Hawaii Island Names Map: A Guide to the Meaning and History of Hawaiian Place Names

Discover the rich history and culture of the Big Island of Hawaii through its place names. This comprehensive guide explores the fascinating meanings and origins of numerous locations across the island, offering insights into the Hawaiian language, mythology, and traditional beliefs. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, each name holds a story waiting to be unveiled. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of Hawaii Island names and uncover the island's vibrant tapestry.
1. **Hawaii**: Land of the Gods or Place of the Gods. The name "Hawaii" itself is believed to have originated from the Polynesian word "Hawaiki," which is a mythical homeland in Polynesian mythology.

2. **Kilauea**: Spreading, or Spewing. Kilauea is the most active volcano on Earth and its name reflects the constant flow of lava.

3. **Mauna Kea**: White Mountain. Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain on Earth when measured from its base on the ocean floor. The name refers to its snow-capped summit.

4. **Mauna Loa**: Long Mountain. Mauna Loa is the largest active volcano in the world and is known for its expansive, gently sloping slopes.

5. **Hilo**: Place of the Crescent Moon. Hilo is the largest town on the Big Island and is located on the eastern side of the island, facing the rising sun.

6. **Kailua-Kona**: Two Bays. Kailua-Kona is a coastal town located on the western side of the island, known for its picturesque bays.

7. **Kohala**: To Be Strong, or Place of Strength. Kohala is a volcanic region located on the northern tip of the Big Island.

8. **Waimea**: Red Water. Waimea is a town located in the northern part of the island, known for its picturesque valley.

9. **Punalu'u**: Place of the Sand. Punalu'u is a black sand beach located on the southern coast of the island.

10. **Kealakekua**: The Place of the Kale, or the Place of the Sunrise. Kealakekua Bay is a sheltered bay located on the western side of the island.

11. **Kaloko-Honokohau**: Fishpond and Place of the Deep Sea. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a cultural and natural heritage site on the western side of the island.

12. **Hawaii Volcanoes National Park**: This park encompasses the active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa, showcasing the raw power of nature.

13. **Pu'uhonua o Honaunau**: Place of Refuge. Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a refuge site where people who broke the kapu (sacred laws) could seek forgiveness.

14. **Waipio Valley**: Curving Water. Waipio Valley is a dramatic valley on the northern side of the island, known for its towering cliffs and lush vegetation.

15. **Hamakua Coast**: The Coast of the Fish. The Hamakua Coast is a scenic stretch of coastline on the northeastern side of the island.

16. **Volcano**: A town near Kilauea Volcano, named for its proximity to the active volcano.

17. **Pahoa**: The Place of the Snare, or the Place of the Trap. Pahoa is a small town located in the Puna district of the island.

18. **Kurtistown**: A small town in the Puna district, known for its coffee plantations and tropical fruit farms.

19. **Mountain View**: A town nestled in the foothills of Mauna Kea.

20. **Honokohau Harbor**: A natural harbor located on the western side of the island, known for its historical significance.

21. **Kealakekua Bay**: A sheltered bay located on the western side of the island, known for its historic significance.

22. **Punalu'u Black Sand Beach**: A unique black sand beach formed by volcanic rock fragments.

23. **Hawaii Belt Road**: A scenic route that circles the island, offering breathtaking views of the volcanic landscape.

24. **Keanae**: A small village on the northeastern side of the island, known for its scenic waterfall.

25. **Hapuna Beach**: A popular beach located on the Kohala Coast, known for its white sand and calm waters.

26. **Mauna Lani**: Place of the Lani (Chief). Mauna Lani is a luxury resort located on the Kohala Coast.

27. **Waikoloa**: The Place of the Long Water. Waikoloa is a resort town located on the Kohala Coast.

28. **Keauhou**: The Place of the Kale (Sunrise). Keauhou is a historical site located on the Kona Coast.

29. **Holualoa**: Place of the Coral. Holualoa is a small town located on the Kona Coast, known for its coffee plantations.

30. **Keahole**: Place of the Kale (Sunrise). Keahole-Kona International Airport is the main airport on the Big Island.

31. **Laupahoehoe**: Place of the Falling Rock. Laupahoehoe is a small town located on the Hamakua Coast, known for its scenic coastline.

32. **Honoka'a**: Place of the Long Breath. Honoka'a is a historic town located in the Hamakua district of the island.

33. **Waimanu**: Place of the Water. Waimanu Valley is a lush valley located on the north side of the island.

34. **Akaka Falls**: A cascading waterfall located in Akaka Falls State Park.

35. **Kahalu'u**: Place of the Sea. Kahalu'u Beach Park is a popular snorkeling spot located on the Kona Coast.

36. **Honomu**: Place of the Sacred Land. Honomu is a small town located in the Hamakua district, known for its historical significance.

37. **Pepeiao**: Place of the Ear. Pepeiao is a geological formation in the Puna district, known for its unique shape.

38. **Ka'u**: Place of the Dry Land. Ka'u is a district located on the southern end of the island, known for its arid climate.

39. **Puna**: Place of the Sweet Potato. Puna is a district located on the eastern side of the island, known for its lush vegetation.

40. **South Point**: The southernmost point in the United States, located on the southern tip of the Big Island.

41. **Naalehu**: Place of the Smooth Rock. Naalehu is a small town located in the Ka'u district.

42. **Captain Cook**: A town named after Captain James Cook, who landed on the Big Island in 1778.

43. **Milo**: Place of the Milo Tree. Milo is a small town located in the Ka'u district.

44. **Keokea**: Place of the Kale (Sunrise). Keokea is a small town located in the North Kona district.

45. **Waipio**: Place of the Curved Water. Waipio Valley is a dramatic valley on the north side of the island.

46. **Paukaa**: Place of the Paukaa Tree. Paukaa is a small town located in the Hamakua district.

47. **Papaikou**: Place of the Papaikou Tree. Papaikou is a small town located in the Hamakua district.

48. **Honaunau**: Place of the Honaunau Tree. Honaunau is a small town located in the South Kona district.

49. **Keauhou**: Place of the Kale (Sunrise). Keauhou is a resort town located on the Kona Coast.

50. **Keahole**: Place of the Kale (Sunrise). Keahole-Kona International Airport is the main airport on the Big Island.