Hawaiian Islands Names: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Meanings

Discover the captivating stories behind the names of the Hawaiian Islands, each one a unique reflection of the archipelago's rich cultural heritage and vibrant history. From the majestic Mauna Kea to the serene Lanai, every island holds a special place in the hearts of the Hawaiian people, with names that speak volumes about their connection to the land and sea.
1. **Hawaiʻi:** "Home of the gods" or "place of the gods," referring to the island's sacred significance in Hawaiian mythology.
2. **Maui:** "The Immortal One," a name bestowed upon the trickster god Maui, who is credited with many feats, including fishing up the islands from the ocean floor.
3. **Oʻahu:** "Gathering place," reflecting the island's importance as a hub for trade and cultural exchange.
4. **Kauaʻi:** "The Garden Isle," known for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and fertile landscapes.
5. **Molokaʻi:** "Necklace," named for its distinctive shape, resembling a necklace strung around the neck of Maui.
6. **Lānaʻi:** "Broad expanse," referencing the island's flat and expansive plateau.
7. **Niʻihau:** "The Forbidden Isle," a privately owned island with limited access, known for its preservation of traditional Hawaiian culture.
8. **Kāhoʻolawe:** "The Little Place of Refuge," a small, uninhabited island used historically as a refuge during times of war.
9. **Kahoʻolawe:** "The Little Place of Refuge," a small, uninhabited island used historically as a refuge during times of war.
10. **Kaʻula:** "The Island of the God of the Sea," named for the deity Kanaloa, who is said to reside there.
11. **Mokumanamana:** "Island of the Sharks," a tiny, uninhabited island known for its abundance of shark life.
12. **Nīhoa:** "The Island of the Seabirds," a remote, rocky island with a significant seabird population.
13. **Necker Island:** "The Island of the Birds," an islet also known for its rich seabird life.
14. **French Frigate Shoals:** "The Shoals of the French Frigate," named after the French frigate La Favorite, which encountered the shoals in 1804.
15. **Midway Atoll:** "The Midway Island," situated at the midpoint of the journey between North America and Asia, a significant point for transpacific flights.
16. **Kure Atoll:** "The Turtle Island," named for the green sea turtles that inhabit its shores.
17. **Laysan Island:** "The Island of the Birds," a small, uninhabited island that is a critical breeding ground for seabirds.
18. **Lisianski Island:** "The Island of the Seabirds," known for its large colonies of seabirds, particularly albatrosses.
19. **Pearl and Hermes Atoll:** "The Island of the Seabirds," a remote atoll with a rich bird diversity, including the endangered monk seal.
20. **Sand Island:** "The Island of Sand," a small islet composed mainly of sand, used as a breeding ground for seabirds.
21. **Maro Reef:** "The Island of the Reef," a submerged reef with only a small island exposed at high tide.
22. **Kingman Reef:** "The King's Reef," named after the American sailor who discovered it in 1853.
23. **Palmyra Atoll:** "The Island of Palm Trees," known for its abundant palm trees and its diverse ecosystem.
24. **Jarvis Island:** "The Island of Jarvis," named after the American sailor who discovered it in 1821.
25. **Baker Island:** "The Island of Baker," named after the American explorer who discovered it in 1832.
26. **Howland Island:** "The Island of Howland," named after the American explorer who discovered it in 1842.
27. **Wake Island:** "The Island of Wake," named after the American sailor who discovered it in 1796.
28. **Johnston Atoll:** "The Island of Johnston," named after the American sailor who discovered it in 1807.
29. **Navassa Island:** "The Island of Navassa," named after the Spanish word for "shipwreck."
30. **Serranilla Bank:** "The Bank of Serranilla," named after a local name for the bank, possibly referring to the "serrania" (mountain range) that resembles the bank's shape.
31. **Bajo Nuevo Bank:** "The Bank of Nuevo," referring to the "new" location of the bank, which was discovered in the 16th century.
32. **Roncador Bank:** "The Bank of Roncador," named after the Spanish word for "snoring," possibly referring to the sound of the waves on the bank.
33. **Alice Shoal:** "The Shoal of Alice," named after the American ship that discovered it in 1825.
34. **McMurdo Sound:** "The Sound of McMurdo," named after the British explorer who discovered it in 1841.
35. **Ross Sea:** "The Sea of Ross," named after the British explorer who discovered it in 1841.
36. **Amundsen Sea:** "The Sea of Amundsen," named after the Norwegian explorer who discovered it in 1911.
37. **Bellingshausen Sea:** "The Sea of Bellingshausen," named after the Russian explorer who discovered it in 1821.
38. **Weddell Sea:** "The Sea of Weddell," named after the British explorer who discovered it in 1823.
39. **Drake Passage:** "The Passage of Drake," named after the English explorer who first sailed through it in 1578.
40. **Scotia Sea:** "The Sea of Scotia," named after the British ship that first explored it in 1902.