Aside from the fact that I would love to live and study in Hawaii someday, I’ve always really enjoyed learning about Hawaiian culture. Maybe it’s because “Lilo and Stitch” is one of my favorite Disney movies or because Hawaii is just a really beautiful place, but I’m usually interested in delving into all the little fun facts about this haven of paradise.
The popular hang loose sign that is often associated with Hawaii and its surf culture has an intriguing background, believe it or not. Despite the fact that this symbol is still not an emoji (come on, Apple), its popularity spread rapidly throughout the world beginning in the 1960s.
Often referred to as the shaka sign, this symbol conveys the “Aloha Spirit” that resides in the Hawaiian culture. It’s a concept of friendship, compassion and peace. Needless to say, it’s no surprise how well this hand gesture emulates the idea of surfing for those who are so passionate about it.
According to Polynesian researchers, surprisingly the work shaka does not even have Hawaiian origins. Nevertheless, the start of the shaka sign often comes back to a Hawaiian fisherman by the name of Hamana Kalili.
Kalili was from the town of Laie and lost his three middle fingers as a result of a work-related accident at an old sugar mill. After the tragedy occurred, Kalili could no longer work at the sugar mill. Instead, he took a job with the sugar mill’s train that would run from Sunset Beach to Kaaawa.
Children would frequently jump on this train to ride from town to town, and part of Kalili’s job while working was to ensure that the kids would keep off the train. When Kalili wasn’t looking, the kids would mock his missing fingers and signal to each other with the now hang loose sign.
Although there are a number of origin stories for this hand gesture, the story of Hamana Kalili seems to prevail as being the true origin. Regardless, the meaning behind the symbol is what truly matters.
The shaka sign is all about recognizing individuals for what they are. It’s about acknowledging individual worth and beauty with respect. Similar to how aloha is much more than a simple greeting or means of saying goodbye, the hang loose sign that we have come to know means more than you might think.
