How to live like a Hawaiian (It’s all in the language)

Hawaiians are happy and carefree. Just look at Hawaiian-native, President Barack Obama – so chilled out it’s hard to believe he has one of the most difficult jobs in the world. Hawaii is also always voted as the happiest state, and reportedly has the least stressed citizens. Besides the beaches, sun and surf, what makes this place SO happy? Five reasons summed up in five Hawaiian words:

1. Aloha – Hello, Goodbye, Love

Aloha is everywhere on the islands. It’s the thing you hear first, the last thing you say, how you can show affection and compassion. It’s a way of life, a way of doing everything with love. You eat with aloha, surf with aloha and work with aloha. To live happily, you have to live with love. Simple and beautiful.

2. Ahonui – Patience

Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Everything takes time. Getting over heartbreak, waiting for the weekend, finding a solution. It all takes time. And unless you have a set appointment, there’s no point in rushing, it won’t come any sooner. So just relax, take it easy and hang loose.

3. Ohana – Family

In the movie, Lilo and Stitch, Lilo tells Stitch, “Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind. Or forgotten.” That’s exactly how Hawaiians view all things; living and nonliving. We are all family and should treat each other as such. Ohana derives from the taro plant, oha, meaning that everything and everyone comes from the same root.

4. Akahai – Kindness

Be kind and receive kindness back. It’s as simple as it sounds. If they’re not kind back, well, just remember that kindness isn’t about expecting anything in return.

5. Pono – Righteousness

Do the right thing. For you. For others. For the environment. For everything and anything. You can even find this in Hawaii’s state motto,”Ua Mau ke Ea o ka Aina i ka Pono,” or “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” Just imagine how you feel when you set a personal goal and reach it. When you help that old lady cross the street, plant a tree, adopt a dog or just get a simple thank you. Feels good, right?

Use these words in your daily life and you’ll understand how to live like a true Hawaiian. Aloha!