Hawaiian Islands: Names and Meanings

Discover the captivating names and rich cultural significance of the Hawaiian Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean. These names, often steeped in ancient legends and stories, offer a glimpse into the history and traditions of the Polynesian people who first inhabited these islands. Join us as we explore the meanings behind each island's unique name, revealing the deep connection between the land and its people.
1. **Hawaiʻi**: Land of the gods, or the "place of the gods." It is said that the name was given to the island by the Polynesian deity, Kane.

2. **Maui**: The name comes from the demigod Maui, who, according to legend, fished up the island from the ocean depths.

3. **Oʻahu**: The gathering place, or the "place of gathering." The name refers to the island's central role in Hawaiian culture and history as a place where people from all over the islands would come together for important gatherings.

4. **Kauaʻi**: The "Garden Isle" derived from the Hawaiian word "kaua," meaning "to gather" or "to collect," referring to the island's fertile lands and abundant natural resources.

5. **Molokaʻi**: The "Necklace Island," also known as the "Friendly Isle." The name "Molokaʻi" comes from the Hawaiian word "molokā," meaning "necklace," which may refer to the island's shape or its traditional use as a trading center.

6. **Lānaʻi**: The "Land of the Long Life," referring to its long history of agriculture and fishing, as well as its tranquil atmosphere.

7. **Niʻihau**: The "Little Island," which is the smallest of the main Hawaiian Islands. Its name comes from the Hawaiian word "niʻihau," meaning "small."

8. **Kāhoʻolawe**: The "Place of the Long, Winding Road." Its name, derived from the Hawaiian word "kāhoʻolawe," which means "long, winding road," may refer to the island's shape or the long journeys people took to reach it.

9. **Nīhoa**: The "Bird Island," a small, uninhabited islet located northwest of Niʻihau. Its name comes from the Hawaiian word "nīhoa," meaning "bird."

10. **Mokumanamana**: The "Island of the Turtles," a tiny, rocky islet located northwest of Niʻihau. Its name comes from the Hawaiian words "moku" (island) and "manamana" (turtle).

11. **Kuaihelani**: The "Island of the Gods," a submerged seamount located northwest of Niʻihau. Its name comes from the Hawaiian words "kuai" (god) and "helani" (royal).

12. **Kaʻula**: The "Island of the Bird," a small, uninhabited islet located north of Molokaʻi. Its name comes from the Hawaiian word "kaʻula," meaning "bird."

13. **Mokuʻauia**: The "Island of the Lizard," a small, uninhabited islet located north of Molokaʻi. Its name comes from the Hawaiian word "moku" (island) and "ʻauia" (lizard).

14. **ʻĀweoweo**: The "Island of the Sand," a small, uninhabited islet located west of Niʻihau. Its name comes from the Hawaiian word "ʻaweoweo," meaning "sand."

15. **Lehualani**: The "Land of the Rising Sun," a submerged seamount located west of Niʻihau. Its name comes from the Hawaiian words "lehu" (sand) and "ʻalani" (sun).

16. **Pūpūkea**: The "Place of the Seaweed," a small, uninhabited islet located northwest of Niʻihau. Its name comes from the Hawaiian word "pūpūkea," meaning "seaweed."

17. **Mahana**: The "Island of the Sun," a small, uninhabited islet located west of Niʻihau. Its name comes from the Hawaiian word "mahana," meaning "sun."

18. **Kaeo**: The "Island of the Wind," a small, uninhabited islet located northwest of Niʻihau. Its name comes from the Hawaiian word "kaeo," meaning "wind."

19. **Kamokuna**: The "Island of the Crabs," a small, uninhabited islet located west of Niʻihau. Its name comes from the Hawaiian words "kamoku" (island) and "kuna" (crab).

20. **Mokuhoʻole**: The "Island of the Lost," a small, uninhabited islet located west of Niʻihau. Its name comes from the Hawaiian words "moku" (island) and "hoʻole" (lost).

21. **Kāneʻohe**: "The place of the man Kane."

22. **Kailua**: "Two seas."

23. **Wahiawa**: "Place of the whistling wind."

24. **Waiʻanae**: "Place of the sea."

25. **Makaha**: "Place of the eyes."

26. **ʻEwa**: "Place of the spreading" or "place of the extending."

27. **Waimanalo**: "Place of the flowing water."

28. **Kaneohe**: "Place of the man Kane."

29. **Mililani**: "Place of the wild boar."

30. **ʻAiea**: "Place of the food."

31. **Pearl Harbor**: "Safe harbor."

32. **Waimānalo**: "Place of the flowing water."

33. **Kahana**: "Place of the wind."

34. **Kailua**: "Two seas."

35. **Waialua**: "Place of the water."

36. **ʻEwa Beach**: "Place of the spreading."

37. **Waipahu**: "Place of the water."

38. **Nanakuli**: "Place of the low point."

39. **Makaha**: "Place of the eyes."

40. **Kahuku**: "Place of the wind."

41. **Waimea**: "Place of the reddish water."

42. **Keauhou**: "Place of the gods."

43. **Keahole**: "Place of the sun."

44. **Keauhou**: "Place of the gods."

45. **Kona**: "Place of the wind."

46. **Hilo**: "Place of the shadow."

47. **Puna**: "Place of the rising sun."

48. **Hamakua**: "Place of the windward side."

49. **Kohala**: "Place of the high land."

50. **Kaʻū**: "Place of the south."