Hawaiian Island Map and Names: A Guide to the Islands and Their Meanings

Discover the captivating beauty and rich history of the Hawaiian Islands, each with its unique name and story. This comprehensive guide will explore the Hawaiian Island map, showcasing each island's location and unveiling the fascinating meanings behind their names. Explore the vibrant culture and diverse landscapes of these iconic destinations, from the volcanic peaks of Maui to the lush rainforests of Kauai.
1. **Hawaiʻi (Big Island):** "Home" or "the place of the first people." Hawaiʻi is named after the legendary Polynesian navigator Hawaiʻiloa, who is believed to have discovered the island.
2. **Maui:** "The Land of Maui," named after the demigod Maui who is famous for his feats of strength and cunning.
3. **Oʻahu:** "Gathering place," referring to its central location and historical importance as a gathering place for people and resources.
4. **Kauaʻi:** "The Garden Isle," a name derived from the ancient Hawaiian word "kua," meaning "rainbow," and "ʻai," meaning "food," reflecting its abundance and beauty.
5. **Molokaʻi:** "The Friendly Isle," a name that speaks to the welcoming nature of its people.
6. **Lānaʻi:** "The Land of the Pineapple," a nickname earned for its vast pineapple plantations.
7. **Niʻihau:** "Little Island," the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands, a name reflective of its size and location.
8. **Kahoʻolawe:** "The Island of the Leper," a name derived from the island's history as a leper colony.
9. **Nihoa:** "The Bird Island," a name referring to its diverse birdlife.
10. **Mokumanamana (Necker Island):** "The Island of the Seabirds," known for its colonies of seabirds.
11. **Kāneʻohe Bay:** "The Bay of Kāne," named after the Hawaiian god of creation, Kāne.
12. **Waimea Bay:** "Red Water Bay," a name referring to the red color of the water caused by the presence of iron oxide.
13. **Hanauma Bay:** "Curved Bay," named for its crescent-shaped shoreline.
14. **Waikiki:** "Spouting Water," referring to the fresh water springs that once flowed into the ocean.
15. **Diamond Head:** "Diamond Head," a name given to the volcanic crater by early European settlers due to its sparkling crystals.
16. **Punchbowl Crater:** "Punchbowl Crater," a name given to the volcanic crater by early American settlers due to its resemblance to a punchbowl.
17. **Kailua:** "Two Seas," named for the two bodies of water that meet at this location.
18. **Honolulu:** "Protected Harbor," a name reflecting its sheltered harbor.
19. **Pearl Harbor:** "Pearl Harbor," a name given to the harbor by early European settlers due to its resemblance to a pearl.
20. **Waimanalo:** "Sweet Water," a name referring to the fresh water springs that once flowed into the ocean.
21. **Makaha:** "Facing the Sea," a name referring to its location facing the ocean.
22. **Kahana:** "The Place of the Sea," a name referring to its location near the sea.
23. **North Shore:** "North Shore," a name referring to its location on the north side of Oʻahu.
24. **South Shore:** "South Shore," a name referring to its location on the south side of Oʻahu.
25. **Waimea Canyon:** "Red Water Canyon," a name referring to the red color of the water caused by the presence of iron oxide.
26. **Poipu Beach:** "The Place of the Poipu," a name referring to the legendary Hawaiian warrior Poipu.
27. **Hanalei Bay:** "Bay of the Sounding Voice," a name referring to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.
28. **Na Pali Coast:** "Cliffs," a name referring to the steep cliffs that line the coastline.
29. **Kealakekua Bay:** "Bay of the Sun," a name referring to its location facing the sun.
30. **Keauhou:** "The Place of the Chief," a name referring to its historical importance as a center of power.
31. **Volcanoes National Park:** "Volcanoes National Park," a name referring to the park's active volcanoes.
32. **Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:** "Hawaii Volcanoes National Park," a name referring to the park's active volcanoes.
33. **Mauna Kea:** "White Mountain," a name referring to the snow that often covers the mountain's peak.
34. **Mauna Loa:** "Long Mountain," a name referring to the mountain's length.
35. **Haleakala:** "House of the Sun," a name referring to the sun's rising and setting over the mountain.
36. **Iao Valley:** "Iao Valley," named after the legendary Hawaiian warrior Iao.
37. **Road to Hana:** "Road to Hana," a name referring to the scenic road that winds its way to the town of Hana.
38. **Molokini Crater:** "Molokini Crater," a name referring to the volcanic crater that is now a popular snorkeling destination.
39. **West Maui Mountains:** "West Maui Mountains," a name referring to the mountains located on the west side of Maui.
40. **Lahaina:** "Merciless Sun," a name referring to the intense sun that shines over this location.
41. **Kaʻanapali:** "The Place of the Sun," a name referring to its location facing the sun.
42. **Kapalua:** "The Place of the Harbor," a name referring to its location near a harbor.
43. **Paia:** "The Place of the Rain," a name referring to its frequent rainfall.
44. **Wailuku:** "The Place of the Water," a name referring to the abundance of water in this area.
45. **Kahului:** "Place of the Gathering," a name referring to its historical importance as a gathering place for people and resources.
46. **Kihei:** "The Place of the Sun," a name referring to its location facing the sun.
47. **Wailea:** "The Place of the Water," a name referring to the abundance of water in this area.
48. **Makena:** "The Place of the Sacred," a name referring to its historical importance as a place of worship.
49. **Honaunau:** "The Place of the Long Bay," a name referring to its long, beautiful bay.
50. **Kealakekua Bay:** "Bay of the Sun," a name referring to its location facing the sun.
51. **Kailua-Kona:** "Two Seas," a name referring to the two bodies of water that meet at this location.
52. **Keauhou:** "The Place of the Chief," a name referring to its historical importance as a center of power.
53. **Waipio Valley:** "The Valley of the Curved Water," a name referring to the shape of the valley.
54. **Kohala:** "The Place of the Mountain," a name referring to the mountain located in this area.
55. **Hamakua:** "The Place of the Sea," a name referring to its location near the sea.
56. **Puna:** "The Place of the East," a name referring to its location on the east side of the island.
57. **Keaau:** "The Place of the Mountain," a name referring to the mountain located in this area.
58. **Hilo:** "The Place of the Sheltered Harbor," a name referring to its protected harbor.
59. **Pahoa:** "The Place of the Rain," a name referring to its frequent rainfall.
60. **Kurtistown:** "The Place of the Mountain," a name referring to the mountain located in this area.
61. **Volcano:** "The Place of the Volcano," a name referring to the volcano located in this area.
62. **Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach:** "Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach," a name referring to the black sand beach made from volcanic rock.
63. **Kealakekua:** "Bay of the Sun," a name referring to its location facing the sun.
64. **Kailua-Kona:** "Two Seas," a name referring to the two bodies of water that meet at this location.
65. **Keauhou:** "The Place of the Chief," a name referring to its historical importance as a center of power.