Hawaiian Islands Names Map: A Guide to the Meaning Behind the Islands

Looking for a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian Islands? Beyond their stunning beauty and vibrant culture, each island boasts a rich history and unique identity reflected in its name. This guide explores the meaning behind the names of the eight major Hawaiian Islands, revealing the stories and traditions that have shaped their identity. From the volcanic origins of Kauai to the regal allure of Maui, embark on a journey through the linguistic tapestry of the Hawaiian archipelago.
1. **Hawaiʻi:** "Home of the gods" or "place of the gods". The largest island and most recent to emerge from the sea, Hawaiʻi is often referred to as "the Big Island" to avoid confusion with the state name.

2. **Maui:** "The immortal one" or "the fabled one". The second largest island, Maui is renowned for its majestic Haleakala volcano and its captivating myths and legends.

3. **Oʻahu:** "Gathering place" or "place of refuge". This island is home to Honolulu, the state capital, and is considered the cultural hub of Hawaiʻi.

4. **Kauaʻi:** "The Garden Isle" or "island of the rainbow". The oldest island, Kauai is known for its lush landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant green valleys.

5. **Molokaʻi:** "Necklace" or "bay of refuge". The fifth largest island, Molokaʻi is characterized by its dramatic cliffs, rolling valleys, and secluded beaches.

6. **Lānaʻi:** "The long island" or "the island of serenity". The sixth largest island, Lānaʻi is known for its pineapple plantations, luxury resorts, and breathtaking sunsets.

7. **Niʻihau:** "The island of refuge" or "the small island". The privately owned island of Niʻihau is known for its rich cultural traditions and its preservation of the Hawaiian language.

8. **Kahoʻolawe:** "The island of the curved feather" or "the island of the seabird". Uninhabited since the 19th century, Kahoʻolawe is now a sacred island dedicated to healing and remembrance.

9. **Kona:** "Leeward" or "western". This region on the Big Island is famous for its coffee plantations, volcanic black sand beaches, and its diverse marine life.

10. **Waimea:** "Red water" or "water of the fish". A town on the island of Kauai, Waimea is known for its stunning scenery, including the Na Pali Coast, and its rich history as a former whaling station.

11. **Kahului:** "To twist or turn" or "place of the curved or twisted". Located on the island of Maui, Kahului is the site of Maui's main airport and a bustling commercial center.

12. **Lahaina:** "Cruel sun" or "merciless sun". A historic town on the island of Maui, Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and is now a popular tourist destination.

13. **Hanalei:** "Bay of the crescent moon". This picturesque bay on the island of Kauai is known for its stunning natural beauty, including Hanalei Bay and Hanalei Pier.

14. **Kailua:** "Two seas" or "place of the two seas". A town on the island of Oʻahu, Kailua is known for its beautiful beaches, including Lanikai Beach, and its laid-back atmosphere.

15. **Waikiki:** "Spouting water" or "flowing water". A world-famous beach on the island of Oʻahu, Waikiki is known for its surfing, swimming, and vibrant nightlife.

16. **Hilo:** "Place of refuge". A town on the Big Island, Hilo is located on the eastern side of the island and is known for its lush rainforests, volcanic landscapes, and its cultural significance.

17. **Pāhoa:** "Place of the fern". Located on the Big Island, Pāhoa is known for its proximity to Kilauea volcano and its thriving arts community.

18. **Keauhou:** "Place of the gods". Located on the Big Island, Keauhou is a popular tourist destination with its historic sites, black sand beaches, and diverse marine life.

19. **Keahole:** "Place of the seabird". Located on the Big Island, Keahole is home to the Kona International Airport and a popular spot for fishing and snorkeling.

20. **Waipio Valley:** "Curved water valley" or "valley of the curved water". A stunning valley on the Big Island, Waipio Valley is known for its towering cliffs, lush greenery, and cascading waterfalls.

21. **Volcano:** "Place of fire" or "mountain of fire". A town on the Big Island, Volcano is located near Kilauea volcano and is known for its volcanic landscapes and its unique ecosystem.

22. **Punaluʻu:** "Black sand" or "place of the black sand". Located on the Big Island, Punaluʻu is known for its black sand beach, formed by volcanic rock, and its stunning natural beauty.

23. **Koloa:** "Place of the kalo" or "place of the taro". Located on the island of Kauai, Koloa is known for its rich history as a sugar plantation town and its picturesque landscape.

24. **Poipu:** "Place of the god of the sea". Located on the island of Kauai, Poipu is known for its beautiful beaches, including Poipu Beach Park, and its diverse marine life.

25. **Wailua:** "Water of the winding road" or "water that flows". Located on the island of Kauai, Wailua is known for its stunning Wailua Falls and its navigable Wailua River.

26. **Princeville:** "Place of the prince" or "royal place". Located on the north shore of the island of Kauai, Princeville is known for its luxury resorts, stunning views, and its pristine beaches.

27. **Kapaʻa:** "Place of the sea". Located on the island of Kauai, Kapaʻa is known for its charming downtown area, its beautiful beaches, and its proximity to the Wailua River.

28. **Hana:** "Bay" or "harbor". Located on the island of Maui, Hana is known for its scenic road, lush rainforests, and its secluded beaches.

29. **Paia:** "Place of the wind". Located on the island of Maui, Paia is known for its windsurfing and kitesurfing, and its laid-back atmosphere.

30. **Kihei:** "Place of the sun". Located on the island of Maui, Kihei is known for its beautiful beaches, its diverse marine life, and its proximity to the Maui Ocean Center.

31. **Kahana:** "Place of the seabirds". Located on the island of Maui, Kahana is known for its scenic coastline, its beautiful beaches, and its golf courses.

32. **Napili:** "Place of the water". Located on the island of Maui, Napili is known for its beautiful beaches, its snorkeling, and its stunning sunsets.

33. **Wailea:** "Water of the lei" or "water of the garland". Located on the island of Maui, Wailea is known for its luxury resorts, its golf courses, and its pristine beaches.

34. **Makena:** "Place of the strong wind". Located on the island of Maui, Makena is known for its stunning beaches, its volcanic landscapes, and its diverse marine life.

35. **Honolua Bay:** "Protected bay" or "bay of refuge". Located on the island of Maui, Honolua Bay is known for its world-class surfing, its breathtaking scenery, and its abundance of marine life.

36. **Molokai:** "Necklace" or "bay of refuge". This island is known for its diverse landscapes, including soaring cliffs, lush valleys, and pristine beaches.

37. **Lanai City:** "The city of Lanai" or "city of serenity". The largest town on Lanai, Lanai City is renowned for its historic pineapple plantation and its quiet charm.

38. **Manele Bay:** "Place of the seabirds". A picturesque bay on the island of Lanai, Manele Bay is known for its stunning beauty and its luxurious resort.

39. **Kaunakakai:** "The place where the canoe lands" or "the landing place". A town on the island of Molokai, Kaunakakai is the island's main commercial center and a vibrant cultural hub.

40. **Kalaupapa:** "Place of the leper". A historic settlement on the island of Molokai, Kalaupapa was once a leper colony but is now a National Historical Park.