A night of laughs & island love as Tumua Tuinei's "Chee Hoo" tour hits Guam

If you’re not in the mood for tricks this Halloween weekend, how about treating yourself to some laughs instead? One of Hawai‘i’s biggest comedy stars is back on Guam for one night only – and he’s promising a show filled with island humor, family vibes, and a whole lot of “Chee Hoo!” KUAM News caught up with Tumua Tuinei ahead of his big night.
From sold-out arenas in Hawai‘i to stages across the country – Tumua is back! In just eight years, the former college football player turned comedian has taken the world by storm – selling over 30,000 tickets statewide, headlining the Neal Blaisdell Arena and the Hawai‘i Theatre, and racking up millions of views on social media with his hilarious sketches on everyday island life, Pacific island cultures, and family.
“The main thing is to let everybody know that in the islands, we’re funny too. We’re not just funny looking. Right, sir?” he said.
He first visited the island in 2023 and now, he’s back, bringing his unique blend of humor and heart. “Some Guam material. I mean, you guys are very unique and I love the people here. I’m definitely going to have some Guam jokes that only Guam people can understand at my show for sure," he said.
And while comedy is his calling, Tumua says he’s also been exploring the acting world – with a role in Disney’s upcoming reimagining of “Lilo and Stitch”. He explained, “I always wanted to be an actor and I minored in theater at the University of Hawai’i. But I’m just grateful to be a part of it, part of Disney. I mean, my family loves Disney. I’m just thankful that they chose me to be in the scene.”
But for aspiring comedians, his advice is simple – get on stage, get online, and just keep going. “The more you do it, the easier it gets and I really enjoy it because every show is completely different. You never know what’s going to happen in the crowd," he said.
Tumua added, “[It doesn’t matter if] you’re not experienced, just get on stage and build your stage presence. And now, social media is king, right? So, get on social media as much as you can.”
At the end of the day, Tumua says his goal is simple – to make people laugh and leave their worries at the door, saying, “People need laughter and someone to say something that they wanted to say for so long, but a comedian can put it in a funny way with a funny twist.”
“I want my show to be a place where people come to take a break from reality, where they can sit back, relax, laugh, have a good time and forget all the craziness that’s happening in the world.”
The Chee Hoo Tour hits the UOG Calvo Field House tomorrow, November 1. Doors open at 5:30, the show starts at 7. While VIP tickets are sold out, general admission is still available, and selling fast at guamtime.net.
And remember, all proceeds from the night will go to the University of Guam Endowment Foundation, supporting student scholarships, academic programs, and the island’s next generation of leaders.
