#2: Shakas (Hang Loose)

Before gang signs, the peace sign, the bird and probably even before the acceptance of the universal sign of choking there was the "shaka," otherwise known as the "hang loose." The origin of the shaka is unfamiliar to many Hawaiians, however my goal is not to explain its history.

Shakas to Hawaiians are like company emblems on luxury cars. And of course, every one wants to be from the coolest factory. Hawaiians have used this sign as a symbol of friendship, acceptance and gratitude. We welcome people with it, we say good bye with it and celebrate with it. Shakas are cool because it always gives Hawaiians something to do in a picture, because face it, if you don’t look like Malia Jones or Keanu Reeves, a vast majority of us aren’t very photogenic people. Look no further than King Kamehameha the Great’s picture. He would have looked happier if he threw up a shaka, or make it two shakas, once he conquered all the islands.

Consequently with the globalization of surfing and the influx of tourists to Hawaii, the popularity of shakas have taken their humble Hawaiian beginnings to the world. Today shakas are just about always displayed by some one other than a Hawaiian. So respect is all that we ask. But it’s not like you can flip some one off with a shaka…das just not Hawaiian…stay Hawaiian bra!!!