Mahalo has almost become as universally understood as Aloha, and like Aloha, it is vastly underestimated. Many will often say Mahalo with lightness, to simply convey “thank you.” As a value, Mahalo includes thankfulness, appreciation, and gratitude as a way of living. We live in thankfulness for the richness that makes life so precious at work and at home, and we are able to sense our gifts elementally. Mahalo is the opposite of indifference and apathy, for it is the life perspective of giving thanks for what you have by using your gifts — and all of your gifts — in the best possible way.
From Managing with Aloha (Chapter 16 preamble):
Mahalo
Thank you, as a way of living
Live in thankfulness for the richness that makes life so precious
Mahalo. Thank you, as a way of living.
With Mahalo, we give thanks for every element which enriches our lives by living in thankfulness for them. We relish them. We celebrate them joyously. Mahalo is the value that gives us an attitude of gratitude, and the pleasure of awe and wonder.
Say “thank you” often. Speak of your appreciation and it will soften the tone of your voice, giving it richness, humility and fullness. People need to hear it from you: Mahalo nui loa.
Continue your learning!
For a brief, single-page listing of all 19 Hawaiian Values of ALOHA within the Managing with Aloha philosophy, see The 19 Values of Aloha.
For more about values and why we choose them, see Let’s Define Values.
This is the Site Index of articles which include MAHALO, with comment boxes for questions, stories, and our continued learning from each other: When people speak, they give voice to values, and their personal expression of them. In Hawai‘i, we call this expression their mana‘o.
Buy the book!
Managing with Aloha is a book designed to be written in, and used as both learning resource and personal workbook. Managing with Aloha is our philosophy bible, and this site can be thought of as the sequel to the book, where you are now the featured star.