DictionaryalohaGreeting or farewell
interjection / noun

aloha

uh-LOH-hah/əˈləʊhɑː/

A Hawaiian expression of affection and goodwill.

The host greets the arriving visitors with a warm “aloha.”

A contemporary Hawaiian host welcomes an arriving visitor at an open doorway, raising a hand and saying “Aloha!” The visitor smiles and returns the greeting, with a small travel bag indicating arrival.
Etymology

Hawaiian aloha means “love, affection, pity.” Its use at meeting or parting makes an expression of affection serve as both a greeting and a farewell.

In context

ThinkTech Hawaii16:05
please join me because security matters Aloha Aloha I'm Cynthia Sinclair and I'm Tim admin
Retired Police Chief Lee Donohue (Beyond the Lines)

More examples

  • They exchange “aloha” before leaving the gathering.
  • She describes aloha as care and goodwill toward others.
  • The family welcomes their guests in a spirit of aloha.

Similar words

hello
Serves as a greeting without the wider cultural meaning.
goodwill
Expresses friendly feeling but is not a customary greeting.