Choosing a name for your baby is a significant and cherished moment. For many parents, a name that carries beauty, cultural significance, and a unique story can feel like the perfect gift. Hawaiian names are especially enchanting, offering a deep connection to nature, spirituality, and the vibrant culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Known for their melodic sounds and meaningful origins, Hawaiian names often reflect the islands' natural beauty, family traditions, and values of harmony and love. Whether you have a connection to Hawaii or are simply drawn to these beautiful names, this list of Hawaiian names is perfect for anyone looking for a unique and meaningful name for their baby.
Girl names
Hawaiian girl names are often tied to nature, spirituality, and familial love. These names are known for their graceful sound and deep meanings.
- Ailani – Meaning "high chief," symbolizing leadership and respect.
- Akamai – Meaning "clever," reflecting wisdom and intelligence.
- Alamea – Meaning "precious," reflecting the beauty and value of a loved one.
- Alohi – Meaning "brilliance" or "shining," symbolizing brightness and light.
- Anela – Meaning "angel," representing purity, kindness, and protection.
- Halia – Meaning "remembrance of a loved one," symbolizing cherished memories.
- Haukea – Meaning "snow-white," a name inspired by purity and elegance.
- Hina – Meaning "goddess of the moon," representing feminine power and beauty.
- Hokulani – Meaning "heavenly star," symbolizing brilliance and guidance.
- Iolana – Meaning "to soar like a hawk," representing freedom and strength.
- Kahula – Meaning "dancing," representing joy, rhythm, and grace.
- Kaia – Meaning "the sea," reflecting the calming and powerful nature of the ocean.
- Kailani – Meaning "sea and sky," symbolizing the beauty of the natural world.
- Kailoa – Meaning "long sea," symbolizing endurance and the expansive beauty of the ocean.
- Kailua – Meaning "two seas," symbolizing balance, harmony, and connection.
- Kalea – Meaning "bright" or "clear," associated with clarity and light.
- Kalena – Meaning "bright," representing light and clarity.
- Kamea – Meaning "the one and only," representing uniqueness and cherished individuality.
- Kanoe – Meaning "mist," evoking mystery and beauty.
- Kapua – Meaning "flower," representing beauty, growth, and nature.
- Kealani – Meaning "clear sky," symbolizing tranquility and peace.
- Keanuhea – Meaning "cool breeze over the mountains," evoking a serene and calm feeling.
- Lani – Meaning "heaven" or "sky," reflecting a connection to the divine and the natural world.
- Lehua – Meaning "flower of the ‘ōhi’a tree," symbolizing resilience and beauty.
- Leilani – Meaning "heavenly flower," symbolizing beauty, grace, and elegance.
- Loke – Meaning "rose," a name symbolizing beauty and love.
- Lokelani – Meaning "heavenly rose," symbolizing a blend of strength and delicacy.
- Luana – Meaning "enjoyment," symbolizing joy and contentment.
- Mahina – Meaning "moon," representing beauty and mystery.
- Makana – Meaning "gift," representing something precious and valuable.
- Malie – Meaning "calm" or "serene," evoking a peaceful and gentle spirit.
- Malu – Meaning "protected" or "sheltered," symbolizing safety and care.
- Maluhia – Meaning "peace" or "serenity," evoking calmness and tranquility.
- Mele – Meaning "song" or "poetry," reflecting creativity and the power of expression.
- Mililani – Meaning "heavenly caress," symbolizing gentleness and affection.
- Moana – Meaning "ocean," symbolizing vastness, depth, and strength.
- Nalani – Meaning "the heavens," representing beauty and grace.
- Nani – Meaning "beauty" or "glory," reflecting grace and elegance.
- Noelani – Meaning "heavenly mist," evoking mystery, beauty, and calmness.
- Oliana – Meaning "joy," symbolizing happiness and delight.
- Olina – Meaning "joyous," symbolizing happiness and cheerfulness.
- Pele – Meaning "goddess of fire," symbolizing power, energy, and passion.
- Pilialoha – Meaning "beloved," representing strong bonds and affection.
- Pua – Meaning "flower," symbolizing beauty and growth.
- Pualani – Meaning "heavenly flower," representing grace, beauty, and growth.
- Ululani – Meaning "heavenly inspiration," reflecting creativity and wisdom.
- Uluwehi – Meaning "lush greenery," symbolizing growth, life, and abundance.
- Waialani – Meaning "water from heaven," symbolizing purity and divine grace.
- Wailani – Meaning "heavenly waters," evoking peace, serenity, and fluidity.
- Waiola – Meaning "water of life," representing purity and essential vitality.
Boy names
Hawaiian boy names often carry a sense of strength, protection, and connection to nature. Many of these names have powerful meanings that reflect the natural elements or leadership roles.
- Ailani – Meaning "high chief," representing leadership and strength.
- Akamai – Meaning "clever," reflecting wisdom and sharp intellect.
- Akoni – Meaning "worthy of admiration," symbolizing strength and respect.
- Aukai – Meaning "explorer of the sea," representing adventure and curiosity.
- Ekewaka – Meaning "protector," symbolizing guardianship and strength.
- Hale – Meaning "home" or "house," representing safety and comfort.
- Hanale – Meaning "lord of the valley," evoking leadership and authority.
- Hilo – Meaning "to twist," symbolizing flexibility and adaptability.
- Ikaika – Meaning "strong," symbolizing strength and resilience.
- Iokua – Meaning "God delivers," reflecting faith and divine strength.
- Kai – Meaning "sea," reflecting vastness and power.
- Kaipo – Meaning "sweetheart," representing love and affection.
- Kalani – Meaning "the heavens," representing beauty and grace.
- Kaleo – Meaning "voice," symbolizing communication and expression.
- Kapono – Meaning "the righteous one," symbolizing integrity and virtue.
- Keahi – Meaning "fire," symbolizing energy and passion.
- Keanu – Meaning "cool breeze over the mountains," evoking serenity and calm.
- Kekoa – Meaning "the brave one," representing courage and strength.
- Keoki – Meaning "the farmer," symbolizing hard work and connection to the land.
- Keola – Meaning "life," reflecting vitality and energy.
- Kimo – Meaning "supplanter," a Hawaiian form of James.
- Koa – Meaning "warrior," representing bravery and courage.
- Kona – Meaning "leeward," representing calmness and stability.
- Lani – Meaning "heavenly," representing grace and spirituality.
- Liko – Meaning "bud" or "sprout," symbolizing growth and new beginnings.
- Lono – Meaning "god of agriculture," symbolizing growth and fertility.
- Makani – Meaning "the wind," representing freedom and change.
- Makoa – Meaning "bold" or "fearless," reflecting courage and determination.
- Maleko – Meaning "of Mars," symbolizing strength and determination.
- Mano – Meaning "shark," symbolizing fierceness and power.
- Nahoa – Meaning "bold" or "defiant," representing confidence and independence.
- Nainoa – Meaning "protector of children," symbolizing guardianship.
- Nalu – Meaning "wave" or "surf," symbolizing motion and fluidity.
- Noe – Meaning "mist," symbolizing softness and mystery.
- Nohea – Meaning "handsome" or "lovely," reflecting beauty and charm.
- Okalani – Meaning "from the heavens," representing divine beauty.
- Pika – Meaning "rock," symbolizing stability and strength.
- Pono – Meaning "righteous," reflecting virtue and morality.
- Ulani – Meaning "cheerful," reflecting joy and positivity.
- Wehilani – Meaning "heavenly adornment," symbolizing beauty and grace.
- Kailoa – Meaning "long sea," symbolizing vastness and endurance.
- Kainoa – Meaning "name authority," representing pride and identity.
- Malu – Meaning "protected," symbolizing safety and care.
- Nalani – Meaning "calm skies," symbolizing tranquility and peace.
- Haikili – Meaning "god of thunder," symbolizing strength and power.
- Hekili – Meaning "thunder," representing power and awe.
- Iolana – Meaning "to soar," symbolizing freedom and ambition.
- Kanani – Meaning "the beautiful one," reflecting beauty and grace.
- Maika'i – Meaning "goodness," symbolizing kindness and virtue.
- Palani – Meaning "free man," representing independence and strength.
Gender-neutral names
Hawaiian gender-neutral names are often inspired by nature and have meanings that reflect qualities like balance, beauty, and serenity.
- Akamai – Meaning "intelligent," symbolizing wisdom and insight.
- Iolana – Meaning "to soar," representing freedom and ambition.
- Kai – Meaning "sea," symbolizing depth and power.
- Kalani – Meaning "the heavens," representing grace and beauty.
- Kamali'i – Meaning "child," symbolizing innocence and purity.
- Lani – Meaning "sky" or "heaven," representing divinity and wonder.
- Makoa – Meaning "bold," representing strength and courage.
- Makana – Meaning "gift," symbolizing something precious.
- Noe – Meaning "mist," symbolizing softness and tranquility.
- Ulani – Meaning "cheerful," symbolizing joy and happiness.
Hawaiian names offer a wealth of beauty, meaning, and cultural significance, making them a unique choice for parents seeking something special for their baby. Whether inspired by the natural elements, family ties, or the islands' rich traditions, these names reflect qualities of strength, grace, and harmony that can serve as a meaningful foundation for your child’s identity. By choosing a Hawaiian name, you’re embracing not just a sound, but a story and connection to a culture steeped in beauty and history.
If you're interested in broader naming choices, be sure to check out our article on gender-neutral names, highlighting options that embrace individuality while crossing cultural boundaries.
