The Shaka sign, with its distinctive thumb and pinkie finger extended while the other fingers are curled down, is an iconic hand gesture that brings up memories of Hawai’i for many. While many hand signs look similar, few are as universally recognized and cherished as the Shaka, especially for surfers who use this gesture around the world.

Origins of the Shaka Sign

The Shaka sign has a unique history rooted deeply in Hawaii’s past. This story is one that is not tied to surfers or tourism but to a remarkable individual named Hamana Kalili.

Hamana Kalili’s life is a classic “Only in Hawaii” story. He was born in 1882 in La’ie, O’ahu. One of 13 children his Hawaiian parents were of diverse backgrounds. His mother, Kealalaina was the daughter of Chiel Kaleohano Kuakaha of Maui. His father, Nahuina was a Hawaiian commoner from the island of Hawai’i. Kalili spent his entire life in La’ie. He started as a master fisherman with a small commercial fishing business before going to work at the local sugar mill, where the story of the Shaka begins.

In a work-related accident, Kalili lost his three middle fingers, leaving him with only his thumb and pinkie. This abruptly changed his sugar mill job, and Kalili became a security guard on the Sugarcane Train. This was a small locomotive that transported sugar cane from the fields to the mill. He used the hand that he had lost his fingers to wave off children trying to steal sugar cane from the train and to signal the conductor. As you can imagine, he was starting to become very recognizable with the unusual hand gester.

Kalili’s use of his unique hand didn’t stop with his Sugarcane Train job. He entertained local children with spooky stories about hammerhead sharks, using his Shaka to mimic the sharks’ eyes of course. Over time, children started using the gesture as a signal for the all-clear when Kalili wasn’t around, so they could snatch some sugar cane from the train.

The Shaka Has a Modern Day Story

It took several decades for the Shaka sign to go mainstream. In the 1960s a local used car salesman popularized the Shaka sign through his commercials. He ended each commercial with an enthusiastic “Shaka, brah!” Later, in 1976, the sign gained further recognition when six-time mayor of Honolulu, Frank Fasi, used it in his 1976 re-election campaign.

Fasi’s use of the Shaka became a hallmark of his successful political strategy, helping him secure multiple terms as mayor, despite initial skepticism from his campaign team.

We know that a similar gesture can mean Call Me with the thumb held near the ear and pinkie toward the mouth, or, Let’s Have a Drink with the thumb held near the mouth and the pinkie in the air.

Nowadays, you can see the Shaka sign everywhere. It can be up or down, relaxed or excited, or just super casual, like Hawai’i itself. But there is nothing like seeing a shaka sign being thrown by surfers worldwide!

The Shaka Receives Legislative Recognition

Recently, the Shaka sign has been on its way to becoming Hawaii’s official gesture. Recently, state lawmakers passed a measure recognizing Hawai’i as the birthplace of the Shaka. Although there are various theories about its origins, the bill underscores the Shaka’s role in “sharing aloha, fostering connection and being pono” (living righteously, one of the 28 Hawaiian Values). This reflects the values and spirit of Hawai’i.

The bill’s primary sponsor, State Senator Glenn Wakai, emphasized the Shaka’s cultural significance and that it captures something special about Hawai’i. Governor Josh Green expressed his support, indicating that he would likely sign the bill into law.

What is the Cultural Impact of the Shaka Sign?

The Shaka sign is a hand gesture that embodies the aloha spirit and the cultural richness of Hawaii. It is used in everyday interactions to convey greetings, gratitude, and goodwill. Surfers are a group deeply connected to Hawaiian culture and frequently use the Shaka as a symbol of camaraderie and respect.

Steve Sue, a Honolulu resident who produced the documentary “Shaka, A Story of Aloha,” highlighted the gesture’s diverse meanings and historical roots. His work, along with the legislative efforts, aims to preserve and celebrate the Shaka’s connection to Hawaii. The bill also proposes creating a public display of the Shaka’s history, ensuring that both residents and visitors can appreciate its significance.

And don’t forget about Shaka Santa who has been around with his wife Tutu Mele since 1998. They come out every year to celebrate the holiday season for us on ‘Oahu.

We can see that the Shaka sign is a powerful symbol of Hawaiian culture and values. Its origins are tied to the life of Hamana Kalili, and its journey to mainstream. This recognition reflects the unique history and spirit of Hawaii. As the Shaka continues to be celebrated and officially recognized, it remains a vibrant expression of aloha that resonates far beyond the islands.