The word “aloha” is the most recognized of all Hawaiian words. In its simplest use, it means “hello”, “welcome”, or “goodbye”. But the word, to many Hawaiians, can also be used to convey a much deeper and richer feeling, one that encapsulates a way of living, being, and most of all, treating others. This Spirit of Aloha inspires us to do what we do and influences every facet of every tour we offer at Polynesian Adventure Activities.
We wanted to delve further into this particular meaning of Aloha, so we asked Angel Sunia, one of our amazing Call Center Leads, what the Spirit of Aloha means to them, as well as some of their favorite things to do, see, and eat on the islands of Hawai’i.
Hi, Angel! How long have you been a member of the Poly Ad Ohana?
Going on 7 months now!
That’s great! So Angel, what is your favorite thing about Hawai’i?
My favorite thing about hawaii, is the ALOHA SPIRIT. Hawai’i makes you feel welcomed, makes you feel like you belong, makes you feel like you are part of the family- even if you are just visiting. You will not find this kind of feeling anywhere else, you can’t explain it but it’s almost as if Hawai’i is inviting you into it’s home to stay as long as you want. You feel an automatic connection, no matter what part of the world you are from, or how different you are, Hawai’i will make you feel like you belong.
Hawai’i is filled with amazing places to experience and explore. One of my favorite spots would have to be a pretty hidden spot, even though a lot of people have heard about it. I won’t say exactly where – you’ll have to find it, it’s called “Spitting Caves”. It’s tucked away in the “Beverly Hills” of Hawai’i Kai, behind some of the most beautiful Mansions you will ever see. The view is breathtaking, it makes you appreciate the beautiful place that we call home. One of the best things to do is on a nice sunny day, have a picnic out there, but not just any picnic! Get some of the best poke on the island from 21 Mart located in Kalihi and then a garlic chicken plate from Mitsuba, can’t get any more local than that. Now that is a perfect day off in Paradise.
What is your favorite Hawaiian movie?
Lilo and Stitch, even if it is just a cartoon made by Disney. But for me it really represented the meaning of Ohana 100% in my opinion, “Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind.” That one phrase exemplifies how the people of Hawai’i truly take care of their own. Once you are a part of the family, you will always be taken care of, no matter what. When you come to Hawai’i, locals will make you a part of their growing Ohana, you will build lasting relationships with someone you just met and become Ohana.
What is your favorite local food? Where is the best place to eat it or to buy it?
So many choices to choose from, I would probably say some of the BEST places to eat would be:
Alicia’s Market– They have some of the best poke on the island, and they are not shy with their portions!
21 Mart is one of the BEST places to get a poke bowl. Maui Mikes makes the best roast chicken sandwich! Oh, and Kam Bakery because of their Poi Donuts.
