Understand
Aloha is one of the most under-respected cities in Oregon. Alohans have an attitude that most just do not understand. This is shown by the fact that the town is unincorporated, despite its size. Alohans do not want to deal with any more government than necessary. Schools are funded by the districts of neighboring cities Beaverton and Hillsboro. Fire and police services are provided by the county. Part of the mistrust of city governments comes from the neighboring communities. Beaverton and Hillsboro have been at war for decades over who can annex the most land in the smallest amount of time. Aloha, being sandwiched between the two, has become a prime target. Since it is unincorporated, the residents of Aloha will not get to vote on annexation, although the State of Oregon currently has a protection in place against possible takeover.
Get in
Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX). Then hop on the lightrail, MAX, to either Willow Creek or Quatama / SW 206th Ave. stations. You will be required to change trains, from the Red Line to the Blue Line. This can be done at any station in downtown Portland.
Get around
The easiest way to get around Aloha is by car. However, Tri-Met also makes traveling within Aloha, and the rest of the Portland area, quite easy and affordable, although occasionally time consuming. Buses run throughout Aloha and connect to MAX stops.
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Get out
Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, love, peace, compassion, mercy, goodbye, and hello, among other sentiments of a similar nature. It is used especially in Hawaii as a greeting meaning hello and goodbye. Variations occur based on circumstances when used as a salutation. "Aloha kakahiaka" is the phrase for "good morning". "Aloha auinalā" is the phrase for "good afternoon". "Aloha ahiahi" is the phrase for "good evening". "Aloha kākou" is a common form of "welcome to all".
Mahalo is a related term used for saying "thank you".
"Aole pilikia" is the Hawaiian term for "You're welcome.", lit. "No problem".
It is also the state nickname of Hawaii, the "Aloha State".
Etymology
The word aloha derives from the Hawaiian words alo meaning "presence," "front," "face," or "share"; and ha, meaning "breath of life" or "essence of life." In ancient times—and to this day—Hawaiian put their foreheads together and say "alo," and then breathe out saying "ha," thus literally facing and exchanging their life's breath.
Spirit
Over the decades the word aloha has been used in reference to a complex state of mind called the Aloha Spirit or sense of aloha. The Aloha Spirit is often described as a sense of care and hospitality to those around as well as respect for their personhood, even in the face of stressful environments, occasions or people. It is from the Aloha Spirit that the State of Hawaii gets its official nickname, The Aloha State. Also inspired by the Aloha Spirit was the naming of the Aloha Stadium in the Honolulu suburb of Salt Lake, Aloha Airlines and Aloha Tower at Honolulu Harbor.
Trends
Recent trends are popularizing the term elsewhere in the United States. Popular entertainer, Broadway star and Hollywood actress Bette Midler, born in Honolulu, uses the greeting frequently in national appearances. The word was also used frequently in the hit television drama Hawaii Five-O. The Aloha Spirit is a major concept in Lilo and Stitch, a very popular Disney series of movies and TV shows, set in Hawaii.
Often used by Dog and his crew in Dog the Bounty Hunter, when speaking to civilians.
Lost, shot in Hawaii, has a thank you note at the end of the credits saying "We thank the people of Hawaii and their Aloha Spirit".
Arguably the most famous historical Hawaiian song, "Aloha Oe" was written by the last queen of Hawaii, Liliuokalani.
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