Shaka: A Story of Aloha

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!

The beauty and fascinating story telling of the movie make this a definitive exploration of something we all recognize, but don't really know - the Shaka. The passion and humility allows the people who embody the spirit of the Shaka to be the focus of an amazing history. My personal favorite is the retelling of the Hawaiian military members adaptation.

Yet, what makes this a uniquely powerful effort is the depth and care in portraying the impact of the Shaka. It feels like five films in one at each section showcases a key part of the Shaka philosophy and how it forms our daily life and brings us closer together. These are interwoven and you leave feeling a sense of hope- and it's fun.

I find myself watching all or part of it regularly, as you are not going to get all of the story or how it impacts you in one viewing.

Great job- 10 Shakas!

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.

We thoroughly enjoyed this movie! This is an Award Winning audience favorite! Entertainingly heartfelt, historical, educational, symbolic, and touching. This movie captures the history, spirit, meaning and nostalgia of the iconic gesture SHAKA, taking you on a journey of its origins to what it stands for today. Steve Sue does a deep dive interviewing people of past and present while capturing visual and oral histories of the SHAKA and it's global effect. This is a movie that is great for all ages and can serve as a calling card for Hawaii, its people, and the Aloha Spirit. Watch this movie!!! 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼