Nickname help!
We want to name our baby Penelope but we can’t decide on a nickname? Help!
Whether you’re drawn to nature, mythology, or deep tradition, Hawaiian boy names carry a lyrical beauty all their own.
These names are more than just words — they’re reflections of identity, culture, and connection to the land.
A word on respect to the Hawaiian culture: many Hawaiian names are deeply rooted in heritage and language, so if you’re choosing one outside of your culture, it’s worth taking time to understand its meaning and significance.
In this article: 📝
- How to pronounce Hawaiian boy names
- Top 10 Hawaiian boy names
- Popular island-inspired Hawaiian boy names
- What are rare Hawaiian boy names?
- Strong and powerful Hawaiian boy names
- More Hawaiian boy names to consider
How to pronounce Hawaiian boy names
So you’ve fallen in love with a Hawaiian boy name — but now you’re wondering, “Am I even saying this right?” Totally valid.
Hawaiian is a phonetic language, which means most words are pronounced exactly as they’re spelled.
There are just 13 letters in the Hawaiian alphabet, and every letter counts.
Vowels are especially important — they’re everywhere, and they’re long, lyrical, and totally beautiful when spoken.
Here are a few pronunciation tips to keep in your back pocket:
- Each vowel is pronounced: No silent letters here. For example, Keanu is keh-AH-noo, not kee-noo.
- W is often pronounced like a V: So Kawika might sound more like kah-VEE-kah.
- Break it down by syllables: Hawaiian names flow best when you give each syllable its moment. Think Ka-ma-ka-lo-ha or Na-he-le.
Still not sure how to say your fave name out loud?
The University of Hawai‘i has a handy guide to Hawaiian pronunciation to help you get comfy with the sounds.
No stress if you don’t get it perfect first time.
The beauty is in learning — and saying the name with intention and respect.
Top 10 Hawaiian boy names
Want to know what names are actually trending in Hawaii?
According to the U.S. Social Security Administration’s baby name data for Hawaii, these are the most popular Hawaiian boy names given to babies born in the Aloha State in 2023.
You might be surprised to see that most of these aren’t actually Hawaiian boy names.
- Elijah: A timeless Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh is my God”.
- Liam: Short for William, this Irish name means “strong-willed warrior”.
- Noah: Another Hebrew classic, meaning “rest” or “comfort”.
- Ezekiel: A bold biblical name meaning “God strengthens”.
- Lucas: Latin in origin, meaning “bringer of light”.
- Kai: A true Hawaiian gem meaning “sea” or “ocean”. It’s the only Hawaiian-origin name in the top 10 — and it’s been a consistent fave for years.
- Ezra: A gentle yet powerful Hebrew name meaning “help” or “protector”.
- Leo: Latin for “lion”. Fierce, short, and oh-so-cute.
- Luke: Derived from Latin, meaning “light-giving”.
- Oliver: Of Latin and Old Norse roots, meaning “olive tree” — symbolising peace and abundance.
Popular island-inspired Hawaiian boy names
If you’re dreaming of surfy, sun-kissed names that feel like a deep breath of salty sea air — these are for you. 🌴
Island-inspired Hawaiian boy names are all about connection to nature: the ocean, the breeze, the mountains, the moon.
They’re lyrical, grounded, and full of meaning — just like the islands themselves.
Here are some of our favorite picks that bring the aloha energy:
- Anuenue: Meaning “rainbow”. Colorful, joyful, and totally unique.
- Hilo: Meaning “first night after the new moon” and also the name of a lush town on the Big Island.
- Hokulani: Meaning “heavenly star”. For a little one destined to shine.
- Kaiholo: Meaning “the moving sea”.
- Kaimana: Meaning “power of the ocean”.
- Kainalu: Meaning “the surf”.
- Kaleo: Meaning “the voice” or “sound”. Perfect for a future storyteller or singer.
- Kapono: Meaning “the righteous” or “goodness”. A name that carries calm confidence.
- Kawika: Meaning “beloved”. A Hawaiian form of David, this name blends cultural roots with a timeless, classic feel.
- Keanu: A familiar favorite, Keanu has always been very popular with movie fans. Meaning “cool mountain breeze”, it’s another name that pays fitting tribute to Hawaii’s natural beauty.
- Keone: Meaning “the sand”. A grounded, earthy pick with serious beach energy.
- Kolohe: Meaning “mischievous” or “rascal”. A playful choice with cheeky charm.
- Lahahana: Meaning “warmth of the sun”.
- Laniakea: Meaning “immeasurable heaven”. Cosmic and spiritual all in one.
- Makai: Meaning “toward the sea”.
- Makani: Meaning “the wind”.
- Moani: Meaning “a fragrant breeze”.
- Noelani: Meaning “heavenly mist”.
- Puna: Meaning “a water spring”.
- Ulani: Meaning “cheerful” or “light-hearted”. Like naming your baby after a sunny day.
What are rare Hawaiian boy names?
On the other hand, you may be looking for a more unique name for your special one.
If you are considering going for a rarer Hawaiian boy’s name, some of the following may appeal to you:
- Ahe: Meaning “gentle breeze”.
- Aloiki: Meaning “famous warrior”. A unique twist on strength and legacy.
- Aolani: Meaning “heavenly cloud”.
- ʻEleu: Meaning “alert” or “nimble”. Short, sharp, and full of action.
- Hekili: Meaning “thunder”. Bold, electric, and full of natural force.
- Hikimoe: Meaning “to lie down” or “to rest”. A peaceful, rare name with meditative vibes.
- Inoke: The Hawaiian form of Enoch, meaning “dedicated”. Rare and reverent.
- Iokepa: This name has origins in Hebrew through St. Joseph, and means “God will increase”.
- Kaʻaukai: Meaning “the seafarer” or “navigator”. A rare nod to traditional ocean voyaging.
- Kahiau: Meaning “extremely generous”. This name would make your baby boy stand out from the crowd.
- Kalani: Perfect for your little angel, this name literally means “of the heavens”.
- Kaukaualiʻi: Meaning “noble eater”. Historically used for Hawaiian nobility — rich with cultural depth.
- Keahi: Meaning “flames” or “fire”. Bold, intense, and full of energy.
- Keola: Meaning “life”.
- Keona: A great choice for your baby boy, this name means “God’s gracious gift”.
- Keonaona: Meaning “sweet fragrance”.
- Konane: Meaning “shining moonlight”.
- Koukakala: Meaning: “mysterious river”.
- Laʻakea: Meaning “sacred light”. Gentle and luminous.
- Lanakila: Meaning “victory”. A strong, triumphant name that carries power and confidence.
- Maka’ala: Meaning “vigilance”.
- Makoa: A name that links to strength and power, Makoa means “bold man” and was only given to 12 Hawaiian boys in 2020.
- Malulani: Meaning “protected by heaven”, this Hawaiian boy’s name is a solid choice and sounds beautiful.
- Manaolana: Meaning “hope”. A name that carries gentle strength and emotional depth.
- Nahele: A unique tree name meaning “woods” or “forest”.
- Noheaikai: Meaning “handsome sea”. A poetic, nature-connected option.
- Pika: Meaning “rocks”.
- Pikoi: Meaning “to throw a rope”. Traditionally linked to Hawaiian lassoing or binding — evokes skill and control.
- Pomaikaʻi: Meaning “blessed” or “fortunate”. A beautiful, less common name that radiates positive energy.
- Uluwehi: Meaning “lush plants”.
Strong and powerful Hawaiian boy names
Along with paying tribute to nature, Hawaiian boy names often focus on strength and fearlessness.
If you want to evoke a sense of power, dive into one of these legendary Hawaiian boys’ names:
- Ailani: Meaning “high chief” or “ruler”.
- Haoa: A Hawaiian form of Howard, meaning “chief guardian”. Short, punchy, and powerful.
- Hualani: Meaning “royal offspring” or “descended from greatness”. A name that nods to heritage and strength.
- Ikaika: Meaning “strong”.
- Kalewa: Meaning “the skilled one” or “expert”. Associated with mastery and control.
- Kanaloa: Name of a major Hawaiian deity associated with the ocean and healing — symbolising power, mystery, and ancient strength.
- Kaonohiokala: Meaning “the eyes of the sun”. A poetic yet powerful name evoking light, vision, and strength.
- Kapule: Meaning “protected one”. Has both strength and a soft sense of safety.
- Kauhane: Meaning “the spirit warrior”. A spiritually charged name with major strength energy.
- Kauhi: Meaning “high, noble, or exalted”. A commanding name often associated with greatness and leadership.
- Kekapa: Meaning “the protector”. Bold and steady, this name evokes safety and guardianship.
- Kekoa: Meaning “brave”.
- Kilioe: Meaning “seizing victory”. Fierce and assertive — definitely a standout.
- Koa: Meaning “bold warrior”. You’ve been warned…
- Kualii: Meaning “famous chief”. A high-ranking name historically tied to Hawaiian nobility.
- Lokela: Meaning “legendary warrior”.
- Makaha: Meaning “ferocious”.
- Mano: Meaning “shark”. A strong, respected animal in Hawaiian culture.
- Nahoa: Meaning “defiant”.
- Nahulu: Meaning “the leader” or “chief”. Rare and regal.
More Hawaiian boy names to consider
If you still haven’t made your choice — and we don’t blame you — here are more beautiful Hawaiian boy’s names to spark your imagination:
- Aalona: Meaning “oak tree”.
- Aheahe: Meaning “gentle breeze”.
- Aheʻula: Meaning “red wind”.
- Ahuahu: Meaning “to heap” or “pile up”, symbolising abundance.
- Aikaka: Meaning “strong spirit”.
- Aikane: Meaning “friend” or “companion”.
- Alaula: Meaning “light of early dawn”.
- Aliʻikai: Meaning “chief of the sea”.
- Akamai: Meaning “clever”.
- Akamu: Meaning “of the earth”.
- Akela: Meaning “noble”.
- Akoni: Meaning “priceless”.
- Amoe: Meaning “to rest”.
- Anankoni: Adapted from the Roman name Anthony meaning “highly praiseworthy”.
- Aouli: Meaning “blue sky”.
- Bane: An English and Slavic name meaning “glorious defender”.
- Ekewaka: Meaning “wealthy protector”.
- Elta: Meaning “the Lord is my God”.
- Etana: Meaning “strong” or “long-lived”.
- Eusebio: Meaning “devout”.
- Haikili: Meaning “God of Thunder”.
- Hale: Meaning “home”.
- Haleaka: Meaning “house of shadows”.
- Haleigha: Meaning “house of the rising sun”.
- Hanale: Meaning “lord of the manor”.
- Hani: Meaning “joyful”.
- Hanini: Meaning “to pour down like rain”.
- Haulani: Meaning “royal ruler”.
- Healani: Meaning “heavenly mist”.
- Hikialani: Meaning “look to heaven”.
- Hilo: Meaning “the first night after a new moon”.
- Hokuao: Meaning “morning star”.
- Ikaʻaka: Meaning “strength” or “power”.
- Ioane: The Hawaiian variation of Joanne meaning “God is gracious”.
- Iokua: Meaning “God is my salvation.
- Ipoakea: Meaning “pure sweetheart”.
- Iwikauikaua: A chiefly name meaning “bones of the rain”.
- Kaʻakea: Meaning “white rock”.
- Kaʻanohi: Meaning “the eye”.
- Kaʻaukai: Meaning “the seafarer”.
- Kaeo: Meaning “strong”, “full of knowledge”, and even “zealous”. There’ll be no stopping this one.
- Kahaʻea: Meaning “to call out”.
- Kahawai: Meaning “stream” or “river”.
- Kahikilani: Meaning “the arrival of the chief”.
- Kahikina: Meaning “the arrival”.
- Kahiko: Meaning “ancient”.
- Kahili: Meaning “feather standard”, symbolising royalty.
- Kaholo: Meaning “adept”.
- Kahoni: A unique Hawaiian love name meaning “the kiss”.
- Kahua: Meaning *“*foundation”.
- Kahula: Meaning “dancing”. 🕺
- Kahulaliʻi: Meaning “little dance”.
- Kahumana: Meaning “the man’s place” or “spiritual center”.
- Kahuna: Meaning “expert”.
- Kaiea: Meaning “rising tide”.
- Kaimalino: Meaning “calm sea”.
- Kaimipono: Meaning “seeker of goodness”.
- Kainoaokekai: Meaning “namesake of the sea”.
- Kalehua: Meaning “the lehua flower”.
- Kalewaokekai: Meaning “swaying of the sea”.
- Kaila: Meaning “the laurel crown”.
- Kaleiopuʻu: Meaning “the beloved garment”, traditionally symbolic.
- Kalino: Meaning the “brilliant one”.
- Kalon: Meaning “sky”.
- Kamahele: Meaning “wanderer”.
- Kamaile: Meaning “bamboo shoot”.
- Kamalu: Meaning “the shelter” or “the shade”.
- Kamuela: Hawaiian form of Samuel, meaning “God has heard”.
- Kana: In reference to the heroic Maui demigod Kana who once journeyed to the underworld to restore the sun to his people.
- Kanikau: Meaning “lament”, poetic and emotional.
- Kanoa: Meaning “the free one”.
- Kanoaokalani: Meaning “freedom of the heavens”.
- Kanuha: Meaning “the sulky one”.
- Kanye: Meaning “freedom”.
- Kapena: Meaning “captain”.
- Kauailani: Meaning “heavenly rain”.
- Kaʻulei: Meaning “the wreath” or “garland”.
- Kauanoe: Meaning “misty rain”.
- Kaui: Meaning “youthful one”.
- Kaulana: Meaning “famous” or “renowned”.
- Kawai: Meaning “coming from the water”.
- Kawika: A Hawaiian variation of David, meaning “beloved”.
- Kawikani: Meaning “the strong one”.
- Kawohi: Meaning “the beloved one”.
- Kayl: Meaning “the one who is free”.
- Kealaloloa: Meaning “the long path”.
- Kealohilani: Meaning “the brightness of heaven”.
- Kehau: Meaning “dew”.
- Kehaunani: Meaning “beautiful dew”.
- Keimoni: Meaning “the ocean of uniqueness or knowledge”.
- Kelani: Meaning “heavens”.
- Kellii: Meaning “the chief”.
- Kelokelo: Meaning “to sparkle”.
- Kepano: Hawaiian form of Stephen, meaning “crown”.
- Kika: Meaning “strong” or “energetic”.
- Kilo: Meaning “stargazer” or “astrologer”.
- Kimo: A distinctive take on James, meaning “supplanter”.
- Koaika: Meaning “brave one”.
- Koi: Meaning “urge” or “implore”.
- Konala: Meaning “world ruler”.
- Kualii: Meaning “an ancient chief”.
- Kukane: Meaning “like a man”.
- KyeKye: Meaning “ocean”.
- Lanakila: Meaning “victory”.
- Lanakilakekumu: Meaning “victory of the foundation”.
- Leialoha: Meaning “beloved child”.
- Likeke: Meaning “courageous chief”.
- Liko: Meaning “bud”.
- Lolana: Meaning “to soar”.
- Lono: Meaning “god of agriculture, fertility, and nature”.
- Lopaka: Meaning “bright fame” from the German name Hrodbeorht.
- Maikaʻi: Meaning “good” or “well-being”.
- Makanamaikalani: Meaning “gift of the heavens”.
- Makanui: Meaning “the eye of greatness”.
- Malo: Meaning “winner”.
- Mano: Meaning “shark”. 🦈
- Maui: Named for the Polynesian trickster god.
- Mele: Meaning “song”. 🎶
- Nainoa: Meaning “protector of children”.
- Nakoaokalani: Meaning “warrior of the heavens”.
- Nauʻi: Meaning “handsome” or “beautiful appearance”.
- Nohea: Meaning “handsome”.
- Onaona: Meaning “softly fragrant”.
- Ori: Meaning “my light”.
- Pekelo: Meaning “stone”.
- Wakea: Meaning “expansive space” or “heavens”. The name is inspired by the Sky father Wākea, who, together with the earth mother Papahānaumoku, created the Hawaiian islands.
Still can’t decide?
Try browsing our other baby name guides or chat with the other moms-to-be on Peanut to see which Hawaiian boy name speaks to you.
Or if you want to explore some other Hawaiian names, check out our dedicated list.