About the Aloha Is Foundation
The Aloha Is Foundation is a Hawaiʻi-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, established in 2020 to preserve, promote, and perpetuate the true meaning and philosophy of Aloha.
Inspired by the teachings of Hawaiian philosopher Pilahi Paki, entertainer Moe Keale, and Hawaiʻi broadcasting legend Jacqueline "Skylark" Rossetti, the Foundation serves as a cultural resource dedicated to strengthening Hawaiʻi's communities through education, music, culture, and service.
As Hawaiʻi continues to evolve in the age of social media and rapid technological change, we recognize the growing need to reconnect people with the timeless values that have defined our islands for generations. Our work is rooted in preserving Hawaiʻi's cultural identity while inspiring future generations to live with compassion, respect, and aloha.
Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve and share the philosophy of Aloha by continuing the legacy entrusted to us by Pilahi Paki, Moe Keale, and Jacqueline "Skylark" Rossetti. Through education, cultural programs, music, community service, and leadership, we strive to inspire people in Hawaiʻi and around the world to live the values that define the Spirit of Aloha.
The Spirit of Aloha is more than a greeting—it is a way of life.
A – Akahai
Kindness expressed with tenderness.
L – Lokahi
Unity expressed with harmony.
O – ʻOluʻolu
Agreeableness expressed with graciousness.
H – Haʻahaʻa
Humility expressed with modesty.
A – Ahonui
Patience expressed with perseverance.
ALOHA IS a future where people live together in peace, respect, compassion, and harmony.
Our Programs
Nā Hōkū Hanohano Moe Keale Aloha Is Award
For more than two decades, the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Moe Keale Aloha Is Award has honored entertainers who use their influence and talents to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Presented annually during the Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards, this prestigious recognition celebrates artists who embody the true Spirit of Aloha through community service, leadership, generosity, and compassion.
The Aloha Is Foundation proudly serves as the permanent home of the award, overseeing its promotion, administration, and presentation.
Aloha Is Mele
Aloha Is Mele is our music and media arts initiative dedicated to developing the next generation of Hawaiʻi's creative leaders.
The program provides mentorship and education in:
Hawaiian music (Mele)
Music production and recording
Songwriting and performance
Video production
Graphic design
Media arts
The business of music
By nurturing young artists, we help preserve Hawaiʻi's musical heritage while preparing students for successful careers in today's creative industries.
Aloha Is Keiki
The Aloha Is Keiki Program empowers Hawaiʻi's youth by teaching the values, traditions, and cultural foundations of aloha.
Through culturally based educational programs, keiki learn the importance of Hawaiian language, ʻike kūpuna (ancestral knowledge), and timeless ʻōlelo noʻeau such as:
"Aloha i kekahi i kekahi."
Love and care for one another.
Our goal is to strengthen families and communities by helping the next generation understand not only what aloha means, but how to live it every day.
Aloha Is ʻImi Naʻauao
ʻImi Naʻauao—the pursuit of knowledge—connects keiki with Hawaiʻi's natural environment through culturally grounded, hands-on learning experiences.
Working alongside community organizations, educators, and cultural practitioners, students gain knowledge and appreciation in areas including:
Marine conservation
Ecosystem studies
Stewardship of the ʻāina
Sustainable fishing and diving practices
Hawaiian canoe paddling
Polynesian voyaging
Environmental and cultural resource management
By learning from both nature and culture, participants develop a lifelong commitment to caring for Hawaiʻi and its people.
Our Vision
We envision a future where the Spirit of Aloha guides our communities, inspires our leaders, strengthens our families, and connects people throughout the world.
A future where kindness overcomes division, humility inspires leadership, patience builds understanding, and unity creates lasting peace.
That is what Aloha Is.