One of the most impactful Hawaiian words is also one of the shortest: Ha. This means breath, but it also means so much more. In Hawaii, ha is a greeting, a shared experience, a sign of respect and love. Ha is the breath of life.
Ha as a Hawaiian Greeting
Hawaiians often greeted each other by sharing ha, or their breath.
This exchange of breath is done when two people press together the bridge of their noses and the front of their foreheads while inhaling at the same time.
In Hawaii, ha is a greeting that welcomes the other person into their space by sharing the breath of life, which was sacred to the culture.
From Life to Death
Ancient Hawaiians recognized that their breath was the key to good health and believed it possessed mana (spiritual power). Before an elderly person died, he/she often passed down wisdom to the chosen successor by sharing ha in this fashion.
Other Hawaiian Greetings
Because we’re used to greeting people with handshakes or hugs, this custom may seem strange at first to those unfamiliar with it.
Greeting by exchanging ha isn’t as common in Hawaii these days, but you’ll likely see it during traditional or cultural events.
Nonetheless, the traditional greeting should be treated with respect, as it is a significant part of Hawaiian culture.
During everyday interactions, many Hawaii locals will greet each other with a kiss on the cheek or a relaxed handshake. Hugs are also common here.
Ha Words in Hawaii
Ha appears as part of many other common Hawaiian words.
Take Aloha, for example. This is the most popular Hawaiian word, and you may think of it as meaning simply hello and goodbye. But if you break it down, you’ll see that alo means “in the presence of,” and ha means the breath of life. The true meaning of Aloha extends warmth, respect, and love to another.
As a side note, many believe that this is how the word haole came about, meaning “without breath.” The first Western settlers to reach Hawaii did not know the Hawaiian custom of exchanging ha. They, instead, withdrew their heads during the exchange and extended their hands in a formal Western way of greeting.
Ha During Your Hawaii Vacation
When you visit Hawaii, it’s important to learn about the islands’ many traditions. You don’t have to know everything before you get here, but definitely stay open to the many experiences and traditions that make Hawaii such a special place.
So while you’re in Hawaii, you may see a traditional exchange of Ha, or you may see other practices that seem unique. No matter what, you’ll be lucky to witness such a wonderful culture in a beautiful place.
