Larry LaSota, Kauai Wedding Minister
The Meaning of the Shaka ("hang
loose")
In Hawai‘i, the most popular
nonverbal gesture is the “Shaka”, which involves making a fist, extending your
thumb and pinky finger and waving your hand from side to side. Often identified
with early surf culture, the shaka symbol’s popularity grew in the late 1960s
and became as iconic to Hawai‘i as surfing in Waikiki, Duke Kahanamoku, and
hula dancers in grass skirts. The shaka is sometimes referred to as a way to
symbol to others to hang loose or relax.
However, the shaka symbol is much
more meaningful than just a wave of hello and goodbye. The shaka is a symbol of
the Aloha Spirit, which is known as the widespread friendly attitude of
friendship, understanding, compassion and solidarity of Hawaiian people and
Kama‘āina (locals). To show the shaka symbol to someone, you are expressing
gratitude, saying thank you, or even saying “howzit” (hello).
The origin of the shaka is one that
has long been debated. The most credible story is of a local Hawaiian hero
named Hamana Kalili from La‘ie, Oahu, who lost three fingers on his right hand
in a sugar mill accident at the old Kahuku Sugar Mill. After Kalili lost his
fingers, he no longer could work in the sugar mill and became a security guard
on the train that traveled between Sunset Beach and Kaaawa. One of Kalili’s
jobs was to keep children from jumping on the train and riding from town to
town. To get around Kalili, the children began signaling each other that the
coast was clear, by waving their hands in the same two finger out gesture that
Kalili would wave.
Kalili’s wave became well known
through his community involvement for the Mormon Church in Lā‘ie. He was the
“moi (king) of the festivities” at an annual hukilau, a large community event
that involved the gathering of fish, a luau, and hula show. His signature shaka
was photographed in all the historic photos of this grand event.
The term “shaka” however, was not
coined until the 1960s, when local TV and movie host Lippy Espinda signed off
at the end of a used car advertisement by flashing the hand gesture and said
“shaka braddah.”
Since then, the shaka has since
become a symbol of greeting, to show aloha, to say thank you, or to express
that something is alright. It’s a reminder of the easygoing, relaxed lifestyle
in Hawai‘i and the welcoming attitudes of the local people.
Don’t be afraid to throw a shaka or
two while out in the community. If all goes well, you will get one back!
