Map of Hawaii Island Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Hawaiian Place Names

Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Hawaii Island through its captivating place names. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed exploration of over 40 names, revealing their origins, meanings, and connections to Hawaiian mythology, geography, and everyday life. Embark on a journey of linguistic discovery and appreciate the deep cultural tapestry woven into the very landscape of the Big Island.
1. **Hawaii**: The name of the island and state is derived from the Polynesian word "Hawai'i," meaning "home of the gods" or "place of the gods." It's believed to be named after the legendary demigod Hawai'iloa, who is credited with discovering and settling the island.
2. **Keauhou**: Meaning "long fishhook," this name reflects the shape of the bay, resembling a fishing hook. Keauhou was once a major center of Hawaiian royalty and commerce, with a thriving fishing industry.
3. **Hilo**: Meaning "half-moon," this name refers to the shape of Hilo Bay, which resembles a crescent moon. Hilo is known for its lush rainforests, vibrant culture, and spectacular waterfalls.
4. **Waipio Valley**: Meaning "curved water," this name refers to the valley's dramatic crescent shape and its abundant water resources. Waipio Valley is a breathtaking sight, with towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation.
5. **Kohala**: Meaning "mountain," Kohala refers to the majestic Kohala volcano, the oldest and largest of the five volcanoes that formed the Big Island.
6. **Mauna Kea**: Meaning "white mountain," this name refers to the snow-capped peak of the dormant volcano. Mauna Kea is renowned for its pristine skies and world-class astronomical observatories.
7. **Mauna Loa**: Meaning "long mountain," this name reflects the immense size and length of the active volcano, the largest in the world. Mauna Loa is known for its dramatic lava flows and its impact on the island's geology.
8. **Kilauea**: Meaning "spewing," this name describes the volcano's frequent eruptions and its dramatic lava flows. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, a powerful force shaping the island's landscape.
9. **Punalu'u Black Sand Beach**: Meaning "black sand beach," this name refers to the unique black sand created by volcanic activity. The beach is a striking sight, a testament to the island's volcanic origins.
10. **Volcano National Park**: This name reflects the park's central theme – showcasing the dynamic volcanic forces that shaped the Big Island. It's a natural wonder, offering glimpses into the earth's fiery heart.
11. **Hawaii Volcanoes National Park**: Similar to the above, this name highlights the park's focus on volcanic landscapes and the power of nature.
12. **Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park**: This name combines two Hawaiian words, "Kaloko" meaning "wet place" and "Honokohau" meaning "long bay," reflecting the park's diverse ecosystem.
13. **Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park**: Meaning "place of refuge," this name reflects the park's historical significance as a sanctuary for those seeking forgiveness or protection.
14. **Kealakekua Bay**: Meaning "sacred bay," this name refers to the bay's religious importance and its role in Hawaiian history and legend.
15. **Captain Cook Monument**: Named after the famed British explorer Captain James Cook, this monument commemorates his arrival in Hawaii in 1778.
16. **Waimea**: Meaning "red water," this name refers to the reddish hue of the water in Waimea Bay, caused by the silt carried downstream from the Kohala Mountains.
17. **Waimanu**: Meaning "water of the sky," this name refers to the valley's abundant rainfall and lush vegetation.
18. **Hamakua Coast**: Meaning "the place of the hamakua (a type of fish)," this name reflects the area's rich fishing history and the abundance of marine life.
19. **Laupahoehoe**: Meaning "long, narrow beach," this name describes the beach's shape and its scenic beauty.
20. **Pahoa**: Meaning "short and small," this name refers to the town's size and its history as a small farming community.
21. **Kurtistown**: Named after Kurt, a Hawaiian king, this town is known for its scenic beauty and its agricultural heritage.
22. **Mountain View**: This name reflects the town's location amidst the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
23. **Holualoa**: Meaning "long-tailed bird," this name refers to the island's endemic species of birds, once plentiful in the area.
24. **Kailua-Kona**: Meaning "two bay," this name refers to the two bays that define the town, Kailua Bay and Kona Bay.
25. **Kealakekua**: Meaning "sacred landing place," this name refers to the bay's importance as a landing site for ancient Hawaiian voyagers.
26. **Holualoa**: Meaning "long-tailed bird," this name refers to the island's endemic species of birds, once plentiful in the area.
27. **Keauhou**: Meaning "long fishhook," this name reflects the shape of the bay, resembling a fishing hook.
28. **Honaunau**: Meaning "the place of the honaunau (a type of fish)," this name reflects the area's rich fishing history and the abundance of marine life.
29. **Waipio**: Meaning "curved water," this name refers to the valley's dramatic crescent shape and its abundant water resources.
30. **Waimanalo**: Meaning "water of the sky," this name refers to the valley's abundant rainfall and lush vegetation.
31. **Keahole**: Meaning "long fishhook," this name reflects the shape of the bay, resembling a fishing hook.
32. **Ka'u**: Meaning "dry place," this name refers to the arid conditions of the south Kona district.
33. **Naalehu**: Meaning "the place of the naalehu (a type of bird)," this name reflects the area's rich bird life and its connection to Hawaiian mythology.
34. **Punalu'u**: Meaning "black sand," this name refers to the beach's unique black sand, a testament to the island's volcanic origins.
35. **Milolii**: Meaning "calm water," this name refers to the bay's protected waters and its serenity.
36. **Keauhou**: Meaning "long fishhook," this name reflects the shape of the bay, resembling a fishing hook.
37. **Kahalu'u**: Meaning "small bay," this name refers to the bay's size and its sheltered location.
38. **Kealakekua Bay**: Meaning "sacred bay," this name refers to the bay's religious importance and its role in Hawaiian history and legend.
39. **Kawaihae**: Meaning "the place of the kawa (a type of fish)," this name reflects the area's rich fishing history and the abundance of marine life.
40. **Keauhou**: Meaning "long fishhook," this name reflects the shape of the bay, resembling a fishing hook.