Hawaii's Big Island: Names and Meanings

Hawaii's Big Island, the largest of the Hawaiian archipelago, is known for its diverse landscapes, from active volcanoes to lush rainforests. It is also home to a rich culture and history, reflected in the names given to its various locations and features. This list explores the names of Hawaii's Big Island, delving into their origins and meanings.
1. **Hawaiʻi:** The name of the island itself is derived from the Polynesian word "Hawaiʻi," which means "homeland" or "place of the gods."
2. **Keauhou:** Meaning "long fish," referring to the abundance of fish in the bay.
3. **Kailua:** Meaning "two seas," referencing the freshwater and saltwater sources that meet in the area.
4. **Hilo:** Meaning "place of refuge" or "shelter."
5. **Keahole:** Meaning "long fish," referring to the abundance of fish in the bay.
6. **Kohala:** Meaning "mountainous place."
7. **Waimea:** Meaning "red water," referring to the reddish-brown water of the Waimea River.
8. **Waipio:** Meaning "curved valley," describing the shape of the valley.
9. **Punalu'u:** Meaning "black sand," referring to the black sand beach.
10. **Mauna Kea:** Meaning "white mountain," referring to the snow-capped summit.
11. **Mauna Loa:** Meaning "long mountain," referring to its length.
12. **Kilauea:** Meaning "spewing" or "much spreading," referring to the volcano's eruptions.
13. **Puna:** Meaning "district" or "region," referring to the area's fertile land.
14. **Kaʻū:** Meaning "southern," referring to its location on the southern coast.
15. **Honaunau:** Meaning "place of refuge," referring to the ancient Hawaiian fishponds.
16. **Kealakekua:** Meaning "the bay of the long fish," referring to the abundance of fish in the bay.
17. **Kaloko:** Meaning "place of many fish," referring to the abundant fish in the area.
18. **Honokohau:** Meaning "the bay of refuge," referring to the natural harbor.
19. **Holualoa:** Meaning "the place of the big fish," referring to the abundance of fish in the area.
20. **Waikoloa:** Meaning "long water," referring to the long stretch of coastline.
21. **Puako:** Meaning "sea turtle," referring to the turtles that inhabit the area.
22. **Hapuna:** Meaning "the place of the big waves," referring to the large waves that break on the beach.
23. **Keauhou:** Meaning "long fish," referring to the abundance of fish in the bay.
24. **Miloli'i:** Meaning "the place of the sacred fishpond," referring to the ancient fishponds.
25. **South Point:** The southernmost point of the island and the United States.
26. **Kealakekua Bay:** Famous for the landing of Captain James Cook in 1778.
27. **Hawaii Volcanoes National Park:** Home to the active volcanoes Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
28. **Waipio Valley:** A dramatic valley with waterfalls and lush vegetation.
29. **Volcano Village:** A small town near Kilauea volcano.
30. **Pahoa:** A town near Kilauea volcano that was affected by lava flows in 2018.
31. **Keauhou Shopping Center:** A popular shopping and dining destination.
32. **Huliheʻe Palace:** The former residence of Hawaiian royalty.
33. **Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park:** An ancient place of refuge for those who broke kapu (Hawaiian law).
34. **Keauhou Beach Park:** A popular beach for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
35. **Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach:** A unique beach with black sand created by volcanic activity.
36. **Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden:** A lush garden with a wide variety of tropical plants.
37. **Parker Ranch:** A large cattle ranch covering a significant portion of the island.
38. **Mauna Kea Observatories:** A collection of telescopes atop Mauna Kea, offering breathtaking views of the night sky.
39. **Hawaii Belt Road:** A scenic highway that circles the island.
40. **Akaka Falls State Park:** A park with a stunning waterfall that drops over 400 feet.