PRESS COVERAGE
Gazettely Reviews “SHAKA, A Story of Aloha”
We’re excited to share a new review of SHAKA, A Story of Aloha from Gazettely. The review explores the film’s journey through the origins, history, and cultural significance of Hawaiʻi’s iconic Shaka gesture—from its plantation-era roots and stories of Hamana Kalili...
SHAKA, A Story of Aloha – Steve Sue on Uncovering Hawaii’s Iconic Symbol | Filmmaker Mixer
A fun, investigative deep-dive into Hawaiʻi’s most recognizable gesture 🤙 In this podcast episode of Filmmaker Mixer, filmmaker Steve Sue shares the five-year documentary journey behind SHAKA, A Story of Aloha—from archival research and cultural storytelling to the...
SHAKA, A Story of Aloha Featured on Crooked Marquee’s Weekly VOD Picks
SHAKA, A Story of Aloha was reviewed by Crooked Marquee in their weekly feature, “VODepths: What to See (and Avoid) On Demand This Week.” The film was highlighted as a recommended on-demand watch, celebrating its uplifting message, cultural depth, and engaging...
KHON2 Local News: SHAKA, A Story of Aloha of Aloha Hits Streaming Services
We’re honored to share that KHON2 Local News is spotlighting the award-winning documentary SHAKA, A Story of Aloha, as it officially launches on major streaming platforms. The film explores the cultural roots and global impact of the Shaka — Hawaiʻi’s iconic gesture...
KHON2 Living808: ‘SHAKA, A Story of Aloha’ Captures the True Aloha Spirit
The global symbol of kindness, connection, and aloha is taking center stage in the award-winning documentary SHAKA, A Story of Aloha, recently featured on KHON2 Living808. Produced and written by Hawaiʻi filmmaker Steve Sue, the film explores the deeper meaning behind...
The 100th Seeds of Aloha | Published on Hawaiʻi Public Radio’s Bytemarks Café
We’re honored to share a very special episode from Bytemarks Café — Episode 907: The 100th Seeds of Aloha, aired on January 9, 2026. This milestone episode reflects on the powerful idea of Seeds of Aloha—stories, conversations, and actions rooted in connection,...
Island News Kitv4: The Untold Story Behind Hawaii’s Most Iconic Gesture
Steve Sue joins Island Life Live to share the story behind SHAKA, A Story of Aloha, a slice-of-life “who dunnit” style film that explores the origins, meaning, and global impact of Hawaii’s iconic shaka gesture—now available for digital streaming beginning January 16....
HawaiiNewsNow: ‘Shaka’ documentary on Hawaii’s official hand gesture celebrates digital debut
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The history of Hawaii’s state hand gesture will soon be introduced to a new audience worldwide. “SHAKA, A Story of Aloha” has found new life thanks to a new digital acquisition. It was first released in May 2024 and won the Peopleʻs Choice...
“SHAKA, A Story of Aloha” Acquired by Freestyle Digital Media for January Release
"SHAKA, A Story of Aloha" Set for Digital Debut on VOD Platforms Jan. 16, 2026 Los Angeles, CA – December 30, 2025 – Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, proudly announces the acquisition of VOD rights to...
“Shaka, A Story of Aloha” Hawai’i Premiere at HIFF Oct, 2024
HONOLULU (Sept. 6, 2024) — The feature-length documentary Shaka, A Story of Aloha, which delves into the origins, meanings, and mysteries of the iconic Shaka gesture, is set to make its Hawai‘i debut in October 2024. The film has been selected as an official entry for...
SHAKA LAW: Hawaii First State to Get Official Hand Gesture
Hawaii has become the first US state to claim an official hand gesture known as the 'shaka.' On Monday, Governor Josh Green signed Senate Bill 3312 making the notable pinky and thumb gesture, also known as the 'hang loose' symbol, Hawaii's very own. The bill was...
PBS Hawaii Features Steve Sue
With a new documentary and an effort to change our state’s license plates, Steve Sue’s mission to spread aloha is bringing shaka back.Read the entire article on www.pbshawaii.org
Hawaii Declares ‘Shaka’ Its Official State Hand Gesture
Flash a closed hand with the thumb and pinkie sticking out, and every Hawaii resident knows what it means. Used by everyone from kids to elders, the “shaka” represents aloha spirit, love and local pride. And now, following the passage of a bill during the 2024 Hawaii...
Hawai’i Shaka License Plates Launch
Rick Quan, KITV News tells the story of the launch of Hawai’i Shaka License Plates, a nonprofit support program that is optional for Hawai’i residents. An annual fee is charged with proceeds going to support the nonprofit program Project Shaka, a share aloha through...
Shaka plates hit Hawaii roadways
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Shaka plates have officially hit Hawaii’s roadways. Thousands joined the waiting list for their own set of plates with a decal sticker of Hawaii’s most famous hand gesture. Non-profit ID8’s chairperson Steve Sue worked with all of the County...
Talk to the hand: Hawaii makes shaka state’s official gesture
The shaka is poised to become Hawaii’s official hand gesture. Last week, Hawaiian lawmakers passed a bill that would officially enshrine the gesture in the state’s culture. The shaka, also popular in surf culture and commonly known as “hang loose” is a friendly hand...
Hawaii is poised to make the ‘shaka’ its official state gesture
For decades, Hawaii residents have used the “shaka” hand gesture to convey several greetings — hello, goodbye, thank you and aloha. Now the shaka, which involves extending the thumb and pinkie finger while curling the others down, is on its way to becoming Hawaii’s...
SHAKA, A Story of Aloha – Steve Sue – VC Film Fest 2024
VC Film Fest 2024. IdeateTV host Rachel Kang interviews Steve Sue the writer and producer on the feature length documentary SHAKA, A Story of Aloha. An engaging documentary that delves into the history of the Shaka. Find out how Steve has made the Shaka into a bill in...
Shaka A Story of Aloha – Alex Bocchieri – VC Film Fest 2024
VC Film Fest 2024. IdeateTV host Rachel Kang interviews Alex Bocchieri the director on the feature length documentary SHAKA, A Story of Aloha. An engaging documentary that delves into the history of the Shaka.
Tracing the origins of the “shaka”
We kick off AAPI Month talking about the new movie “Shaka, The Story of Aloha,” that will make its world debut on Thursday at the VC Film Fest in Downtown LA. Steve Sue, who is the filmmaker, producer and writer of the film, joins us in the KCAL studio.
‘Hang loose’ Hawaii: US state adopts official hand gesture
To a hapless Brit, the clenched fist thumb-and-pinkie wave, may look more like a beckoning to “call me” than a universally recognised sign of goodwill. But in Hawaii, the “Shaka” gesture, often interpreted by mainland North Americans to mean “hang loose”, is so...
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