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The phenomenon called the Aloha Spirit inspired the naming of Aloha Tower, which has greeted vessels to port at Honolulu Harbor since September 11, 1926.

Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, love, peace, compassion, mercy, goodbye, and hello, among other sentiments of a similar nature. It is used especially in Hawai'i as a greeting meaning hello and goodbye. Variations occur based on circumstances when used as a salutation. Aloha kakahiaka is the phrase for good morning. Aloha auinala is the phrase for good afternoon. Aloha ahiahi is the phrase for good evening. Aloha kakou is a common form of welcome to all.

Mahalo is a related term used for saying "thank you".

Aʻole pilikia is the Hawaiian term for you're welcome. Lit. No Problem

It is also the state nickname of Hawaii, being the "Aloha State".

The word aloha derives from the Hawaiian words alo meaning "presence," "front," "face," or "share"; and ha, meaning "breath of life" or "essence of life." In ancient times—and to this day—Hawaiian put their foreheads together and say "alo," and then breathe out saying "ha," thus literally facing and exhanging their life's breath.

Over the decades the word aloha has been used in reference to a complex state of mind called the Aloha Spirit or sense of aloha. The Aloha Spirit is often described as a sense of care and hospitality to those around as well as respect for their personhood, even in the face of stressful environments, occasions or people. It is from the Aloha Spirit that the State of Hawai'i gets its official nickname, The Aloha State. Also inspired by the Aloha Spirit was the naming of the Aloha Stadium in the Honolulu suburb of Salt Lake, Aloha Airlines and Aloha Tower at Honolulu Harbor.

Recent trends are popularizing the term elsewhere in the United States. Popular entertainer, Broadway star and Hollywood actress Bette Midler, born in Honolulu, uses the greeting frequently in national appearances. The word was also used frequently in the hit television drama Hawaii Five-O. The Aloha Spirit is a major concept in Lilo and Stitch, a very popular Disney series of movies and TV shows, set in Hawaii. Often used by Dog and his crew in Dog the Bounty Hunter, when speaking to civilians. Lost, shot in Hawai'i, has a thank you note at the end of the credits saying "We thank the people of Hawai'i and their Aloha Spirit".

Main article: Aloha 'Oe

Arguably the most famous historical Hawaiian song, Aloha 'Oe was written by the last queen of Hawaii, Liliʻuokalani.

• Aloha Facts