Alex Fitting In

By Pam

As Alex starts his new adventure on the island of Oahu filming Hawaii Five-0, it struck me how comfortable he will be with the culture and traditions of Hawaii. His own values and mores fit in very nicely with those of the Hawaiian people.

In Hawaii, family (ohana) is not the most important thing - it is the only thing. One works to support the family, fishes to feed the family and a party is always a family affair. Even friends will become family. Many generations of families frequently live under the same roof. It's not that they have to; it's just the way it is. Children don't grow up and move away, they grow up and stay in their parents' houses, sometimes all their lives unless they marry.  Alex has said about family:

"...fundamentally, the most important thing to me is ...your life, your family, your people..."

The Aloha Spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within each person. It brings each person to the Self. Each person must think and emote good feelings to others. In the contemplation and presence of the life force, Aloha, the following unuhi laulâ loa (free translation) may be used:


* Akahai, meaning kindness, to be expressed with tenderness;
* Lôkahi, meaning unity, to be expressed with harmony;
*`Olu`olu, meaning agreeable, to be expressed with pleasantness;
* Ha`aha`a, meaning humility, to be expressed with modesty;
* Ahonui, meaning patience, to be expressed with perseverance.*

If you “know” Alex, or have read any of our essays, you will know that he possesses all of the above qualities. These attributes, to me, are very similar to Eastern Philosophy, which Alex has mentioned he was exposed to while growing up. He has spoken of meditation often in interviews.

"After a hard day, I stop and meditate which shakes the day off..."

Hopefully, Alex will have enough time for relaxation and may want to go fishing. Hukilau is a traditional method of fishing. Ropes with leaves hanging down are stretched across the mouth of a small bay. This rope is then pulled in, forcing the fish into shallow water where they can be captured.

“I’m a fisherman. I’ve always loved fishing… I’ve been ocean fishing and river fishing.”

Honestly, I believe Alex would be comfortable in just about any environment. He has a way of fitting in no matter where he is. Hawaii is just one more place he can call his sanctuary.

* http://www.volcanogallery.com/alohaspirit.htm