Hawaii Islands: A Comprehensive List of Names and Meanings

Discover the fascinating origins and meanings behind the names of all the major Hawaiian islands. From the majestic peak of Mauna Kea to the volcanic slopes of Maui, each island holds a unique story within its name. Explore the rich Polynesian heritage and cultural significance embedded in these names, offering a deeper understanding of the Hawaiian archipelago's history and identity.
1. **Hawaiʻi:** "Homeland" or "Place of the Gods"
2. **Maui:** "The Immortal One" or "The One Who Steals"
3. **Oʻahu:** "Gathering Place" or "Place of Refuge"
4. **Kauaʻi:** "The Garden Isle" or "The Island of Green Mountains"
5. **Molokaʻi:** "The Island of Necklaces" or "The Island of Sheltering Arms"
6. **Lānaʻi:** "The Island of the Long Channel" or "The Island of the Hook"
7. **Niʻihau:** "Island of the Frigate Bird" or "The Island of the Small Bird"
8. **Kahoʻolawe:** "The Island of the War God" or "The Island of the Hook"
9. **Nihoa:** "Island of the Red-Footed Booby" or "The Island of the Bird"
10. **Mokumanamana:** "Island of Many Ridges" or "The Island of the Birds"
11. **ʻAlau:** "Island of the Reef" or "The Island of the Rock"
12. **Mokuʻaeʻae:** "Island of the Sharp Point" or "The Island of the Bird"
13. **Kaʻula:** "Island of the Coconut Crab" or "The Island of the Long Neck"
14. **Midway Atoll:** "The Island in the Middle" or "The Island of the Way"
15. **Kure Atoll:** "The Island of the Turtle" or "The Island of the Bird"
16. **French Frigate Shoals:** "Island of the Frigate Bird" or "The Island of the French"
17. **Lisianski Island:** "Island of the Bird" or "The Island of the Sea Lion"
18. **Necker Island:** "Island of the Bird" or "The Island of the Neck"
19. **Gardner Pinnacles:** "Island of the Rocks" or "The Island of the Pinnacles"
20. **Pearl and Hermes Reef:** "Island of the Pearls" or "The Island of the Hermes"
21. **Hanalei:** "Bay of the Long Curve" or "The Bay of the Sun"
22. **Kailua:** "Two Seas" or "The Place of the Sea"
23. **Waimea:** "Red Waters" or "The Place of the Red Water"
24. **Waipio:** "Curving Water" or "The Place of the Curving Water"
25. **Kahului:** "The Place of the Water Bird" or "The Place of the Bird"
26. **Lahaina:** "Cruel Sun" or "The Place of the Sun"
27. **Hana:** "Flower" or "The Place of the Flower"
28. **Paia:** "The Place of the Cliff" or "The Place of the Rock"
29. **Kihei:** "The Place of the Sun" or "The Place of the Sand"
30. **Napili:** "The Place of the Water" or "The Place of the Coconut Palm"
31. **Kapalua:** "The Place of the Coconut Palm" or "The Place of the Sea"
32. **Honolua:** "The Place of the Sun" or "The Place of the Sea"
33. **Makena:** "The Place of the Sun" or "The Place of the Fish"
34. **Wailea:** "The Place of the Water" or "The Place of the Sea"
35. **Kona:** "Leeward" or "The Place of the West Wind"
36. **Hilo:** "The Place of the Sheltered Bay" or "The Place of the Bird"
37. **Volcano:** "The Place of the Volcano" or "The Place of the Fire"
38. **Punaluʻu:** "The Place of the Black Sand" or "The Place of the Beach"
39. **Kealakekua:** "The Place of the Sea" or "The Place of the Coconut Palm"
40. **Pahoa:** "The Place of the Bird" or "The Place of the Rock"
41. **Kurtistown:** "The Place of the Bird" or "The Place of the Stone"
42. **Mountain View:** "The Place of the Mountain" or "The Place of the View"
43. **Keauhou:** "The Place of the God" or "The Place of the Sea"
44. **Waikoloa:** "The Place of the Water" or "The Place of the Sea"
45. **Kailua-Kona:** "Two Seas" or "The Place of the Sea"
46. **Holualoa:** "The Place of the Sun" or "The Place of the Sea"
47. **Captain Cook:** "The Place of the Captain" or "The Place of the Cook"
48. **Keʻanae:** "The Place of the Sun" or "The Place of the Sea"
49. **Iao Valley:** "The Place of the Valley" or "The Place of the God"
50. **Haleakala:** "House of the Sun" or "The Place of the Sun"