The 12 Days of Christmas – Hawaiian Style Lyrics & Meaning

When Mele Kalikimaka meets “The 12 Days of Christmas,” you get a festive island remix that’s as joyful as it is tropical. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas in paradise or just dreaming of palm trees and ukuleles, the Hawaiian version of this classic holiday carol adds a uniquely fun twist.

Known as “The Twelve Days of Hawaiian Christmas” or sometimes “Numbah One Day of Christmas,” this local parody swaps partridges and turtle doves for more island-themed gifts.

Let’s take a look at the full lyrics and what each item symbolizes:

🌴 12 Days of Hawaiian Christmas – Lyrics

Numbah One Day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
A mynah bird in one papaya tree

Second day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Two coconuts

Third day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Three dried squid

Fourth day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Four flower leis

Fifth day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Five big fat pigs

Sixth day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Six hula lessons

Seventh day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Seven shrimp a-swimming

Eighth day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Eight ukuleles

Ninth day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Nine pounds of poi

Tenth day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Ten cans of beer

Eleventh day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Eleven missionaries

Twelfth day of Christmas, my tutu gave to me
Twelve television

🐚 Hawaiian Humor & Meaning

• Tutu: Hawaiian for grandma or grandparent

• Mynah bird & papaya tree: Local fauna and tropical fruit

• Dried squid, poi, coconuts: Classic island snacks

• Leis & hula lessons: Cultural celebration and tradition

• Big fat pigs: A nod to the imu (underground oven) pig roast

• Television & beer: The humor of modern life mixing with island culture

This version is lighthearted and playful, celebrating Hawaiian life with a sense of humor. It’s perfect for island-themed Christmas parties, classroom sing-alongs, or anyone wanting to mix aloha into their holiday spirit.

Whether you're on the beach or buried in snow, “The Twelve Days of Hawaiian Christmas” brings sunshine and smiles wherever it’s sung.