Name of Big Island Hawaii: A Comprehensive Guide to its Meaningful Names

The Big Island of Hawaii, the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, volcanic activity, and rich cultural heritage. Its name, "Hawaiʻi," holds deep significance in Hawaiian language and tradition. Understanding the meanings behind the names of places on the island offers a deeper appreciation for its history and connection to the natural world. This comprehensive list delves into the meanings behind over 40 names, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, providing insights into the island's diverse and captivating character.
1. **Hawaiʻi**: This name, often translated as "home of the gods," reflects the island's sacredness and its connection to the spiritual realm.

2. **Kilauea**: This active volcano, meaning "spewing" or "much spreading," represents the island's dynamic and powerful volcanic forces.

3. **Mauna Kea**: This dormant volcano, meaning "white mountain," is revered for its snow-capped summit and its importance in Hawaiian astronomy.

4. **Mauna Loa**: This active volcano, meaning "long mountain," is the largest volcano on Earth and a symbol of the island's vast scale and geological significance.

5. **Hilo**: This town, named after the "hilo," or sweet potato, was a thriving center for agriculture and commerce during the reign of Kamehameha I.

6. **Kailua-Kona**: This town, named for the "kailuʻa," or calm waters, and the "kona" wind, is known for its pristine beaches and its coffee plantations.

7. **Kohala**: This region, meaning "mountain of the gods," is characterized by its rugged coastline and its historical significance as the birthplace of Kamehameha I.

8. **Hamakua**: This region, meaning "the place of the Hamakua," or taro plant, is known for its lush valleys and its agricultural heritage.

9. **Puna**: This region, meaning "the place of the puna," or hibiscus tree, is famous for its volcanic landscape and its thriving geothermal energy industry.

10. **Kaʻū**: This region, meaning "the place of the kaʻū," or sandalwood tree, was once a major source of sandalwood and is now known for its coffee plantations and its black sand beaches.

11. **Waipio Valley**: This valley, meaning "curved water," is known for its dramatic cliffs and its lush waterfalls.

12. **Kealakekua Bay**: This bay, meaning "the place of the kealakekua," or sacred waters, is famous for its historical significance as the landing site of Captain Cook in 1778.

13. **Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach**: This beach, formed by volcanic basalt, is a unique and awe-inspiring sight.

14. **Hawaii Volcanoes National Park**: This park, home to Kilauea and Mauna Loa, offers a window into the island's volcanic activity and its natural beauty.

15. **Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park**: This park, meaning "place of refuge," showcases ancient Hawaiian traditions and the importance of spiritual sanctuary.

16. **Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park**: This park, meaning "sacred water," is a testament to the island's agricultural heritage and its ancient fishponds.

17. **Waimea**: This town, meaning "red water," is known for its cowboys and its ranching tradition.

18. **Volcano**: This town, named for its proximity to Kilauea, offers a unique perspective on volcanic activity.

19. **Pahoa**: This town, meaning "the place of the pahoa," or guava tree, is known for its diverse population and its artistic community.

20. **Kurtistown**: This town, named for its founder, Kurt Schmeck, is a charming agricultural community.

21. **Naalehu**: This town, meaning "the place of the naalehu," or the sacred waters of the gods, is a historic center for coffee and ranching.

22. **Holualoa**: This town, meaning "the place of the holualoa," or the red rock, is known for its coffee plantations and its artistic community.

23. **Keauhou**: This town, meaning "the place of the keauhou," or the fishpond, is a popular tourist destination with a rich history.

24. **Captain Cook**: This town, named after Captain James Cook, is a gateway to the southern coast of the island.

25. **Kealakekua**: This town, meaning "the place of the kealakekua," or the sacred waters, is a historic center for fishing and agriculture.

26. **Honaunau**: This town, meaning "the place of the honaunau," or the sacred waters, is known for its historic fishponds and its scenic coastline.

27. **South Point**: This location, the southernmost point in the United States, offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

28. **Punaluʻu**: This town, meaning "the place of the punaluʻu," or the black sand beach, is a popular destination for its unique geological feature.

29. **Paʻauilo**: This town, meaning "the place of the paʻauilo," or the guava tree, is a small agricultural community.

30. **Laupahoehoe**: This town, meaning "the place of the lau," or the leaves, and "pahoehoe," or smooth lava, is known for its dramatic coastline.

31. **Honokaʻa**: This town, meaning "the place of the hono," or the long hair, and "kaʻa," or the water, is known for its historic buildings and its coffee plantations.

32. **Waimanalo**: This town, meaning "the place of the waimanalo," or the water, and "malo," or the shade, is a small community known for its beaches and its surfing culture.

33. **Waipio**: This town, meaning "the place of the waipio," or the curved water, is known for its scenic beauty and its lush valleys.

34. **Hakalau**: This town, meaning "the place of the hakalaʻau," or the sugarcane, is a small agricultural community.

35. **Pepeʻekeo**: This town, meaning "the place of the pepeʻekeo," or the guava tree, is known for its scenic coastline and its lush valleys.

36. **Kaupulehu**: This town, meaning "the place of the kaupulehu," or the king's fishpond, is a historic center for fishing and agriculture.

37. **Keʻanae**: This town, meaning "the place of the keʻanae," or the water, is known for its scenic beauty and its lush valleys.

38. **Hana**: This town, meaning "the place of the hana," or the flower, is known for its scenic beauty and its lush valleys.

39. **Kihei**: This town, meaning "the place of the kihei," or the cape, is known for its beaches and its surfing culture.

40. **Lahaina**: This town, meaning "cruel sun," was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and is now a popular tourist destination.

41. **Kahului**: This town, meaning "the place of the kahului," or the king's fishpond, is a major transportation hub for the island.

42. **Wailuku**: This town, meaning "the place of the wailuku," or the sacred water, is known for its historic buildings and its scenic beauty.

43. **Makawao**: This town, meaning "the place of the makawao," or the fishpond, is known for its ranching tradition and its charming shops.

44. **Paia**: This town, meaning "the place of the paia," or the water, is a small community known for its surfing culture and its bohemian atmosphere.

45. **Haiku**: This town, meaning "the place of the haiku," or the small poem, is a charming community known for its scenic beauty and its artistic community.

46. **Upcountry**: This region, encompassing the slopes of Haleakala, is known for its ranching tradition, its scenic beauty, and its cooler climate.

47. **Hana Highway**: This scenic highway, winding along the eastern coast of the island, offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the lush forests.

48. **Haleakala**: This dormant volcano, meaning "house of the sun," is known for its summit crater and its unique ecosystem.

49. **Maalea**: This town, meaning "the place of the maalea," or the canoe landing, is a major transportation hub for the island.

50. **Kahului Harbor**: This harbor, serving as a major port for the island, is a bustling center for commerce and tourism.