Shaka: A Story of Aloha

The journey of the Shaka, Hawaii's gesture of goodwill, is a fascinating tale. From its plantation roots to its contemporary use in spreading positivity, the Shaka is often used without fully grasping its diverse implications.

This documentary captures its history, various meanings, and global use in educational, humorously anecdotal, and poignant ways. The fact that this gesture from a small island chain in the middle of the vast Pacific has made ripples across the map is meaningful, encapsulating the loving nature that defines the people of Hawai'i. Delving into people's recollection of its roots and watching old footage bring tears of nostalgia and joy.

It is a must-see that will leave you wanting to be a part of a movement to spread kindness and hope in today's volatile world.

They did a phenomenal job getting the real stories from the kanaka (the natives) by really spending time, listening, and immersing themselves in the heart of Hawaiian (and other) culture. I'm familiar with the Japanese and Buddhist customs but never thought of it more than the cultural norm but this film connects people, history, and multiple cultures into one ne beautifully told story layered with many other stories. How cool is it to share a small history of a small town from an island in the middle of the Pacific, just a speck on a map, in such a big way that it creates a tsunami size movement of Aloha through this simple gesture filled with SO much love!!

This movie is so much deeper than just a hand gesture and its origin. It leaves you wanting (to get to know) more.

Loved it!

Beautifully done. I loved the celebration of the diverse local island community, the global spread of positivity and all the varied theories on the gesture's origin and meaning.

The walk through history was beautiful, fun-loving, interesting and nostalgic. A touching love letter to the islands and lovely people who embody the best aspects of the local community and culture.

Whatever the root source of the gesture, and I think the film has helped me feel pretty confident of what that was, it's global impact is appreciated: a sign of love, aloha, gratitude, togetherness, "we got this" and RIGHT ON!

Shaka, A story of Aloha presents a historical journey of the origins of the shaka hand gesture through its evolution to the present. What began as a hand sign amongst Hawaiian children, has matured and grown into a global gesture of friendly acknowledgement of another. This film journeys around the global relaying true stories and evidence of its positive impact on people.

Not only is the film educational in its factual and historical detail but also carries an inspirational message to spread Aloha. All with a simple hand gesture and a smile.

It is amazing how many smiles you can get from complete strangers simply by throwing them a shaka and giving them a smile. Not only will others respond with a smile, but you will find that it makes yourself feel better too.

When you think of how widely used the Shaka hand gesture is used, you take it for granted similar to the gesture of the peace sign. To understand the origins and how it has spread worldwide and become such and iconic meaning behind various aspects of life and feeling as humans to show appreciation, winning and a symbol of feeling good between humans....it was a very interesting experience. To think that this came from a place isolated in the pacific is amazing. Would highly suggest watching to have a better understanding of the meaning behind the hand gesture. The interviews with the elders of the community were very insightful and glad they could participate and give the real life telling of their childhoods and how they remember the first use of the Shaka gesture.