Hawaiian Last Names: A Guide to Common Surnames in Hawaii

Looking for a glimpse into the unique culture and heritage of Hawaii? Exploring Hawaiian last names can provide fascinating insights into the islands' history and the people who have shaped its identity. These surnames, passed down through generations, tell stories of lineage, ancestry, and the enduring spirit of the Hawaiian people. Let's embark on a journey to discover the origins, meanings, and significance of common Hawaiian last names.
1. **Akama:** Meaning "to rise" or "to ascend," this surname symbolizes ambition and determination.
2. **Akana:** Derived from the word "akana," meaning "to break," this name suggests a strong will and resilience.
3. **Alalafon:** Meaning "the beautiful one," this surname reflects a deep appreciation for beauty and grace.
4. **Alipio:** A name associated with the word "alipi," meaning "to bind" or "to tie," this surname symbolizes commitment and responsibility.
5. **Amona:** A name with roots in the word "amona," meaning "to love," this surname embodies affection and devotion.
6. **Anderson:** While not traditionally Hawaiian, this surname has become prevalent in Hawaii due to historical influences.
7. **Anona:** Derived from the word "anona," meaning "to be kind," this surname signifies compassion and gentleness.
8. **Aoki:** Meaning "green tree," this name symbolizes growth, renewal, and connection to nature.
9. **Au:** Meaning "a place of abundance," this surname embodies prosperity and a sense of belonging.
10. **Auman:** Derived from the word "auman," meaning "to be a leader," this surname signifies authority and guidance.
11. **Awai:** Meaning "to be blessed," this surname embodies good fortune and divine favor.
12. **Botelho:** A surname introduced by Portuguese settlers, reflecting a blend of cultures in Hawaii.
13. **Cabral:** Another surname brought by Portuguese immigrants, symbolizing cultural exchange and historical connection.
14. **Caldeira:** A surname with Portuguese origins, representing the influence of European settlers on Hawaiian culture.
15. **Carvalho:** Meaning "oak tree," this surname signifies strength, longevity, and resilience.
16. **Chun:** A name with Chinese roots, signifying the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Hawaiian identity.
17. **Costa:** Meaning "coast," this surname reflects the island's proximity to the ocean and its connection to maritime life.
18. **De Lima:** A surname with Portuguese origins, embodying the fusion of European and Hawaiian cultures.
19. **Fernandez:** A surname brought by Spanish settlers, representing a period of cultural exchange in Hawaii's history.
20. **Ferreira:** A surname with Portuguese origins, signifying the enduring influence of European settlers.
21. **Fernandes:** A name brought by Portuguese immigrants, reflecting the cultural diversity of Hawaii.
22. **Fujioka:** A name with Japanese roots, symbolizing the influence of Asian culture on Hawaiian society.
23. **Galdeano:** A surname with Spanish origins, signifying the historical connection between Spain and Hawaii.
24. **Gonsalves:** A surname with Portuguese origins, representing a blend of European and Hawaiian cultural traditions.
25. **Harada:** A name with Japanese roots, symbolizing the cultural exchange between Japan and Hawaii.
26. **Ha:** Meaning "breath" or "life force," this name embodies vitality and spiritual connection.
27. **He:** Meaning "to have" or "to possess," this name signifies ownership and abundance.
28. **Ho:** Meaning "to spread" or "to expand," this surname symbolizes growth and progress.
29. **Ho** **(also written as "O")**: Meaning "to have" or "to possess," this name signifies ownership and abundance.
30. **Hokama:** Meaning "to be wise," this name signifies knowledge and understanding.
31. **Hoku:** Meaning "star," this surname embodies guidance, inspiration, and a connection to the cosmos.
32. **Kama:** Meaning "to love" or "to cherish," this name symbolizes affection and devotion.
33. **Kano:** Meaning "to be strong," this surname embodies resilience and determination.
34. **Ka:** Meaning "the" or "a," this surname signifies presence and importance.
35. **Kau:** Meaning "to reach" or "to attain," this surname signifies achievement and success.
36. **Kekoa:** Meaning "warrior," this name symbolizes courage, strength, and protection.
37. **Kealoha:** Meaning "beloved," this surname embodies affection, love, and tenderness.
38. **Keawe:** Meaning "tree," this name symbolizes stability, longevity, and connection to nature.
39. **Keauhou:** Meaning "the place of the rainbow," this surname symbolizes hope, beauty, and spiritual connection.
40. **Keahi:** Meaning "fire," this name symbolizes passion, energy, and transformation.
41. **Kelii:** Meaning "chief," this surname signifies leadership, authority, and responsibility.
42. **Kimo:** Meaning "to want" or "to desire," this name symbolizes aspiration and ambition.
43. **Kin:** Meaning "child" or "offspring," this surname signifies family and lineage.
44. **Koi:** Meaning "to love," this name symbolizes affection and devotion.
45. **Koloa:** Meaning "a type of bird," this name symbolizes freedom, flight, and a connection to nature.
46. **Lau:** Meaning "leaf," this name symbolizes growth, renewal, and connection to nature.
47. **Lono:** Meaning "the god of agriculture," this name embodies prosperity, abundance, and a connection to the earth.
48. **Ma:** Meaning "mother" or "female," this surname symbolizes nurturing and love.
49. **Maka:** Meaning "eye," this name signifies insight, awareness, and a connection to the world.
50. **Malo:** Meaning "cloth," this name symbolizes tradition, culture, and a connection to the past.
51. **Mana:** Meaning "power" or "spiritual force," this name signifies strength, influence, and a connection to the divine.
52. **Mele:** Meaning "song," this name symbolizes expression, creativity, and a connection to music.
53. **Moku:** Meaning "island," this name symbolizes isolation, independence, and a connection to place.
54. **Moana:** Meaning "ocean," this name embodies vastness, mystery, and a connection to the sea.
55. **Nakoa:** Meaning "brave," this name symbolizes courage, strength, and resilience.
56. **Nani:** Meaning "beautiful," this surname embodies elegance, grace, and a sense of wonder.
57. **Na:** Meaning "of" or "belonging to," this surname signifies connection and lineage.
58. **Nohea:** Meaning "beautiful," this surname embodies elegance, grace, and a sense of wonder.
59. **Pa:** Meaning "fence" or "boundary," this surname symbolizes protection, security, and a sense of place.
60. **Pau:** Meaning "finished" or "completed," this surname symbolizes closure, resolution, and a sense of accomplishment.
61. **Pena:** Meaning "feather," this name symbolizes freedom, flight, and a connection to nature.
62. **Poole:** While not traditionally Hawaiian, this surname has become prevalent in Hawaii due to historical influences.
63. **Pua:** Meaning "flower," this name symbolizes beauty, grace, and a connection to nature.
64. **Reyes:** A surname brought by Spanish settlers, representing a period of cultural exchange in Hawaii's history.
65. **Silva:** Meaning "forest," this surname signifies growth, renewal, and connection to nature.
66. **Souza:** A surname with Portuguese origins, signifying the enduring influence of European settlers.
67. **Taketa:** A name with Japanese roots, symbolizing the cultural exchange between Japan and Hawaii.
68. **Tamayo:** A surname with Spanish origins, signifying the historical connection between Spain and Hawaii.
69. **Tanabe:** A name with Japanese roots, symbolizing the influence of Asian culture on Hawaiian society.
70. **Tanaka:** A name with Japanese roots, symbolizing the cultural exchange between Japan and Hawaii.
71. **Tao:** Meaning "way" or "path," this surname symbolizes guidance, direction, and a sense of purpose.
72. **Te:** Meaning "to be" or "to exist," this surname signifies presence and reality.
73. **Torres:** A surname with Spanish origins, signifying the historical connection between Spain and Hawaii.
74. **Umeke:** Meaning "bowl," this name symbolizes abundance, sustenance, and a connection to food.
75. **Wa:** Meaning "water," this name embodies fluidity, life-giving energy, and a connection to nature.
76. **Waipa:** Meaning "water falls," this name symbolizes beauty, power, and a connection to nature.
77. **Wakai:** Meaning "young," this surname signifies vitality, new beginnings, and a sense of hope.
78. **Wale:** Meaning "a type of fish," this name symbolizes abundance, sustenance, and a connection to the sea.
79. **Wong:** A name with Chinese roots, signifying the diverse cultural influences that have shaped Hawaiian identity.
80. **Yamamoto:** A name with Japanese roots, symbolizing the cultural exchange between Japan and Hawaii.