62 Exotic Hawaiian Baby Names for Boys and Girls (Plus Meanings & FAQ)

Nature-Inspired Hawaiian Baby Names

• Kai – meaning “sea” or “ocean,” a popular unisex name often used for boys
• Leilani – “heavenly flowers” or “royal child,” a feminine name combining “lei” (garland) and “lani” (heaven)
• Kala – “sun,” typically a masculine name
• Mahina – “moon,” a feminine name also meaning “month” in Hawaiian
• Maile – a fragrant vine used in leis, a feminine name associated with good luck and love
• Nalu – “wave,” often used for boys, symbolizing strength and fluidity
• Lani – “sky” or “heaven,” can be used for both genders
• Moana – “ocean” or “vast expanse of water,” popularized by the Disney movie
• Hoku – “star,” unisex name often used in combinations like Hokulea (“star of gladness”)

Like nature-inspired names? See the list of nature names for girls and the list of flower names for girls.

Hawaiian Names with Spiritual Meanings

• Pono – “righteousness” or “balance,” often used for boys
• Lono – name of the Hawaiian god of agriculture and peace
• Mana – “spiritual power” or “supernatural power,” unisex name
• Kanaloa – one of the four major Hawaiian gods, associated with the ocean
• Hina – Hawaiian moon goddess, often used in combination names
• Akua – “god” or “spirit,” can be used for both genders
• Aloha – means “love,” “compassion,” and “peace,” rarely used as a name but carries deep cultural significance

Popular Hawaiian Names For Boys And Girls

• Kona – place name on the Big Island, associated with famous coffee
• Leilani – as mentioned earlier, is very popular for girls
• Kai – popular unisex name, often used for boys
• Malia – the Hawaiian form of Mary, means “calm” or “peaceful”
• Keoni – Hawaiian form of John
• Kaimana – combines “kai” (sea) and “mana” (power), popular for boys
• Noelani – combines “Noe” (mist) and “lani” (heaven), meaning “heavenly mist”

Short Hawaiian Names

• Io – “hawk” or “royal hawk,” also a name for the supreme being in some Hawaiian traditions
• Nai – short form of longer names like Nainoa
• Kea – “white,” often used in combination names
• Olu – “pleasant” or “agreeable”
• Pua – “flower,” often used as a nickname for longer names
• Lei – “garland” or “wreath,” symbolizing love and respect
• Lea – “joy” or “pleasure”

Like short names? Did you know that short three letters names are among top 20 baby name trends for 2024 and 2025? Also, short middle names for girls became very popular during the last years.

Longer Hawaiian Names

• Kamoanimelelani – a long, unique name combining multiple elements
• Ka’iulani – “highest point of heaven,” name of a Hawaiian princess
• Emmalani – combines Emma (a royal name in Hawaii) with “lani” (heaven)
• Kaleimomi – “pearl necklace,” combining “ka lei” (the garland) and “momi” (pearl)
• Lokelani – “small red rose,” Hawaii’s official flower
• Kawehilani – combines “kawehi” (the honor) and “lani” (heaven)

Female Hawaiian Names

• Leilani – as mentioned earlier
• Mahina – “moon”
• Malia – Hawaiian form of Mary
• Pualani – “heavenly flower”
• Ku’uipo – “my sweetheart” or “my beloved”
• Hiilani – “held in the arms of heaven”
• UiLani – possibly combining “ui” (youthful) and “lani” (heaven)
• Nani – “beautiful” or “glory”
• Lalela – meaning unclear, possibly related to “lale” (lazy)
• Kanani – “the beauty” or “the pretty one”

Male Hawaiian Names

• Koa – “warrior” or “brave one,” also a type of tree
• Keanu – “cool breeze over the mountains”
• Kai – “sea”
• Nainoa – “namesake”
• Aukai – “ocean traveler”
• Hanalei – place name meaning “crescent bay”
• Akoni – Hawaiian form of Anthony
• Keoni – Hawaiian form of John
• Makana – “gift”
• Nainoa – “namesake” or “to bear the name of”

Hawaiian Baby Names Starting with K

• Kala – “sun”
• Keoni – Hawaiian form of John
• Kawika – Hawaiian form of David
• Kainoa – “namesake”
• Kekoa – “the brave one”
• Kalani – “the heavens” or “the chief”
• Kamea – “the one and only”
• Kiana – “divine”
• Kimo – Hawaiian form of James

Hawaiian Names with Royal Connections

• Lili’uokalani – name of Hawaii’s last queen
• Kamehameha – name of several Hawaiian kings
• Ka’iulani – name of a Hawaiian princess
• Lunalilo – name of a Hawaiian king, means “luna” (high) and “lilo” (lost)
• Kalakaua – the name of a Hawaiian king, means “the day of battle”

Less Common Unique Hawaiian Names

• Hanalei – place name meaning “crescent bay,” used for both genders
• Keita – possibly a Japanese-Hawaiian hybrid name
• Hiilani – “held in the arms of heaven”
• UiLani – possibly combining “ui” (youthful) and “lani” (heaven)
• Kia’i – “guard” or “protector”
• Tua – possibly Polynesian rather than strictly Hawaiian
• Ku’uipo – “my sweetheart”
• Noelani – “heavenly mist”
• Makana – “gift”
• Iolana – possibly meaning “to soar” or “royal hawk”

Should Non-Hawaiians Use Hawaiian Names?

The use of Hawaiian names by non-Hawaiians is a complex and sensitive issue with varying opinions.

Arguments Against:

• Cultural appropriation concerns: Many Hawaiians feel that using their names without a connection to the culture cheapens their significance.
• Pronunciation difficulties: Non-Hawaiian parents may mispronounce names, losing their intended meaning and sound.
• Potential awkwardness: Children may face constant questions about their name’s origin and their lack of Hawaiian heritage.
• Spiritual significance: Hawaiian names often carry deep spiritual meaning that may be lost on those outside the culture.

Arguments For:

• Appreciation of the culture: Some see it as a way to honor Hawaiian culture and keep the language alive.
• Aesthetic appeal: Parents may simply find the names beautiful and meaningful.
• Globalization: As cultures mix, name borrowing becomes more common.

Experiences of Non-Hawaiians with Hawaiian Names

• Identity questions: Many report constantly having to explain their name’s origin and lack of Hawaiian heritage.
• Pronunciation issues: Teachers and others often struggle to pronounce the names correctly.
• Mixed reactions: Some feel a special connection to Hawaii through their name, while others feel it’s an ill-fitting cultural marker.

Hawaiians Perspectives on Non-Hawaiians Using Hawaiian Baby Names

• Many Hawaiians express discomfort with the practice, seeing it as an appropriation of their culture.
• Some are more accepting if the family has a genuine connection to Hawaii or deep respect for the culture.
• There’s often frustration when names are used without understanding their meaning or proper pronunciation.

Teacher and Public Perceptions of Hawaiian Names

• Teachers may struggle with unfamiliar pronunciations, potentially causing embarrassment for the child.
• People often assume a Hawaiian name indicates Hawaiian heritage, leading to misconceptions.
• Some find the names exotic and interesting, while others may view them as culturally insensitive.

Conclusion

While there’s no universal consensus, the prevailing opinion among Hawaiians and cultural experts is that non-Hawaiians should be very cautious about using Hawaiian names.

If chosen, it should be done with deep respect, understanding of the name’s meaning, and ability to pronounce it correctly.

Parents should consider the potential challenges their child may face and whether they have a genuine connection to Hawaiian culture that justifies the choice.

Hawaiian Middle Names: Combining Hawaiian Names with Other Cultures

Actually, most parents prefer multicultural names for their babies. It’s a trend that’s skyrocketing!

You may have seen countless creative combinations, but Hawaiian-inspired multicultural names truly take the cake. I’ve seen this trend explode, especially with Hawaiian middle names. They’re like a hidden treasure, carrying the spirit of aloha wherever you go.

Let’s explore some amazing combinations that’ll give your baby a name with a tropical twist.

Names with Hawaiian Middle Names for Boys

• Alexander Kai — “Defender of mankind” paired with Hawaiian “sea.”
• Gabriel Noa — “God is my strength” combined with Hawaiian “freedom.”
• William Kekoa — “Resolute protection” with Hawaiian “the brave one.”
• Chen Makoa — “Great, vast” united with Hawaiian “fearless.”
• Mateo Alika — “Gift of God” blended with Hawaiian “truthful.”
• Dmitri Keanu — “Earth-lover” merged with Hawaiian “cool breeze.”
• Soren Ikaika — “Stern” paired with Hawaiian “strong.”
• Amir Liko — “Prince” combined with Hawaiian “bud.”
• Xavier Mano — “New house” united with Hawaiian “shark.”
• Zain Akoni — “Beauty” blended with Hawaiian “worthy of praise.”
• Stefan Koa — “Crown” merged with Hawaiian “warrior.”
• Boris Nalu — “Fighter” paired with Hawaiian “wave.”
• Finn Kanoa — “Fair” combined with Hawaiian “the free one.”
• Enzo Malu — “Ruler of the household” united with Hawaiian “peace.”
• Leif Kahiau — “Heir” blended with Hawaiian “generous.”

Names with Hawaiian Middle Names for Girls

• Sofia Leilani — “Wisdom” paired with Hawaiian “heavenly flowers.”
• Zara Kailani — “Blooming flower” combined with Hawaiian “sea and sky.”
• Valentina Melia — “Strong, healthy” united with Hawaiian “plumeria flower.”
• Celeste Anuhea — “Heavenly” merged with Hawaiian “cool fragrance.”
• Esmeralda Kiana — “Emerald” blended with Hawaiian “divine.”
• Beatrice Nalani — “She who brings happiness” paired with Hawaiian “serenity of the skies.”
• Ingrid Alana — “Beautiful” combined with Hawaiian “awakening.”
• Sophia Mahina — “Wisdom” united with Hawaiian “moon.”
• Yasmin Luana — “Jasmine flower” merged with Hawaiian “content.”
• Natalia Kalena — “Birthday of the Lord” blended with Hawaiian “pure.”
• Camille Noelani — “Young ceremonial attendant” paired with Hawaiian “heavenly mist.”
• Zoe Halia — “Life” combined with Hawaiian “remembrance of a loved one.”
• Anastasia Maile — “Resurrection” united with Hawaiian “calm.”
• Jade Kaimana — “Precious green stone” merged with Hawaiian “power of the sea.”
• Savannah Ailani — “Treeless plain” blended with Hawaiian “high chief.”

Here are some tips for creating your own perfect blend:

• Choose names that flow well together phonetically
• Ensure the meanings of both names complement each other
• Consider using a Hawaiian middle name with a first name from your culture

Wrapping Up

Choosing a Hawaiian name for your baby girl or baby boy is more than just picking something that sounds pretty – it’s embracing a rich cultural legacy and connecting your kid to the spirit of aloha.

Remember, the perfect name is out there waiting for you, just like a hidden beach on a tropical island. So take your time, say the names out loud, and trust your heart.

May your naming journey be as beautiful as a Hawaiian sunset!

Last Updated on July 31, 2024 by Tania Nizova | Published: July 31, 2024