Do you know how to wish someone a merry Christmas in the Hawaii? You say, “Mele Kalikimaka.” According to Hawaii Magazine, the phase is not actually a proper Hawaiian phrase.

The Hawaiians had difficulty pronouncing Merry Christmas, and so came up with a phonetic translation that rolled more easily off their tongues: MEL-lay KAH-lee-KEY-mah-kah.

The easiest way to learn how to say Mele Kalikimaka is to listen to Bing Crosby sing this classic song from his White Christmas album. Click this link to see a video of Hawaii scenes set to the famous song, Mele Kalikimaka. Soon you’ll be singing right along and Mele Kalikimaka will roll right off your tongue.

If you happen to find yourself on Oahu this Christmas, check out the Waikiki Christmas 2009 events.