Hawaii Big Island Name: A Guide to the Names of Hawaii's Largest Island

The Big Island of Hawaii, the youngest and largest of the Hawaiian islands, is a land of diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Its name, "Hawaiʻi," holds deep significance, reflecting the island's volcanic origins and the power of nature. This island is also known for its abundance of unique place names, each carrying a story and cultural meaning. From ancient volcanic craters to majestic waterfalls, let's explore the rich tapestry of names that weave the story of the Big Island.
1. **Hawaiʻi:** The name of the island itself, meaning "home of the gods" or "place of the gods." It reflects the island's sacredness and its association with deities in Hawaiian mythology.

2. **Mauna Kea:** "White Mountain," referring to its snow-capped summit, the highest point in the Pacific Ocean. It is considered a sacred place by Native Hawaiians.

3. **Mauna Loa:** "Long Mountain," the world's largest active volcano and a symbol of the island's volcanic origins.

4. **Kilauea:** "Spreading" or "Much Spreading," known for its frequent eruptions and its association with Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire.

5. **Hilo:** The name of the island's largest town, meaning "a place of refuge" or "a place of peace."

6. **Keauhou:** "Place of the Kea," meaning "a place where the god of the sea is worshipped."

7. **Kohala:** The name of a volcanic region on the island's north coast, meaning "high" or "elevated."

8. **Waimea:** "Reddish water," referring to the reddish hue of the waters of the Waimea River.

9. **Punaluʻu:** "Black Sand Beach," known for its black sand beaches created by volcanic activity.

10. **Volcano:** The name of a town located near Kilauea Volcano, reflecting the island's volcanic heritage.

11. **Kaloko:** "The place where water is held," referring to a large fishpond on the island's west coast.

12. **Kealakekua Bay:** "The bay of the gods," a place of historical significance and a site of Captain Cook's first landing in Hawaii.

13. **Naalehu:** "The place of the rainbow," a town located in the southern part of the island.

14. **Holualoa:** "Long gourd," referring to the shape of the area.

15. **Waipio Valley:** "Curved water," a scenic valley known for its lush vegetation and waterfalls.

16. **Hamakua Coast:** "The northern coast," a region known for its scenic beauty and coffee plantations.

17. **Kona:** "Leeward," referring to the drier, western side of the island.

18. **Kaʻū:** "The southern region," known for its volcanic landscape and black sand beaches.

19. **Puna:** "The eastern region," known for its lush tropical forests and active volcanic activity.

20. **Hualalai:** "The place of the mountain," a dormant volcano located on the island's west coast.

21. **Puʻuhonua o Honaunau:** "Place of refuge," a sacred site where those who broke the law could seek protection.

22. **Makaha:** "Face of the cliffs," referring to the dramatic cliffs along the island's north coast.

23. **Kukuihaʻele:** "The place of the Kukui tree," a town located in the north-eastern part of the island.

24. **Waimanalo:** "Curved water," a valley located in the eastern part of the island.

25. **Keʻanae:** "Place of the sea," referring to its location near the coast.

26. **Poipu:** "Seaweed," a beach town located on the island's south coast.

27. **Kailua-Kona:** "The place of the two coves," referring to the town's location between two bays.

28. **Keahole-Kona International Airport:** "The place of the kea," referring to the god of the sea.

29. **Mauna Ulu:** "Growing Mountain," a volcanic vent located on the eastern flank of Kilauea.

30. **Puʻu ʻŌʻō:** "Hill of the ʻŌʻō bird," a volcanic vent located on the east rift zone of Kilauea.

31. **Halemaʻumaʻu:** "House of everlasting fire," a volcanic crater located within the Kilauea caldera.

32. **Kaupulehu:** "The place of the chief," a historical site located on the island's west coast.

33. **Kealakekua:** "The bay of the gods," referring to its sacredness and association with deities.

34. **Pahoa:** "The place of the canoe," a town located in the eastern part of the island.

35. **Kurtistown:** Named after a local family, a town located in the eastern part of the island.

36. **Mountain View:** Named for its location near the base of Mauna Loa, a town located in the eastern part of the island.

37. **Honokaʻa:** "The place of the fishpond," a town located in the northern part of the island.

38. **Laupahoehoe:** "The place of the canoe landing," a town located on the island's east coast.

39. **Pepeʻekeo:** "The place of the wind," a town located on the island's east coast.

40. **Hawi:** "The place of the clouds," a town located on the island's north coast.