Howzit, Howzit!
The Shaka sign is by far the most well known and used gesture by Hawai'i Locals and islanders. We learned the Shaka sign before we could even walk. You know, you've seen it. Parents telling their 8 month old baby to "make shaka, make shaka."
Men, women, and children alike, Hawaii Locals use the shaka sign as a gesture of friendship, to greet, and to say goodbye. It is also used to convey what Local people of Hawaii call the "Aloha Spirit." Accompanying vocals or sayings are used, "Right On", "Au-Rite" and the ever so popular "Howzit" or "Howzit, Howzit."
As much as it is part of our life, have you ever wondered how it started? There are several theories of it's origin. Some say it started with boys playing marbles. The technique of holding a marble in the creases of your cupped pointer finger and flicking it with your thumb while your pinky stuck out would created a Shaka sign.
It has also been said that it started out as "Shark Eye" and somewhere along time the "r" and the "eye" was dropped and an "a" was added. By making a fist with your thumb and pinky extended it would form the shape of a hammerhead shark. It was considered a compliment, as a shark has eyes of sharpness sort of like an eagle.
Another story credits the origin to a foreman of the Dole Pineapple Cannery who lost his three middle fingers on the job. He was very friendly and often waved at people with his missing fingers.
There are a few other closely related theories, but the most prevailing story of the shaka sign is of Hamana Kalili from Laie. Mr. Kalili lost the middle three fingers on his right hand during an accident at the old Kahuku Sugar Mill. Because he could no longer work in the mill, he became a security guard on the sugar train that used to travel between Sunset Beach and Ka'a'awa. As a way to signal other security guards and train engineers they would communicate over distance by waving to each other. The all-clear wave of thumb and pinky is said to have evolved over the years into the Shaka sign.
Years later Frank Fasi, Honolulu politician & mayor of the 1970s and 1980s adopted the shaka sign as a campaign signal/slogan. David "Lippy" Espinda also adopted the sign and term on his Hawaiian TV used car sales commercial.
The shaka sign has made its way into the main stream. Many professional athletes & celebrities commonly display the shaka on television and in photos. Because of its popularity amongst the famous, non-islanders from other states and around the world have picked up on it. Many of them still call it the "Hang Loose" gesture when back in the day received a strong promotional campaign.
We may disagree or never be certain of its real origin, but the shaka sign will always be part of our Local and island lifestyle.
Shaka!
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