HAWAII: THE SIGN
When in Paradise...
Here in the states or "the mainland" we're into "flipping the bird." It's derogatory, insulting, inflammatory, and outright antagonistic. We do it a lot in traffic to express our frustrations then hit the accelerator and race off. W/o the armor of an auto, an in-your face bird can get you an in-your-face fist.

Ah, not so in our paradise state, Hawaii (50). On the Islands it's "shaka." Thumb and little finger up, the middles tucked down, it's a happy gesture and Islanders use it all the time. In traffic it's signed to another driver to express thanks for a courtesy or just to say "hi." Surfers, beach jocks, and the outdoorsy crowd are credited for it's more general use. It's Hawaiian for cool, right-on, all-right and, most of all, "hang loose."

According, to "tour bus driver lore," the Shaka sign was adopted by Hawaiians following WWII. Then, it was used by U.S troops to ID Japanese fighting on our side. A Japanese soldier who did not return the sign was shot! Click on the links below to learn more.


Pictured is Diane with 2 laua dancers signing the "shaka." It's second nature...and friendly.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka_sign
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka