Celebrating Easter with Mahalo

Apr 18, 2025

From the other side- Regina William
Mahalo is a Hawaiian word that means “thank you” or “thanks”. It is used to express gratitude or appreciation for something or someone. It's an important part of Hawaiian culture, reflecting the values of respect, kindness, and reciprocity.

In addition to being used as a simple thank you, mahalo can also carry a deeper, more spiritual connotation, expressing gratitude not only for material things but also for experiences, kindness, and the beauty of life. It’s a word that embodies the spirit of Aloha, which is centred on love, compassion, and mutual respect.

This year, I have been blessed to be able to observe Lent and celebrate Easter in Hawaii, thanks to my son-in-law being posted for six months to this island state located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Easter has evolved over the centuries for Catholics, both in its liturgical celebrations and in cultural expressions. The celebrations have grown from a simple, early Christian observance into the central feast of the liturgical year, celebrated with great joy and an ever-expanding array of liturgical and cultural traditions.

While the core message of Christ's resurrection remains unchanged, the way it is celebrated has adapted and grown to reflect the changing times and cultures throughout history.

Growing up in Malaysia, Easter was always an occasion for celebration albeit at a much smaller scale than Christmas, with much emphasis being placed on the Lenten season leading up to Good Friday. I remember Good Friday as a day of fasting, and the meals my mom prepared for us would consist of mostly bitter vegetables dishes, as a sign of repentance and reverence.

Easter was always a celebration of the Risen Lord with close family and relatives, without the bunnies and Easter eggs/chocolates that now defines Easter.

In Hawaii, Easter is marked by a beautiful blend of religious devotion and unique cultural influences. Hawaii, with its diverse population and rich traditions, celebrates Easter with deep respect for its Catholic roots, while also incorporating local customs and a strong sense of community.

Similar to other parts of the Catholic world, the season of Lent in Hawaii begins with Ash Wednesday and lasts for 40 days, leading up to Easter. During Lent, Catholics participate in fasting, penance, and prayer. Many parishes hold Stations of the Cross on Fridays, and there is an emphasis on reflection and spiritual growth.

Some Hawaiian parishes offer Lenten retreats, where individuals can deepen their faith in preparation for the celebration of Easter. The core of Easter in Hawaii, like elsewhere, is the observance of Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday.

On Palm Sunday, Catholics in Hawaii attend Mass with palm fronds or ti leaves (a plant native to Hawaii) that are blessed by the priest. While traditional palm fronds are sometimes used, Ti leaves have become a local adaptation, reflecting the unique Hawaiian culture. In some areas, there are even small processions or gatherings to commemorate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

Holy Thursday is commemorated with Mass of the Lord's Supper, where the washing of the feet ceremony often takes place. This is a poignant moment reflecting Christ's service to humanity. As is the practice in Malaysia and in many churches globally, there is also a Eucharistic Adoration throughout the evening.

Good Friday, a solemn day for all Catholics, is marked by the Good Friday service, which includes the reading of the Passion, veneration of the cross, and a moment of reflection on Christ’s sacrifice. In some Hawaiian parishes, there are special processions, with a focus on the Passion of Christ and local traditions of prayer and reflection.

Easter Sunday in Hawaii begins with the Easter Vigil on Saturday night or early Sunday morning. This is the most important liturgy of the year, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. The Mass includes the lighting of the Paschal candle, and the celebratory hymns and readings remind the faithful of the triumph of life over death.

On Easter Sunday, Catholics in Hawaii celebrate the Mass of the Resurrection. One of the distinctive features of Easter in Hawaii is the use of tropical flowers for decoration in churches and homes. These include vibrant plumeria, orchids, hibiscus, and bird of paradise. These flowers are often used to adorn altars, while locals also use flowers in their personal homes as symbols of new life and resurrection.

After the Easter Mass, many families gather for a festive meal where Hawaiian cuisine is served. Spam, poke (a raw fish salad), and poi (taro paste) are among the main dishes on the table, reflecting the fusion of local ingredients into the celebrations while Haupia (a coconut milk dessert) and sweet rolls are often enjoyed as part of the Easter feast.

In some Hawaiian Catholic communities, Easter processions of the Blessed Sacrament or a communal gathering on church grounds are held to celebrate the Risen Christ.

The concept of Aloha (love, compassion, and goodwill) is deeply embedded in Hawaiian culture and is evident during Easter celebrations. The sense of community and family is strong, and Easter Sunday often brings together extended families and friends for Mass and shared meals, emphasising fellowship and love in Christ.

Hawaii is known for its multicultural population, and this diversity is reflected in the way Easter is celebrated. While Catholic traditions remain central, the influence of Hawaiian culture and customs, along with other ethnic groups like Filipino, Portuguese, Japanese and even Western cultures, brings unique aspects to the Easter celebration.

While Easter egg hunts are not as widespread in Hawaii as in other parts of the United States, they are still a popular activity for Catholic families with children. Some parishes organise Easter egg hunts for children on Easter Sunday after Mass.

Easter for Catholics in Hawaii is a joyful and meaningful celebration, rooted in the Catholic liturgical tradition while also enriched by local customs and the spirit of Aloha. From the solemnity of Holy Week to the vibrant celebrations of Easter Sunday, Hawaiian Catholics observe the resurrection of Christ with reverence, community, and a deep sense of gratitude for new life. The fusion of Catholic faith and Hawaiian cultural elements makes Easter in Hawaii a unique and uplifting experience for the faithful.

(Regina William is an ex-journalist turned head of communications, now full-time grandmother to three children aged between six and two, crisscrossing the globe to play the role. She can be reached at regina. [email protected])