Rude, divisive, ugly behavior is rampant across the U.S.A. and the world. What’s needed is more Aloha Spirit. In Hawaii, more often than not, we extend heartfelt warmth to each other, we graciously honor one another’s “humanity” in an atmosphere of goodwill, we strive to live together harmoniously. In other parts of America and the world, they’re fighting in the streets.

During the pandemic, Hawaii has had the nation’s lowest rate of COVID-19 infections per 100,000 people, and the second-highest rate of vaccinations in America. The Aloha Spirit has had us thinking not so much about our own individual free rights, but the health of those back in our homes, and the safety of our island chain.

Hawaii has the most multiracial population in America. According to the most recent figures (https://census.hawaii.gov), 24.2% of our statewide residents are multiracial, more than eight times the national average of 2.8%. More than three quarters of America is of a single race, while in Hawaii there is no majority race. We learn to live together, we give shaka, we smile and say “Mahalo,” we welcome opportunities to build bridges. We live Aloha, and it’s working.

Aloha — it’s about the big things, and the small ones as well. For example, about 80% of the time here in Hilo when I stop my car at a crosswalk that has no traffic light, the pedestrian needing to cross will give a hand signal as if to say “Aloha, thanks for stopping.” These folks don’t need to do this, of course, because by law I’m required to stop, but still, people go out of their way to show their appreciation.

The same will happen at one-lane bridges. Drivers will graciously defer to other oncoming vehicles, going out of their way to be kind, the Aloha Spirit in action. And 90% of the time, the driver who has graciously been given the right of way will flash a sign of appreciation.

On the Big Island we hardly ever hear a car horn honk. It’s considered bad form to resort to honking, not very Aloha. Patience and harmony are preferred. And just the other day I again received a headlight flash from the oncoming car, inviting me to make my left turn in front of him, before he proceeded on his way.

In Hawaiian there is a term kukulu kumuhana, meaning that as a group we choose to pool our aloha and mana, we combine our good energies and work together for the common good. This is what is so needed in all of America right now, a bringing forth the best within the human spirit, for everyone to pool their powers and work in the spirit of aloha for the wellbeing of the whole.

America and the world has so much to learn from the people of our dear island home of Hawaii.

Ronald D. Gordon is a professor of communication at the University of Hawaii-Hilo.