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The Shaka Symbol
Anyone who has visited the islands has no doubt seen the
famous hand gesture coupled with the greeting “shaka, brah!”
A shaka sign – the unmistakable pinky and thumb salute –
is the ultimate symbol of
aloha and local
culture in Hawaii. Interpreted to mean “hang loose”
or “right on,” the shaka is a constant reminder that in
Hawaii, it is not the norm to worry or rush. The shaka sign
represents the embodiment of “island style.” It signals
that everything is alright.
From surfers and keiki (kids) to bank tellers and news anchors,
the shaka sign is universal in the islands. Use the shaka
sign wherever and whenever you want to spread a little aloha,
say thanks for letting you cut in on the road, or along
with aloha as hello or goodbye. The shaka sign is more than
just nonverbal communication. When you use it, you acknowledge
the true concept of aloha and participate in the synergistic
heartbeat of Hawaii.
How to Make a Shaka
 To send a shaka: make a fist with either hand. Extend the
thumb and pinky while keeping the middle fingers curled
under. Face your thumb and pinky away from your body and
draw an invisible “j” in the air. Give your shaka a shake
and you’re communicating Hawaiian-style!
The Origins of Shaka
There is some debate about the origin of the shaka, although
most agree that its roots lie with
surf and beach culture. One version claims that the
shaka sign was first used in the 1940s as a symbol of blessing
by a local Hawaiian folk hero named Hamana Kalili from Laie
who happened to be missing the three middle fingers on his
right hand due to a sugar mill incident.
Others debate the symbol was born when Kalili waved his
malformed hand to shoo away children from jumping trains.
A third version claims that the symbol was born when one
of the first surfers in Hawaii raised a shaking pinky and
thumb out of the water after having his middle fingers bitten
off by a hungry shark. Yet another version says that the
origin lies with Spanish immigrants, who folded the middle
fingers and brought the thumb to the lips as a friendly
gesture to symbolize sharing a drink with the natives they
encountered in Hawaii.
Whatever the genesis of this powerful and enjoyable symbol,
it remains a strong reminder of the spirit of aloha that
makes Hawaii so special. The shaka has transcended many
generations and continues to unite island lovers with a
unique tradition not found in any dictionary.
The naming of the symbol as “shaka” came later in the 1960s
when used as a signoff by local Honolulu TV movie host Lippy
Espinda, although some believe the word “shaka” was derived
from an ancient Buddha named Shakyamuni, who prayed with
his hands in the shape of two shakas pressed together. Another
story tells that the word “shaka” was derived from the term
“shark eye,” a traditional compliment given to respected
friends and family members. In 1976, campaigning mayoral
candidate Frank Fasi quickly popularized the symbol throughout
the islands after designing a campaign around the shaka.
The shaka is a simple yet powerful way to remind locals
and visitors of the way people look out for each other on
the islands and strive to spread aloha day in and day out,
in keeping with the Hawaiian principle of malama i kekahi
i kekahi, - take care of one, take care of all. If you’re
new to the islands, don’t be shy about throwing up shakas,
just make sure you’ve got the hand gesture down first! Aloha
in the
Hawaiian language can mean love, hello, goodbye, affection,
regards, fondness and compassion. The amazing “shaka” communicates
all this and more with just a simple wave of the hand.
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