hana hou

The phrase "hana hou" literally translates from Hawaiian as "to do again" or "repeat." In modern Hawaii, it is universally used as the local equivalent of shouting "encore" at the end of a concert, hula performance, or any live entertainment. While it is most commonly heard in musical settings, locals also use it playfully in everyday situations when they want someone to repeat a funny action, tell a story again, or serve up another round of drinks. It is an essential, universally understood phrase across all demographics in the islands, though visitors should be mindful to use it with genuine appreciation rather than as a demanded expectation.

The banquet crew stood by the service doors at the Ko Olina resort ballroom, arms crossed, watching the mainland tech executives pick at their macadamia nut crusted mahi. For two hours, the local trio on stage had been pouring their hearts out, playing everything from Kalapana to Kolohe Kai. The crowd gave them absolutely nothing. Just polite, golf-tournament claps and the glow of two hundred smartphones lighting up the dark room.

Then the set ended. The lead singer thanked the crowd and started unplugging his acoustic guitar. Suddenly, the regional VP in an untucked Tommy Bahama shirt jumped up, spilling his Mai Tai, and started aggressively clapping. "Come on guys, give 'em a hana hou! Hana hou! Hana hou!" he yelled, mispronouncing it like 'Hannah-hoe.'

Keoni leaned over to the rest of the busing staff, shaking his head as he loaded a tray of dirty water glasses. "Braddah, you cannot ignore the band all night and then demand one hana hou just 'cause you read the itinerary and wanna act local. Let the boys pack up and go home to Waianae already."