Hawaiian names are some of the most meaningful and beautiful names out there.
They are steeped in culture and have special meanings, often based on the natural elements of Hawaii’s environment or a particular event that happened in Hawaiian history.
Because of this, Hawaiian names can be unique, full of character and powerful for all who are born with one.
Many parents decide to give their children traditional Hawaiian names to honor the heritage and culture of Hawaii.
But many times these same names can also be used by anyone looking for something exciting, unique, and special.
In this article, we look at lots of Hawaiian names across various categories.
Let’s take a look.
Hawaiian Names for Girls
Some common Hawaiian girl names include:
- 1) Keli’i (meaning “divine chief”)
- 2) Luana (meaning “happy”)
- 3) Nalani (meaning “heavenly lei”)
- 4) Kalona (meaning “sky”)
- 5) Keala (meaning “the path”)
- 6) Hoku (meaning “star”)
- 7) Pualani (meaning “beautiful flower of the sky”).
- 8) Maile (meaning fragrant wreath or garland).
- 9) Uilani (meaning heavenly beauty).
- 10) Nohea (meaning beautiful one).
Hawaiian Names for Boys
Common Hawaiian names for boys include:
- 1) Kekoa (“warrior”)
- 2) Kahana (“the flame”)
- 3) Kana (“strong”)
- 4) Keoni (“God is gracious”)
- 5) Kamalu (“protector of the people”)
- 6) Kalama (“bright one”)
- 7) Kepa (“bold and brave”)
- 8) Pilialoha (“loving hearts united together”)
- 9) Nalu (“wave”)
- 10) Mano (“shark”)
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Hawaiian Names (Unisex)
- 1) Malia (meaning “calm” or “gentle”)
- 2) Akela (“noble”)
- 3) Makana (“gift”)
- 4) Kaua (“rainbow”)
- 5) Makaio (“gift of God”)
- 6) Kaleo (“the voice”)
- 7) Keola (“one who is life”)
- 8 ) Nani (“beauty and graciousness”)
- 9) Kuʻuipo (“beloved”)
- 10) Kamali’i (meaning “children”)
Female Hawaiian Names with Meaning
- 1) Ailani (“high chief”)
- 2) Kaimana (“divine power of the sea”)
- 3) Kailani (“sea and sky”)
- 4) Hina (“glow of the moon”)
- 5) Palila (“yellow bird”)
- 6) Lokelani (“small red rose”)
- 7) Nalani (“heavenly lei”)
- 8) Pua (“flower” or “bud”)
- 9) Keiki (meaning “child” or “children” in Hawaiian language)
- 10) Uka (meaning “rain”)
Male Hawaiian Names with Meaning
- 1) Kainoa (“free one”)
- 2) Keanu (“cool breeze over the mountain”)
- 3) Kai (meaning “sea” or “ocean” in Hawaiian language)
- 4) Kana (“strong”)
- 5) Kamalu (“protector of the people”)
- 6) Keola (“one who is life”)
- 7) Ikaika (“strong and powerful”)
- 8) Kealoha (meaning “beloved one”)
- 9) Makaha (“bold and fearless one”)
- 10) Kane (“man” or “leader”)
VERY UNIQUE HAWAIIAN NAME || Baby Name Reveal and Meaning
Hawaiian Names for Pets
- 1) Kona (meaning “lady” in Hawaiian language)
- 2) Anuenue (“rainbow”)
- 3) Kilohana (“shining one”)
- 4) Uluwehi (“beautiful flower”)
- 5) Haku (“white or bright one”)
- 6) Moana (“ocean”)
- 7) Pa’a (“steadfast and loyal”)
- 8) Kanehoalani (“heavenly mist of Kane”, the ancient Hawaiian god of creation)
- 9) Ailina (meaning “blessed one”)
- 10) Kalola (meaning “beloved auntie”)
Hawaiian Names for Dogs
- 1) Kona (meaning “lady” in Hawaiian language)
- 2) Keiki (“child”)
- 3) Haku (“white or bright one”)
- 4) Pono (“righteousness”)
- 5) Uluwehi (“beautiful flower”)
- 6) Laka (“gracious and kind”)
- 7) Kaimana (“divine power of the sea”)
- 8) Nalu (“wave”)
- 9) Kamalu (“protector of the people”)
- 10) Moana (“ocean”)
Hawaiian Names for Cats
- 1) Niuhi (meaning “shark” in Hawaiian language)
- 2) Ailina (meaning “blessed one”)
- 3) Hoku (“star”)
- 4) Maile (meaning fragrant wreath or garland)
- 5) Uilani (meaning heavenly beauty)
- 6) Haku (“white or bright one”)
- 7) Kalola (meaning “beloved auntie”)
- 8 ) Nanea (“pleasant and comfortable”)
- 9) Kealoha (meaning “beloved one”)
- 10) Keanu (“cool breeze over the mountain”)
Hawaiian Names for Fish
- 1) Lui (“lazy one”)
- 2) Pomaikai (“blessing of good luck”)
- 3) Ula (“red”)
- 4) Ailana (meaning “land of aloha”)
- 5) Maika’i (“excellent & outstanding”)
- 6) Lokelani (“small red rose”)
- 7) Kamaka (“the eye”)
- 8) Kai (meaning “sea” or “ocean” in Hawaiian language)
- 9) Akamu (meaning “beyond the horizon”)
- 10) Heke (meaning “tadpole” or “little fish”)
Hawaiian Names for Birds
- 1) Koa (“brave and fearless one”)
- 2) Neneh (“endangered species of bird native to Hawaii”)
- 3) Haunani (“beautiful glory”)
- 4) Keola (“life”)
- 5) Kala (“brilliant and beautiful one”)
- 6) Kaiko (“the singing bird”)
- 7) Mana (“spiritual power of life force”)
- 8) Akela (“noble”)
- 9) Haleakala (“house of the sun”)
- 10) Palila (“yellow bird”)
Popular Hawaiian Names
- 1) Nohea (meaning “handsome” in Hawaiian language)
- 2) Kailani (“sea and sky”)
- 3) Kai (meaning “sea” or “ocean” in Hawaiian language)
- 4) Keanu (“cool breeze over the mountain”)
- 5) Kaimana (“divine power of the sea”)
- 6) Nalani (“heavenly lei”)
- 7) Mana (“spiritual power of life force”)
- 8) Kalama (“bright one”)
- 9) Makana (“gift”)
- 10) Kaua (“rainbow”)
Masculine Hawaiian Names
- 1) Kanoa (“free one”)
- 2) Kamalu (“protector of the people”)
- 3) Laakea (meaning “divine light” in Hawaiian language)
- 4) Makana (“gift”)
- 5) Mana (“spiritual power of life force”)
- 6) Keola (“one who is life”)
- 7) Ailio (“vast sky and heaven”)
- 8) Ikaika (“strong and powerful”)
- 9) Nainoa (meaning “sailor” or “navigator” in Hawaiian language)
- 10) Kona (meaning “king” in Hawaiian language)
Feminine Hawaiian Names
- 1) Lokelani (“small red rose”)
- 2) Keiki (meaning “child” or “children” in Hawaiian language)
- 3) Leilani (“heavenly flower”)
- 4) Ula (“red”)
- 5) Makana (“gift”)
- 6) Kailani (“sea and sky”)
- 7) Nalani (“heavenly lei”)
- 8) Pua (“flower” or “bud”)
- 9) Kaua (“rainbow”)
- 10) Ailina (meaning “blessed one”)
Hawaiian Names Generator
These Hawaiian names were automatically generated.
Let’s see if they’re any good.
- 1) Kainoa
- 2) Kaihe
- 3) Makaio
- 4) Ainae
- 5) Akamu
- 6) Kealohi
- 7) Uakuakalani
- 8) Halepa’a
- 9) Leika
- 10) Kalanikauleleiaiwi
Hawaiian Flower Names
- 1) Lehua (meaning “blossom” or “flower”)
- 2) Ka`uiki (“fiery red bud”)
- 3) Palapalai (“long-stemmed fern frond”)
- 4) Lokelani (“rose of heaven”)
- 5) Maile (meaning fragrant wreath or garland)
- 6) Pikake (meaning “jasmine” in Hawaiian language)
- 7) Akala (“pink rose apple blossom”)
- 8) Pohinahina (meaning “gray sandalwood” in Hawaiian language)
- 9) Ohia Lehua (“endangered species of flowering tree native to Hawaii”)
Hawaiian Last Names
What are some popular Hawaiian surnames?
We have plenty to consider:
- 1) Kalakaua (meaning “the spear path” in Hawaiian language)
- 2) Kamaka (meaning “the eye”)
- 3) Pohaku (“rock”)
- 4) Kanakaole (meaning “of the god”)
- 5) Naki (“happy and joyous one”)
- 6) Kaleialoha (“beloved family”)
- 7) Maikai (“excellent and outstanding”)
- 8) Makanani (“beautiful sky” or “heavenly beauty”)
- 9) Keoki (“victorious one”)
- 10) Kalama (“bright one”)
4-Letter Hawaiian Names
Below are some Hawaiian names that are only four letters:
- 1) Kano
- 2) Kele
- 3) Kala
- 4) Kaia
- 5) Nohe
- 6) Kaia
- 7) Loke
- 8) Mana
- 9) Akua (meaning “gods and goddesses” in Hawaiian language)
- 10) Nani (meaning “beauty” or “splendor”)
Exotic Hawaiian Names
Some exotic or unusual Hawaiian names:
- 1) Kanoelani (“heavenly mist”)
- 2) La’akea (meaning “divine light” in Hawaiian language)
- 3) Kaikamahine (“the daughter of the sea”)
- 4) Kaaono (“the bright one”)
- 5) Mikaio (meaning “G-d’s gift” or “gift of G-d”)
- 6) Kauila (“rainbow warrior”)
- 7) Keauhou (meaning “new beginning” in Hawaiian language)
- 8) Nalu (“wave”)
- 9) Moana (“ocean” or “sea”)
- 10) Manuia (“blessed life”)
Hawaiian Ocean Names
- 1) Nalu (“wave”)
- 2) Kai (“sea” or “ocean”)
- 3) Maikai (“excellent and outstanding”)
- 4) Kailani (“sea and sky”)
- 5) Kaimana (“divine power of the sea”)
- 6) Uila (meaning “lightning” in Hawaiian language)
- 7) Ikaika (“strong and powerful” like the ocean’s power)
- 8) Kaholo (inspired by a type of Native Hawaiian wave-riding canoe called an ‘olo’)
- 9) Ua (meaning “rain” in Hawaiian language, often associated with the ocean’s rain-like waves)
- 10) Naia (“dolphin”)
Hawaiian Names with Kai
- 1) Kainoa (“free one”)
- 2) Kaikamahine (“daughter of the sea”)
- 3) Keoka (“victorious one”)
- 4) Kaihe (“protector of the people”)
- 5) Kailei (“crowned with glory”)
- 6) Ailana (meaning “oak tree” or “ocean’s calmness”)
- 7) Kaikala (“the beautiful and serene one”)
- 8) Kalani (“sky” or “royalty”)
- 9) Manaia (meaning “guardian angel” in Hawaiian language, often associated with the ocean’s power)
- 10) Kaiulani (“prized royal one”)
Hawaiian Names with Noa
- 1) Nohea (“beloved”)
- 2) Kainoa (“free one”)
- 3) Nalani (“heavenly lei”)
- 4) Kaikamahine (“daughter of the sea”)
- 5) Kanoa (“navigator” in Hawaiian language)
- 6) Keoki (“victorious one”)
- 7) Kaluna (“moon” or “queen’s reflection”)
- 8) Ponoana (meaning “righteousness and justice” in Hawaiian language)
- 9) Nohea (“beautiful one”)
- 10) Ailina (meaning “blessed one”)
- 10) Kaiapuni (“wise and learned one”)
- 11) Nohea Pa’a (meaning “calm stillness” in Hawaiian language, often associated with the ocean’s serenity and peace)
- 12) Naniokalani (“the most beautiful star of heaven” or “divine beauty of the heavens” )
- 13) Nohona (“gentle soul”)
- 14) Kainahau (meaning “cool breeze” in Hawaiian language, often associated with the ocean’s refreshing breeze)
- 15) Noa’i (“graceful dancer”)
- 16) Kanoelani (“heavenly mist”)
- 17) Kaiao (“Healer” or “one gifted with healing power” in Hawaiian language.)
- 18) Nohonaala (meaning “loving spirit” in Hawaiian language, often associated with the ocean’s mystery and beauty)
- 19) Nohea Loke (“beloved flower”)
- 20) Na’auao (“enlightened one”)
Hawaiian Names That Start With… (A-Z)
Let’s go alphabetically with Hawaiian names from A to Z.
Not all letters have viable names.
- A – Ailana (meaning “oak tree” or “ocean’s calmness”)
- K – Kaikamahine (“the daughter of the sea”)
- K – Kalama (“bright one”)
- K – Kaimana (“divine power of the sea”)
- K – Keauhou (meaning “new beginning” in Hawaiian language)
- K – Kaikala (“the beautiful and serene one”)
- M – Mikaio (meaning “G-d’s gift” or “gift of G-d”)
- N – Nohe (“beloved”)
- I – Ikaika (“strong and powerful” like the ocean’s power)
- N – Nani (meaning “beauty” or “splendor”)
- P – Ponoana (meaning “righteousness and justice” in Hawaiian language)
- U – Ua (meaning “rain” in Hawaiian language, often associated with the ocean’s rain-like waves)
- U – Uila (meaning “lightning” in Hawaiian language)
- W – Waialeale (“overflowing water”)
FAQs – Hawaiian Names
Are most Hawaiian kids given a traditional Hawaiian name?
Most Hawaiians kids are given names similar to those on the US mainland, like Liam, Noah, or Emma.
However, traditional Hawaiian names are also common among Hawaiians.
In fact, many families combine both western and Hawaiian names for their children as a way to celebrate their heritage.
What is the most popular Hawaiian girl name?
The most popular Hawaiian girl name is Kailani, meaning “sea and sky”. Other popular girl names include Ailana (meaning “oak tree” or “ocean’s calmness”), Kaikamahine (“daughter of the sea”), Kaluna (“moon” or “queen’s reflection”), Nohea (“beloved”), and Nalani (“heavenly lei”).
What are the names of the Hawaiian islands?
The Hawaiian Islands are a chain of volcanic islands located in the central Pacific Ocean.
There are eight main islands in the Hawaiian Islands:
- Hawai’i (also known as the Big Island)
- Maui
- O’ahu (also known as the “Gathering Place”)
- Kaua’i (also known as the “Garden Island”)
- Moloka’i (also known as the “Friendly Isle”)
- Lana’i (also known as the “Pineapple Isle”)
- Ni’ihau (also known as the “Forbidden Isle”)
- Kaho’olawe (also known as the “Target Isle”)
There are also several smaller islands and atolls that are part of the Hawaiian Islands, including the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, which are made up of small coral reefs and atolls that are not inhabited by humans.
What are some Hawaiian Names in English?
Some Hawaiian names that can be translated into English include:
- Ailana (meaning “oak tree” or “ocean’s calmness”)
- Kaikamahine (“daughter of the sea”)
- Kaluna (“moon” or “queen’s reflection”)
- Nohea (“beloved”), and
- Nalani (“heavenly lei”)
Other popular Hawaiian names with English translations include:
- Kaimana (“divine power of the sea”)
- Kanoelani (“heavenly mist”)
- Keauhou (meaning “new beginning” in Hawaiian language)
- Nohonaala (meaning “loving spirit” in Hawaiian language), and
- Waialeale (“overflowing water”)
What is a traditional Hawaiian name?
Traditional Hawaiian names often have cultural and spiritual significance, and are often chosen based on the characteristics and traits that parents hope their child will embody.
Here are a few examples of traditional Hawaiian names:
- Keola (meaning “the life”)
- Kainoa (meaning “the sea”)
- Lokelani (meaning “small red rose”)
- Kailani (meaning “sea and sky”)
- Leilani (meaning “heavenly flower”)
- Hana (meaning “work”)
- Kamea (meaning “the one and only”)
- Kale (meaning “the man”)
- Nalani (meaning “calmness of the heavens”)
- Malia (meaning “calm”)
It’s worth noting that traditional Hawaiian names often have multiple meanings and can be translated in different ways.
These names are just a few examples, and there are many other traditional Hawaiian names to choose from.
What Name Means Brave In Hawaiian?
The Hawaiian name ‘Aika’ means “strong and powerful”, similar to the ocean’s power.
Other options for names with a brave or courageous meaning in Hawaiian include:
- Nani (meaning “beauty” or “splendor”)
- Ponoana (meaning “righteousness and justice” in Hawaiian language)
- Ua (meaning “rain” in Hawaiian language, often associated with the ocean’s rain-like waves)
- Uila (meaning “lightning” in Hawaiian language), and
- Waialeale (“overflowing water”)
All of these names could be used to symbolize courage and bravery.
What Name Means Beautiful In Hawaiian?
The most popular feminine name that has a meaning of “beauty” in the Hawaiian language is Nani.
This name is often associated with Hawaii’s natural, lush landscapes and can be used to describe a beautiful person or thing.
Other options for names that mean “beautiful” in Hawaiian include:
- Lei (meaning “flower garland”)
- Malia (meaning “calm”)
- Kamala (meaning “lotus flower” in Sanskrit)
- Hinano (means “dawn” or “new beginning”)
- Nohea (“beloved”), and
- Keiki (“child”)
These names are all perfect choices for parents who want to give their child an appropriate name with a beautiful meaning.
What Name Means Gift From God In Hawaiian?
The Hawaiian name Nohea means “gift from God”.
This name is often associated with the idea of a divine blessing, as it describes something that was bestowed upon someone by an almighty power.
Other options for names that mean “gift from God” in Hawaiian include:
- Kaikamahine (meaning “daughter of the sea”)
- Keiki (“child”)
- Kaimana (“divine power of the sea”)
- Nalani (“heavenly lei”), and
- Hinano (means “dawn” or “new beginning”)
These names are all fitting choices for parents who want to give their child a meaningful, divine name.
What is an example of a native Hawaiian Name?
An example of a traditional Hawaiian name would be Kaikamahine, which means “daughter of the sea”.
This name is often used to describe someone who has a strong connection with the ocean and its beauty, or someone who embodies the spirit of Hawaii’s natural wonders.
Other examples include:
- Ailana (meaning “oak tree” or “ocean’s calmness”)
- Nohea (“beloved”)
- Nalani (“heavenly lei”)
- Kaimana (“divine power of the sea”)
- Keauhou (meaning “new beginning” in Hawaiian language), and
- Waialeale (“overflowing water”)
All of these names are perfect for giving your child a meaningful, traditional Hawaiian name.
What is the meaning of Kalani?
The Hawaiian name Kalani means “the sky” or “heavenly one”.
It is often used to describe someone who is wise, noble, and embodies the spirit of the skies.
Other meanings of Kalani include “royal chief”, “of heavenly beauty” and “dignified leader”. This name is perfect for parents who want their child to have a strong sense of pride, nobility and strength.
What is the meaning of Hana?
Hana in Hawaiian means “work”. It also has a spiritual connotation associated with it, as it can be interpreted as describing someone who works hard and puts effort into achieving their goals.
Conclusion – Hawaiian Names
With so many beautiful and meaningful Hawaiian names to choose from, it’s easy to find the perfect name for your child.
Whether you are looking for a name that represents courage, beauty, divine gifts or spirituality, there is sure to be a traditional Hawaiian name that perfectly fits your needs.
No matter what type of Hawaiian name you choose for your child, they will surely appreciate its connection with their culture and heritage.
This is one way you can express your love and commitment to them – by giving them a special and unique name that symbolizes all the best qualities of being Hawaiian.
The cultural significance of these traditional names make them even more special – each one has its own story to tell about Hawaii’s past, present and future.
So, when it comes to finding a meaningful Hawaiian name for your child, look no further than the rich language of Hawaii.