about and trying to live up to the spirit of aloha that springs from the host culture. After little more than two years here, I am amazed at how much I am learning about Hawai‘i and how much there is to experience.

Nonetheless, I can offer three simple suggestions on how to get more out of Hawai‘i, whether you live here or are just visiting.

First, move around these beautiful Islands. Aloha Airlines provides convenient daily flights throughout the day and evening between O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui and both Hilo and Kona on the Big Island of Hawai‘i. There’s a lot to see and do on those four major islands.

Second, get out there and talk to people. As one of the state’s largest employers, Aloha Airlines has more than 3,500 team members who are serving the community in many ways. They are wonderful people. Meet more of Hawai‘i’s people and you’ll be richer for it.

Finally, read on. For the past two years, our inflight magazine has been named by its journalistic peers as the top-rated visitor industry publication in Hawai‘i. It is well-researched and well-written and offers personal insights into the state of mind, or state of grace, we call Hawai‘i, the Aloha State.

Best wishes for the holidays.

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