Is it hoaloha or hoaaloha?

[akrauth]

Aloha kakou,

Pehea 'oukou i keia la?

Some people I have written to in 'olelo write the Hawaiian word for friend as "hoaloha," while others, as well as my puke 'olelo Hawai'i, say "hoaaloha." Which is pololei, or are both pololei?

[kani-lehua]

well, according to the hawaiian dictionary (pukui/elbert), it would be both.

[achow]

Both are right according to the Hawaiian Dictionary by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert.

[B]hoaloha: means friend
[B]hoaaloha: means beloved friend

[akrauth]

Oooooo! Mahalo.