Maia Gilman makes double shaka signs.

Shutterstock.com (background); Courtesy of Emma Gilman (Maia Gilman)

Hawaii’s Official Hello

Many people greet their friends with a wave or a high five. But like most Hawaiians, fifth-grader Maia Gilman often uses a shaka. The hand sign is made by sticking out your thumb and pinkie while curling down your other fingers. People sometimes twist their wrist too.

For Hawaiians, the shaka can have several meanings. It is used to mean hello, goodbye, and thank you. 

“It makes people smile and feel loved,” Maia explains. “The shaka symbolizes aloha, friendship, and encouragement.” (Aloha is a Hawaiian greeting used to express love and peace.) 

Hawaiians have been using the hand sign for decades. But the shaka’s special role is now official. In May, lawmakers in Hawaii passed a bill (a written plan for a law) to make it the official state gesture. Governor Josh Green signed the bill into law in June. The law also recognizes Hawaii as the shaka’s birthplace.

“It’s about really celebrating what is uniquely Hawaiian with the rest of the world,” explains State Senator Glenn Wakai. 

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