Whenever we are “out and about” especially on our walk/run, many give us a SHAKA sign.
In return, my peeps SHAKA back. I asked mom, What does it mean?
The SHAKA sign is a popular Hawaiian hand gesture.
It is very common on the island to be greeted with a SHAKA sign.
A SHAKA sign is the distinctive pinky and thumb salute.
HangLoose, SHAKA’s original meaning and a constant reminder that in Hawaii,
it is not the norm to worry or rush. As the saying goes, NO WORRIES.
4 Versions of the Origin of the SHAKA Sign
First version: In 1940’s, the SHAKA sign was used as a symbol of blessing by a local Hawaiian folk hero named Hamana Kalili who happened to be missing the three middle fingers on his right hand due to a sugar mill accident.
Second version: When Kalili, who happened to be missing the three middle fingers on his right hand due to a sugar mill accident, waved his malformed hand to shoo away children from jumping trains.
Third version: When one of the first surfers in Hawaii got bitten by a shark and lost his three middle fingers, raised a shaking pinky and thumb out of the water.
Fourth version: When the 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 met in Hawaii.
Whatever version on how the SHAKA originated, it surely represents a strong reminder of the Spirit of Aloha, which makes Hawaii distinctive.
3 Versions on Naming the Hand Gesture, SHAKA
First version: In the 1960s, a local Honolulu TV movie host Lippy Espinda used SHAKA as a news signoff.
Second version: Many believed that the word “shaka” was derived from an ancient Buddha named Shakyamuni, who prayed with his hands in the shape of two shakas pressed together.
Third version: The word SHAKA was derived from the term “shark eye,” which is a traditional greeting given to respected friends and family members.
Finally, in 1976, Frank Fasi, a mayoral candidate, designed his campaign around the SHAKA sign and made the SHAKA sign/name popular throughout the islands of Hawaii.

Want to learn how to do the SHAKA sign?
4 Simple Steps on How To Make A SHAKA Sign
1. make a fist (not a tight fist)
2. extend your thumb
3. extend your pinky
4. lightly shake your hand and/ or hold/rotate back and forth
SHAKA, is an amazing hand gesture that also signifies love, hello, goodbye, affection, regards, fondness and compassion.
If you visit Hawaii, don’t be shy to give the SHAKA sign (just make sure you’ve got the how to of the hand gesture).
PAWsome! Golden HangLoose!
The SHAKA hand gesture is easy for humans but for dogs … simply wag your tail and smile.
Lots of Golden L♥VE n Woofs
SUGAR