A shaka is used to convey the "Aloha Spirit" of friendship, understanding, or thanks (mahalo). To give someone a shaka, you extend your thumb and little finger while keeping the three middle fingers curled. The back of your hand faces the person being greeted.

The Shaka can be also used when driving as a signal of thanks to other drivers when someone has allowed you to enter the road or when merging into traffic.

This Rockin' Shaka is rocking back and forth to further prove its heartfelt sentiment. "Right on!" "Way to go!" "You rock!"



Think about it ... when is the last time you received a fun piece of snail mail? Join me in promoting fun snail mail by sending two or three shakas to friends. It is one of the least expensive gifts you will give this year.


After the Spirit of the Dance eZine was received, several of you wrote to tell me of your personal Hula experience. Mahalo piha (fullest Thank you) for that!

Fellow artist, Tammy Vitale of Maryland shared her experience of learning to dance Hula in the 1950s with her Mom. Hawai'i became a state in 1959 and it was during the 50s that all things Hawaiian became interesting to those of us on the mainland.

Terrie Anderson of Wisconsin was lucky enough to live on Maui in the early 1960s where she learned Hula. She was recently called upon to teach Hula at a family reunion. A video from the library and her old 45 records refreshed her memory, bringing smiles to everyone.

Toni Kahili Peralto of Hale'iwa wrote to tell me she feels my hula comes through in my paintings. Toni wrote: " For many Hawaiians, Hula is a kuleana (a privileged responsibility) that has been passed down through generations."

Whether you live in Hawai'i or only wish you did, Hula lives on in the lives of many, many people throughout the world. The "hula" is something Hawaiian people can truly be proud to claim as their own.