Hawaii City Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Hawaiian Place Names

Discover the enchanting world of Hawaiian city names, steeped in rich history, culture, and captivating meanings. This comprehensive list offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's unique linguistic heritage, revealing the stories behind each location's name. Whether you're planning a trip, exploring local history, or simply fascinated by the beauty of the Hawaiian language, delve into the origins and meanings of these evocative names.
1. **Honolulu**: Honolulu derives from the Hawaiian words "honolua" (sheltered bay) and "ulu" (breadfruit tree), translating to "sheltered bay with breadfruit trees."

2. **Kailua**: Kailua means "two seas" or "two waters" in Hawaiian. It references the two bodies of water surrounding the town: Kailua Bay and Kaneohe Bay.

3. **Hilo**: Hilo originates from the Hawaiian word "hilo," meaning "overflowing," referring to the abundant rainfall the area receives.

4. **Kaneohe**: Kaneohe signifies "man of the sea" or "brave warrior" in Hawaiian, possibly reflecting the area's historical significance in seafaring and warfare.

5. **Waimea**: Waimea, meaning "red water" or "muddy water," describes the often-turbid waters of the Waimea River.

6. **Kahului**: Kahului, a name with various interpretations, can mean "the place of the kahuna" (priest), "the place of the kahuli" (seaweed), or "the place of the currents."

7. **Lahaina**: Lahaina, meaning "cruel sun" or "merciless sun," reflects the harsh sun often experienced in the area.

8. **Paia**: Paia, meaning "to split," refers to the division of the land at Paia Bay by the Paia Stream.

9. **Hana**: Hana, meaning "flower" or "blossom," captures the beauty and abundance of flora in the area.

10. **Wailuku**: Wailuku, meaning "sacred water," reflects the presence of important water sources and their spiritual significance.

11. **Kihei**: Kihei, meaning "to scatter" or "to spread," could refer to the scattering of sand on the beach or the spreading of the town.

12. **Makaha**: Makaha, meaning "face" or "look," might refer to the views from the area or the prominence of the Makaha Valley.

13. **Waimanalo**: Waimanalo, meaning "calm waters," refers to the peaceful waters of the Waimanalo Bay.

14. **Kahana**: Kahana, meaning "to chant" or "to sing," might have been named after a traditional Hawaiian chant or song associated with the area.

15. **Kailua-Kona**: Kailua-Kona, combining the meanings of "two seas" and "leeward" or "western," describes the location on the western side of the island.

16. **Waialua**: Waialua, meaning "two waters," references the two streams that meet in Waialua Bay.

17. **Ewa Beach**: Ewa Beach is named after the Ewa Plain, a fertile area known for its agricultural production.

18. **Pearl City**: Pearl City was named for the Pearl Harbor naval base, a historically significant location in Hawaiian history.

19. **Waianae**: Waianae, meaning "to make a sound" or "to make a noise," might refer to the sounds of the ocean or the bustling activity of the town.

20. **Mililani**: Mililani, meaning "the sound of the rain" or "the melody of the rain," captures the gentle sound of rainfall in the area.

21. **Aiea**: Aiea, meaning "to be alive" or "to be vibrant," reflects the vitality and energy of the town.

22. **Wahiawa**: Wahiawa, meaning "place of the water," refers to the abundance of water sources in the area.

23. **Waipahu**: Waipahu, meaning "to be wet" or "to be damp," describes the moisture-laden climate of the area.

24. **Kahuku**: Kahuku, meaning "the place of the kahuna" (priest) or "the place of the kahuli" (seaweed), likely refers to the presence of priests or the abundant seaweed in the area.

25. **Nanakuli**: Nanakuli, meaning "the place of the seabird" or "the place of the seabird's nest," suggests the area's importance to seabirds.

26. **Kapolei**: Kapolei, meaning "the place of the kapa" (bark cloth) or "the place of the kapa maker," reflects the historical practice of kapa making in the area.

27. **Makaha**: Makaha, meaning "face" or "look," might refer to the views from the area or the prominence of the Makaha Valley.

28. **Waimanalo**: Waimanalo, meaning "calm waters," refers to the peaceful waters of the Waimanalo Bay.

29. **Kahana**: Kahana, meaning "to chant" or "to sing," might have been named after a traditional Hawaiian chant or song associated with the area.

30. **Kailua-Kona**: Kailua-Kona, combining the meanings of "two seas" and "leeward" or "western," describes the location on the western side of the island.

31. **Waialua**: Waialua, meaning "two waters," references the two streams that meet in Waialua Bay.

32. **Ewa Beach**: Ewa Beach is named after the Ewa Plain, a fertile area known for its agricultural production.

33. **Pearl City**: Pearl City was named for the Pearl Harbor naval base, a historically significant location in Hawaiian history.

34. **Waianae**: Waianae, meaning "to make a sound" or "to make a noise," might refer to the sounds of the ocean or the bustling activity of the town.

35. **Mililani**: Mililani, meaning "the sound of the rain" or "the melody of the rain," captures the gentle sound of rainfall in the area.

36. **Aiea**: Aiea, meaning "to be alive" or "to be vibrant," reflects the vitality and energy of the town.

37. **Wahiawa**: Wahiawa, meaning "place of the water," refers to the abundance of water sources in the area.

38. **Waipahu**: Waipahu, meaning "to be wet" or "to be damp," describes the moisture-laden climate of the area.

39. **Kahuku**: Kahuku, meaning "the place of the kahuna" (priest) or "the place of the kahuli" (seaweed), likely refers to the presence of priests or the abundant seaweed in the area.

40. **Nanakuli**: Nanakuli, meaning "the place of the seabird" or "the place of the seabird's nest," suggests the area's importance to seabirds.

41. **Kapolei**: Kapolei, meaning "the place of the kapa" (bark cloth) or "the place of the kapa maker," reflects the historical practice of kapa making in the area.

42. **Waimea (Kauai)**: Waimea, meaning "red water" or "muddy water," describes the often-turbid waters of the Waimea River on Kauai.

43. **Poipu**: Poipu, meaning "to splash" or "to surge," refers to the turbulent waves often found at Poipu Beach.

44. **Koloa**: Koloa, meaning "dry" or "parched," refers to the drier climate of the Koloa region on Kauai.

45. **Hanalei**: Hanalei, meaning "bay of the lei," describes the beautiful bay at Hanalei, known for its stunning scenery.

46. **Princeville**: Princeville was named after Prince Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, a prominent Hawaiian figure.

47. **Kekaha**: Kekaha, meaning "to shine" or "to glitter," likely refers to the sun's reflection on the ocean or the sandy beaches of Kekaha.

48. **Eleele**: Eleele, meaning "black sand," describes the distinctive black sand beaches of the Eleele area.

49. **Waimea (Big Island)**: Waimea, meaning "red water" or "muddy water," describes the often-turbid waters of the Waimea River on the Big Island.

50. **Keauhou**: Keauhou, meaning "long calm" or "peaceful place," reflects the tranquil atmosphere of the Keauhou region.

51. **Kona**: Kona, meaning "leeward" or "western," refers to the western side of the Big Island, where Keauhou is located.

52. **Honaunau**: Honaunau, meaning "safe bay" or "protected harbor," describes the sheltered location of Honaunau Bay.

53. **Punalu'u**: Punalu'u, meaning "black sand," refers to the iconic black sand beaches of Punalu'u.

54. **Volcano**: Volcano, named after the active volcano Kilauea, is a fitting name for this region on the Big Island.

55. **Pahoa**: Pahoa, meaning "to split" or "to divide," refers to the division of the land by the Pahoa lava flow.

56. **Kurtistown**: Kurtistown, named after Curtis J. Thurston, a pioneer settler in the area, is a small town located near Volcano.

57. **Captain Cook**: Captain Cook, named after the famous explorer James Cook, is a popular tourist destination.

58. **Keaau**: Keaau, meaning "place of the small fish," refers to the small fish that inhabit the Keaau area.

59. **Hilo (Big Island)**: Hilo, meaning "overflowing," refers to the abundant rainfall the area receives on the Big Island.

60. **Hakalau**: Hakalau, meaning "place of the hawk," refers to the hawks that once frequented the area.

61. **Laupahoehoe**: Laupahoehoe, meaning "the place where the leaves of the ohia tree are scattered," references the abundance of ohia trees in the area.

62. **Pepe'ekeo**: Pepe'ekeo, meaning "place of the cliffs," describes the dramatic cliffs that line the Pepe'ekeo coast.

63. **Kawaihae**: Kawaihae, meaning "place of the water," refers to the abundant water sources in the area.

64. **Holualoa**: Holualoa, meaning "place of the long hill," refers to the gentle slopes of the Holualoa region.

65. **Waipio Valley**: Waipio Valley, meaning "curved water," describes the dramatic curve of the Waipio Valley.

66. **Hamakua Coast**: Hamakua, meaning "to chew," refers to the rough terrain of the Hamakua Coast.

67. **Kohala Coast**: Kohala, meaning "mountain of the wind," refers to the windswept Kohala Mountain range.

68. **Waimea (Maui)**: Waimea, meaning "red water" or "muddy water," describes the often-turbid waters of the Waimea River on Maui.

69. **Haiku**: Haiku, meaning "verse," likely refers to the beauty of the area that inspires poetry.

70. **Makawao**: Makawao, meaning "the place of the hawk," references the hawks that once frequented the area.

71. **Kipahulu**: Kipahulu, meaning "the place of the hibiscus," references the abundant hibiscus flowers found in the area.

72. **Iao Valley**: Iao Valley, meaning "the place where the knife stands," refers to the sharp peaks of the Iao Valley.

73. **Lahaina (Maui)**: Lahaina, meaning "cruel sun" or "merciless sun," reflects the harsh sun often experienced in the area.

74. **Paia (Maui)**: Paia, meaning "to split," refers to the division of the land at Paia Bay by the Paia Stream.

75. **Hana (Maui)**: Hana, meaning "flower" or "blossom," captures the beauty and abundance of flora in the area.

76. **Wailuku (Maui)**: Wailuku, meaning "sacred water," reflects the presence of important water sources and their spiritual significance.