Thanks to legislation, Hawaii has officially been known as the “Aloha State” since 1959. Heck, the Hawaii Statutes have even got an entire section on the “Aloha Spirit”! If you’re on vacation in Hawaii, you’ll often hear it used as a greeting, but you’ll soon discover that here in Hawaii, Aloha is a lifestyle.
To live the spirit of Aloha means to express love, compassion, respect and kindness in all you do, and to everyone you encounter. This isn’t just reserved for interactions between people – true Aloha spirit extends to nature, wildlife and all that surrounds us.
Most of you have probably heard of casual Friday, but did you know that it got its start right here in Hawaii? That’s right, what’s known as casual Friday is a by-product of what was started in our beautiful state back in 1965.
In the early 60’s a group of garment manufacturers were pushing the very conservative business leaders in Hawaii to embrace the Aloha shirt as appropriate business wear in a campaign known as “Operation Liberation”. Wearing the shirts that Hawaii is now so famous for became commonplace throughout the summer months and in 1965, a new campaign for the shirts was started. “Aloha Friday” called for business men to wear aloha shirts every Friday and once the practice became commonplace for the last day of each week, it didn’t take long at all for them to become accepted attire. By the 70’s, men and women working at businesses throughout the state could be found wearing the famous floral print shirts / dresses on any given day of the week. To this day, most businesses recognize Aloha Friday and allow their employees to dress casually.
Aloha Friday is now a celebration of sorts in Hawaii. It marks the end of the work week, and the start of weekend. Our radio stations play “Aloha Friday” by Kimo Kahoano and there are often Aloha Friday specials at local restaurants and bars.
If you are fortunate enough to work for a business that endorses casual Friday, you can say a big Mahalo (thank-you) to Hawaii because this is where it all started folks! We wish you all a Happy Aloha Friday, and leave you with a link to Hawaii’s Aloha Friday anthem! Enjoy!
We had a wonderful time at Sail Away and I recommended Hawaii Hideaway to dozens of people. You were a delight to work with and I will definitely use you again the next time we rent a home in the islands.
Roseville, CA
Like a Dream
Bliss doesn’t even describe our experience. It was almost like a dream. We are ready to do this again with Hawaii Hideaways – you guys are the best. Everything was perfect!!!
Amarillo, TX
Outstanding Experience From Beginning to End
It was in an outstanding experience from beginning to end, I would work with Hawaii hideaways again in the future unquestionably. Sunny Madeiros was terrific with her recommendations of everything from leisure activities to restaurants and even equipment rentals.
Coral Gables, FL
Perfect Combination of Elegance and Comfort
First time to Maui (and Hawaii). This is a spectacular setting and the home is a perfect combination of elegance and comfort. I could stay on the lanai all day long and be happy. Of course there’s a ton of fun activities, but it was great to have Gull Cottage as our base to come back to!
Arlington Heights, IL
You’re Going to Want to Stay
Our family spent a splendid week in Kauai in early 2017, basing ourselves out of the Touching Green house. It’s in a great location, has everything you need, and is just lovely. The pictures don’t do it justice. You’re going to want to stay!
We had a wonderful time in Kauai! We remained in awe at the unimaginable beauty, both of the rental home, as well as Kauai itself. It will be a treasured memory for life. I hope we can come back and make more memories.