What’s Project Shaka?

Project Shaka is a movement that seeks to share and activate aloha through the Shaka gesture. It grew from, and is anchored by, a feature-length documentary produced by Hawai’i nonprofit ID8 (ide•ate) entitled, “Shaka, A Story of Aloha.”

The film explores the origin, meanings and uses of the Shaka. Viewers learn how the Shaka is an ideal tool to apply the Hawaiian concepts of being pono, sharing aloha and fostering aloha ’aina to make the world a better place. The story also reveals that Hawai’i was not initially paradise. It was rough. It was tough. Resources were limited. But through the philosophy of aloha, paradise was built from grit, determination and cooperation. To this day, the concept of paradise relies on these same principles.

Says producer/writer, Steve Sue, “The Shaka symbolizes the version of Hawai’i that’s known as paradise. As a gesture, it helps people emotionally connect with the spirit and feeling of aloha. Once you learn the story of the Shaka, you’ll be empowered to share aloha like never before.” He continues, “The Shaka is the secret to activating aloha, so we’re building a movement around it starting with the film. Anyone with aloha in their heart is invited to join Project Shaka to make the world a better place through the Shaka.”

As a tool to activate aloha, the Shaka fulfills famed Hawaiian philosopher Aunty Pilahi Paki’s premonition that, “The world will turn to Hawai’i as they search for world peace… because Hawai’i has the key… and that key is aloha.” Years later in 1986, just after Aunty Pilahi’s passing, the State of Hawai’i enacted The Aloha Spirit Law which put into State law, her definition of aloha. While the law memorializes the beautiful sentiment of requiring residents of Hawai’i to share aloha, it is impossible to enforce and does not offer any proactive tools to effect change. Project Shaka therefore teaches the concepts of aloha with a goal of providing tools for  anyone to create their own form of paradise anywhere in the world.

Shaka Programs

Aside from the film, a number of aloha activation programs are offered within Project Shaka including a free Shaka sticker program, Shaka maker kits for students, Shaka power workshops for adults, a Shaka monuments program, a Shaka Ambassador of Aloha program, a retailer Donation Jar program and co-branding opportunities. Also in development are Shaka Hawai’i DMV license plates and a Shaka emoji submission.

Film Backstory

“Shaka, A Story of Aloha” was first-funded by Kamehameha Schools and features an award-winning artistic team including Grammy-nominated Hawai‘i music legend Henry Kapono as Music Director, Hawaiian film director and University of Hawaii ACM graduate Alex Bocchieri, Bryan Spicer as co-Executive Producer (producer/director of Hawaii Five-O and Magnum PI) and Steve Sue as executive producer, producer and writer. Sneak-peeks begin in June, 2023 and continue through the end of the year. First film festivals are scheduled for Spring 2024 with commercial distribution thereafter.

Nonprofit Producer

ID8 (pronounced ide•ate) is a Hawaii-based 501C3 nonprofit organization that fosters ideation and expression to create positive impacts. It is the producer of both Project Shaka and “Shaka, A Story of Aloha.” Learn more at ID8.org »

Media Contact: Email Steve Sue »