Hawaiian Islands: A Comprehensive List of Names and Meanings

Discover the captivating beauty and rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian Islands. From the majestic peaks of Mauna Kea to the lush valleys of Kauai, each island holds a unique story. Explore their captivating names and delve into the profound meanings that have been passed down through generations. Join us on a journey to uncover the true essence of these Polynesian gems.
1. **Hawaiʻi:** The largest and youngest of the main Hawaiian Islands, its name translates to "homeland" or "place of the gods."
2. **Maui:** Named after the demigod Maui, who is credited with using his magical fishhook to pull the islands from the ocean.
3. **Oʻahu:** Meaning "gathering place," Oʻahu is the most populated island and is known for its diverse landscape and vibrant culture.
4. **Kauaʻi:** The oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, its name translates to "the gathering place" or "the island of rainbows."
5. **Molokaʻi:** Meaning "necklace" or "sacred neck ornament," Molokaʻi is known for its breathtaking cliffs and tranquil valleys.
6. **Lānaʻi:** Translating to "heavenly" or "a place of peace," Lānaʻi offers serene beaches and lush forests.
7. **Niʻihau:** The smallest of the main islands, its name means "small" or "little island." It is privately owned and known for its unique cultural traditions.
8. **Kahoʻolawe:** Meaning "the island of the sacred feather," Kahoʻolawe is uninhabited and is considered a sacred site.
9. **Nīhoa:** A small, uninhabited island, its name translates to "small islet" or "the island that is difficult to reach."
10. **Necker Island:** Also known as Mokumanamana, meaning "the island of the sea birds."
11. **French Frigate Shoals:** Named after the French frigate "La Boussole," which explored the islands in 1786.
12. **Laysan:** A small, uninhabited island, its name is of unknown origin but is thought to be related to the word "leis," meaning "necklace."
13. **Midway Atoll:** Named for its position halfway between North America and Asia.
14. **Kure Atoll:** Named for the English explorer, James Cook, who discovered the island in 1778.
15. **Gardner Pinnacles:** A submerged seamount with a small, rocky island at its peak. Named after the American naval officer, John Gardner.
16. **Kingman Reef:** A submerged coral reef, named after the American merchant, Daniel Kingman.
17. **Palmyra Atoll:** Named after the British ship "Palmyra," which visited the atoll in 1798.
18. **Johnston Atoll:** Named after the American businessman, Henry Johnston, who discovered the atoll in 1858.
19. **Wake Island:** Named after the British whaling captain, William Wake, who visited the island in 1796.
20. **Jarvis Island:** Named after the American ship captain, Charles Jarvis, who discovered the island in 1821.
21. **Howland Island:** Named after the American whaler, George Howland, who discovered the island in 1842.
22. **Baker Island:** Named after the American explorer, Michael Baker, who discovered the island in 1832.
23. **Phoenix Islands:** Named after the mythical bird, the phoenix, which is said to rise from its ashes.
24. **Kona:** Meaning "leeward" or "west side," Kona refers to the western side of Hawaiʻi Island.
25. **Puna:** Meaning "east side," Puna refers to the eastern side of Hawaiʻi Island.
26. **Kohala:** Meaning "the place of the long-necked birds," Kohala refers to the northernmost region of Hawaiʻi Island.
27. **Hamakua:** Meaning "the place of the long, narrow valleys," Hamakua refers to the northeastern side of Hawaiʻi Island.
28. **Waimea:** Meaning "reddish water," Waimea refers to the western coast of Kauaʻi, known for its reddish-hued waters.
29. **Poipu:** Meaning "the place of the rushing water," Poipu refers to a coastal area in the south of Kauaʻi, known for its beautiful beaches.
30. **Hanalei:** Meaning "the bay of the sea," Hanalei refers to a bay on the north shore of Kauaʻi, known for its breathtaking scenery.
31. **Kailua:** Meaning "two seas" or "the place where two seas meet," Kailua refers to a town on the windward side of Oʻahu, known for its beautiful beaches.
32. **Waikiki:** Meaning "spouting water," Waikiki refers to a world-famous beach area in Honolulu, Oʻahu, known for its surfing and vibrant nightlife.
33. **North Shore:** Known for its powerful waves and world-class surfing competitions.
34. **Kahuku:** Meaning "the place of the sacred food," Kahuku refers to a town on the north shore of Oʻahu, known for its agricultural heritage.
35. **ʻEwa:** Meaning "to gather," ʻEwa refers to a town on the leeward side of Oʻahu, known for its historic significance.
36. **Moanalua:** Meaning "the place of the royal fishpond," Moanalua refers to a valley in central Oʻahu, known for its historical and cultural significance.
37. **Waimanalo:** Meaning "the place of the fresh water," Waimanalo refers to a town on the windward side of Oʻahu, known for its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
38. **Mākaha:** Meaning "the place of the white waves," Mākaha refers to a town on the leeward coast of Oʻahu, known for its surfing and windsurfing.
39. **Laie:** Meaning "the place of the seabirds," Laie refers to a town on the North Shore of Oʻahu, known for its Polynesian Cultural Center.
40. **Kahana:** Meaning "the place of the sea," Kahana refers to a coastal area on Maui, known for its beautiful beaches and resorts.
41. **Paia:** Meaning "the place of the wind," Paia refers to a town on the north shore of Maui, known for its windsurfing and kitesurfing.
42. **West Maui:** Known for its lush forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and stunning beaches.
43. **South Maui:** Known for its luxury resorts, golf courses, and vibrant nightlife.
44. **Upcountry Maui:** Known for its cooler climate, rolling hills, and charming towns.
45. **Molokaʻi:** Meaning "necklace" or "sacred neck ornament," Molokaʻi is known for its breathtaking cliffs and tranquil valleys.
46. **Kaunakakai:** Meaning "the place of the coconut palms," Kaunakakai is the only town on Molokaʻi, known for its laid-back atmosphere.
47. **Lānaʻi City:** The only town on Lānaʻi, it is known for its historic pineapple plantation and its beautiful beaches.
48. **Hāʻena:** Meaning "the place of the long bay," Hāʻena refers to a remote village on the north shore of Kauaʻi, known for its breathtaking scenery and access to the Na Pali Coast.
49. **Keʻe:** Meaning "the place of the seabirds," Keʻe refers to a village on the north shore of Kauaʻi, known for its beautiful beaches and the start of the Kalalau Trail.
50. **Koloa:** Meaning "the place of the sea," Koloa refers to a town on the south shore of Kauaʻi, known for its rich history and beautiful beaches.
51. **Poipu:** Meaning "the place of the rushing water," Poipu refers to a coastal area in the south of Kauaʻi, known for its beautiful beaches.