Aloha in all Polynesian languages and always with the same basic meaning of: love, compassion, sympathy and kindness although the use in Hawaii has a seriousness lacking in the Tahitian and Samoan meanings. Its beginnings may be seen in the Maori definition as "love of kin". Mary Kawena Pukui wrote that the "first expression" of "aloha" was between a parent and child. The word has become a part of the English vocabulary in an awkward misuse. The term is now part of English vocabulary. "The Oxford English Dictionary" defined the word as a "greeting" like "welcome" and "farewell" using a number
Aloha diminishes the terms original meaning and reduces it to the more superficial expression of "Good wishes". Anthropologist Francis Newton states that "Aloha is a complex and profound sentiment. Such emotions defy definition". Hawaiians believe the concept to be unique, with no English equivalent. Aloha Aloha (; ) is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy, that is commonly used as a simple greeting but has a deeper cultural and spiritual significance to native Hawaiians. A greeting of love and compassion; also means "to be in the presence of the divinity" or in the presence of ("alo") the