All Hawaii Island Names: A Comprehensive Guide to the Hawaiian Archipelago

Discover the captivating names of the Hawaiian Islands, each telling a rich story of ancient history, mythology, and cultural significance. From the majestic peaks of Mauna Kea to the volcanic fire of Kilauea, these names evoke a sense of awe and wonder, offering a glimpse into the profound connection between the Hawaiian people and their land. Explore this comprehensive guide to uncover the hidden meanings behind these legendary island names.
1. **Hawaiʻi**: Meaning "homeland" or "place of the gods," this island is the largest and youngest in the archipelago, formed by volcanic eruptions. It is known for its diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches.
2. **Maui**: Named after the demigod Maui, who is credited with fishing up the islands from the ocean floor, Maui is the second-largest island, renowned for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and the dormant volcano Haleakalā.
3. **Oʻahu**: Meaning "gathering place," Oʻahu is the most populous island and home to the state capital, Honolulu. It features diverse landscapes, from the bustling city to the serene North Shore beaches.
4. **Kauaʻi**: Meaning "the garden isle," Kauaʻi is the oldest and greenest island, known for its lush rainforests, dramatic cliffs, and secluded beaches.
5. **Niʻihau**: Meaning "the little island," Niʻihau is the smallest of the main Hawaiian islands and remains a privately owned island with a distinct culture and language.
6. **Molokaʻi**: Meaning "the necklace," Molokaʻi is known for its rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and the Kalaupapa peninsula, a former leper colony.
7. **Lānaʻi**: Meaning "the land of long canoes," Lānaʻi is the sixth-largest island, known for its pineapple plantations and luxury resorts.
8. **Kahoʻolawe**: Meaning "the place of the lost," Kahoʻolawe is the smallest of the main Hawaiian islands and has a complex history as a military target and now as a sacred and protected site.
9. **Hawaiki**: A mythical homeland believed to be the origin of the Polynesian people, including the Hawaiians.
10. **Puna**: Meaning "red earth," Puna is a district on the Big Island, known for its volcanic activity and lush rainforests.
11. **Kona**: Meaning "leeward," Kona is a district on the Big Island, famous for its coffee plantations and sunny beaches.
12. **Kohala**: Meaning "the mountain of the winds," Kohala is a district on the Big Island, home to the extinct volcano Kohala Mountain.
13. **Hamakua**: Meaning "the place of the Hamakua," Hamakua is a district on the Big Island, known for its scenic waterfalls and lush forests.
14. **Waimea**: Meaning "red water," Waimea is a town on the Big Island, located at the base of the Waimea Canyon.
15. **Hilo**: Meaning "the place of the long canoe," Hilo is a city on the Big Island, known for its rainforests and the active volcano Kilauea.
16. **Volcano**: Named after the active volcano Kilauea, this area on the Big Island offers breathtaking views of lava flows and volcanic activity.
17. **Mauna Kea**: Meaning "white mountain," Mauna Kea is a dormant volcano on the Big Island, known for its high altitude and pristine skies, making it a prime location for astronomical observatories.
18. **Mauna Loa**: Meaning "long mountain," Mauna Loa is an active shield volcano on the Big Island, the largest volcano on Earth in terms of volume.
19. **Kilauea**: Meaning "spewing," Kilauea is an active shield volcano on the Big Island, known for its frequent eruptions and dramatic lava flows.
20. **Haleakalā**: Meaning "house of the sun," Haleakalā is a dormant volcano on Maui, known for its breathtaking sunrise views and diverse ecosystems.
21. **Waipio Valley**: Meaning "valley of the curved water," Waipio Valley on the Big Island is a lush, secluded valley with towering cliffs and a waterfall.
22. **Hana**: Meaning "the harbor," Hana is a town on Maui, known for its scenic beauty and lush rainforests.
23. **Kaʻanapali**: Meaning "the place of the leaping fish," Kaʻanapali is a resort area on Maui, known for its white-sand beaches and luxury hotels.
24. **Lahaina**: Meaning "cruel sun," Lahaina is a historic town on Maui, formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.
25. **Wailuku**: Meaning "the place of the flowing water," Wailuku is a town on Maui, known for its historic courthouse and vibrant arts scene.
26. **Kihei**: Meaning "the place of the coral," Kihei is a town on Maui, known for its beaches and shopping opportunities.
27. **Wailea**: Meaning "the place of the water," Wailea is a resort area on Maui, known for its luxury hotels and golf courses.
28. **Kahului**: Meaning "the place of the fishpond," Kahului is a town on Maui, home to the island's main airport.
29. **ʻEwa Beach**: Meaning "the place of the ʻEwa," ʻEwa Beach is a beach community on Oʻahu, known for its surfing and fishing.
30. **Waikiki**: Meaning "spouting water," Waikiki is a world-famous beach on Oʻahu, known for its surfing, swimming, and bustling nightlife.
31. **Honolulu**: Meaning "sheltered harbor," Honolulu is the capital of Hawaiʻi and a major city on Oʻahu, known for its historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and bustling harbor.
32. **Pearl Harbor**: Meaning "safe harbor," Pearl Harbor is a historic naval base on Oʻahu, known for its pivotal role in World War II.
33. **North Shore**: A region on Oʻahu known for its world-class surfing, dramatic waves, and scenic beaches.
34. **Kailua**: Meaning "the place of the sea," Kailua is a town on Oʻahu, known for its beaches, windsurfing, and laid-back atmosphere.
35. **Kaneohe**: Meaning "place of the canoe," Kaneohe is a town on Oʻahu, known for its bay and the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base.
36. **Waimanalo**: Meaning "the place of the ocean," Waimanalo is a beach town on Oʻahu, known for its long, sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
37. **Hanalei**: Meaning "the bay of the reflection," Hanalei is a town on Kauaʻi, known for its scenic bay and lush mountains.
38. **Poipu**: Meaning "the place of the ferns," Poipu is a resort area on Kauaʻi, known for its beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
39. **Koloa**: Meaning "the place of the coconut," Koloa is a town on Kauaʻi, known for its historical significance and scenic beauty.
40. **Keʻe Beach**: Meaning "the place of the gourd," Keʻe Beach is a scenic beach on Kauaʻi, known for its hiking trails and pristine coastline.
41. **Na Pali Coast**: Meaning "the cliffs," Na Pali Coast on Kauaʻi is a rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and lush valleys.
42. **Waimea Canyon**: Meaning "red water," Waimea Canyon on Kauaʻi is a massive canyon known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
43. **Makaha**: Meaning "the place of the jaws," Makaha is a beach on Oʻahu, known for its surfing and big waves.
44. **Makaʻala**: Meaning "bright, shining," Makaʻala is a region on Oʻahu, known for its views and scenic coastline.
45. **Kailua-Kona**: Meaning "the place of the sea," Kailua-Kona is a town on the Big Island, known for its historic sites, coffee plantations, and beaches.
46. **Paia**: Meaning "place of the sun," Paia is a town on Maui, known for its windsurfing and surfing.
47. **Kahana**: Meaning "the place of the reeds," Kahana is a resort area on Maui, known for its beaches and golf courses.
48. **Kapalua**: Meaning "the place of the sea shells," Kapalua is a resort area on Maui, known for its luxury hotels and golf courses.
49. **Molokaʻi Ranch**: A large cattle ranch on Molokaʻi, known for its stunning views and horseback riding opportunities.
50. **Kalaupapa**: Meaning "the place of the leaping," Kalaupapa is a historic settlement on Molokaʻi, formerly a leper colony, now a national historical park.
51. **Lanai City**: The main town on Lānaʻi, known for its pineapple plantations and historic buildings.
52. **Manele Bay**: A secluded bay on Lānaʻi, known for its luxury resort and stunning views.
53. **Hulopoe Bay**: A bay on Lānaʻi, known for its snorkeling and swimming.
54. **Kaunakakai**: Meaning "the place of the canoe," Kaunakakai is the main town on Molokaʻi, known for its historic buildings and vibrant culture.
55. **Maalea**: Meaning "the place of the fish," Maalea is a harbor on Maui, known for its ferry service and fishing.
56. **Hana Bay**: A scenic bay on Maui, known for its beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
57. **Hoʻokipa**: Meaning "the place of welcoming," Hoʻokipa is a beach on Maui, known for its windsurfing and surfing.
58. **ʻIao Valley**: Meaning "the place of the ʻIao," ʻIao Valley is a scenic valley on Maui, known for its towering cliffs and lush vegetation.
59. **Punaluʻu**: Meaning "the place of the sand," Punaluʻu is a black sand beach on the Big Island, known for its unique beauty.
60. **Kealakekua Bay**: Meaning "the place of the sun," Kealakekua Bay is a bay on the Big Island, known for its historical significance and scenic beauty.
61. **Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park**: A park on the Big Island, known for its ancient Hawaiian fishponds and petroglyphs.
62. **Puʻuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park**: A park on the Big Island, known for its ancient Hawaiian place of refuge and its cultural significance.
63. **Waimanu Valley**: Meaning "valley of the flowing water," Waimanu Valley is a lush, secluded valley on Kauaʻi, known for its hiking trails and waterfalls.
64. **Kokeʻe State Park**: A park on Kauaʻi, known for its scenic views, hiking trails, and diverse ecosystems.
65. **Polihale State Park**: A park on Kauaʻi, known for its long, sandy beaches and rugged coastline.