"The shaka gesture beautifully encapsulates Hawaii's essence," said Lu, a globally sought-after speaker and designer who contributed her talents to the now official emoji for Dumplings, Boba Tea ...

The history of the Hawaii hand gesture The roots of the "shaka" symbol can be traced back to the early 1900s, intertwined with the indomitable spirit of one man: Hamana Kalili.

Texters have co-opted the “call me” emoji to symbolize the shaka, and local station KHON-TV has ended each evening newscast since the 1970s with clips of people flashing shakas.

Texters have co-opted the “call me” emoji to symbolize the shaka, and local station KHON-TV has ended each evening newscast since the 1970s with clips of people flashing shakas.

Dwayne Johnson, a cast member in "Jungle Cruise," flashes the Hawaiian "shaka" hand sign as he poses with fellow cast members Edgar Ramirez, left, and Emily Blunt at the world premiere of the film ...

FILE - LA Surf Bus founder Mary Setterholm uses the Hawaiian "shaka" hand sign while cheering on teens from East Los Angeles during a trip to Huntington Beach, Calif., July 12, 2007.

FILE - LA Surf Bus founder Mary Setterholm uses the Hawaiian "shaka" hand sign while cheering on teens from East Los Angeles during a trip to Huntington Beach, Calif., July 12, 2007.