Nicki Minaj mistaken for plastic bags on Hawaii beach

US hip-hop star Nicki Minaj was mistaken for a pile of rubbish AND a baby whale while shooting her new video in Hawaii.

The 'Starships' rapper was filming her latest video on the tropical island when members of a local environmental group spotted what they thought was a pile of plastic bags on the shoreline.

“We go out on cleanups once a week,” said Eileen Jenson, head of Hawaii organisation HMAPW (Hawaiian Moms Against Plastic Waste). “Plastic waste in the ocean can unleash harmful chemicals into the water, and it can trap fish and other marine life. So we do our bit to keep the local beaches clean and safe.

“I noticed what looked like a huge hunk of plastic bags and trash covered in green seaweed on the shore, so I headed over to remove it with the other moms,” continued the island resident. “We tried to drag it away to throw it in the recycling bin where it belongs, but it started moving and making weird noises. We were worried that perhaps a baby whale was trapped underneath all the rubbish.”

Minaj apparently saw the funny side and admitted it wasn't the first time she had been mistaken for trash.

SO MANY JOKES. SO LITTLE TIME.

Nicki Minaj - live