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The Hawaiian Islands are known worldwide for their beauty, culture, and aloha spirit—but behind each island’s name lies a story rooted in history, language, and tradition. Some names are tied to Hawaiian gods and legends, others to early explorers and migrations, and still others to natural features that inspired their titles. Understanding how Hawai‘i’s islands got their names offers a deeper appreciation for the archipelago’s cultural and linguistic heritage.
Hawai‘i (The Big Island)
The largest island in the chain, Hawai‘i Island, shares its name with the entire state. According to Hawaiian tradition, the name comes from Hawai‘iloa, a legendary Polynesian navigator credited with discovering the islands. Some oral histories suggest Hawai‘iloa named the island after himself, while others connect the word Hawai‘i to the ancestral homeland of the Polynesians, Hawaiki, a place referenced in oral traditions across the Pacific.
Because of its size, Hawai‘i Island is often called “The Big Island” to avoid confusion with the state name. Its vast landscapes, from active volcanoes to snow-capped Mauna Kea, make it a fitting bearer of the archipelago’s central name.
Learn more about Hawai‘i Island
Maui
The island of Maui is named after the demigod Māui, a heroic figure common in Polynesian mythology. In Hawaiian lore, Māui is famous for his strength and cleverness—he is said to have fished the islands out of the sea and slowed the sun to give humanity longer days.
Some traditions say the island was named by the navigator Hawai‘iloa in honor of his son, who was named after the demigod. The association between the island and this cultural hero makes Maui a land of legendary stature.
Explore Maui’s history
O‘ahu
O‘ahu translates to “The Gathering Place,” though its exact origins are less clear than some other islands. The name appears in Hawaiian oral traditions and songs, but no definitive explanation exists. Some suggest that O‘ahu was named by Hawai‘iloa after one of his relatives.
True to its title, O‘ahu has always been a gathering place—it is home to Honolulu, the state capital, and the majority of Hawai‘i’s population today. With historic sites like Pearl Harbor and cultural landmarks such as ʻIolani Palace, O‘ahu remains a center of both ancient and modern Hawaiian life.
More on O‘ahu’s culture
Kaua‘i
Kaua‘i, often called the “Garden Island,” may derive its name from the Hawaiian word kau (to place) and a‘i (to eat). Some interpret this as “a place around the neck,” referencing the island’s shape. Others link it to legends of Hawai‘iloa, who is said to have named the island after his son.
Kaua‘i is the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands geologically, and its name reflects a deep connection to family and tradition. Its lush mountains and valleys give it a timeless, almost mystical quality, matching the poetic beauty of its name.
Discover Kaua‘i
Moloka‘i
Known as the “Friendly Isle,” Moloka‘i is deeply tied to Hawaiian culture. It is home to Kalaupapa, the historic settlement where Saint Damien and Saint Marianne cared for people with Hansen’s disease (leprosy), and it is regarded as a place where traditional Hawaiian practices remain strong.
Learn more about Moloka‘i
Lāna‘i
Lāna‘i is often called the “Pineapple Isle,” but its traditional name is said to mean “day of conquest.” According to legend, the island was once inhabited by spirits until a Maui chief’s son, Kaululā‘au, banished them and claimed the island for people. Another interpretation ties the name to lā (day) and na‘i (conquer), reflecting the conquest of these spirits.
In modern times, Lāna‘i was famous for its pineapple plantations, once producing most of the world’s pineapples. Today it is known for its quiet landscapes and luxury resorts.
Explore Lāna‘i
Ni‘ihau
The privately owned island of Ni‘ihau has a name with uncertain origins. Some suggest it means “snatched away,” possibly referring to its creation in myth when it was pulled from the sea. Others connect it to words meaning “withered” or “dry,” reflecting its arid climate.
Ni‘ihau is unique as the “Forbidden Island,” closed to most visitors, and it is one of the last places where Hawaiian is spoken as the primary language.
Learn more about Ni‘ihau
Kaho‘olawe
The smallest of the main islands, Kaho‘olawe, is named for its natural environment. Known as "The Target Isle" as it was used as a bombing target practice for the United States military during World War II.
Kaho‘olawe has a turbulent modern history, as it was used by the U.S. military for bombing practice during World War II and afterward. Today, it is uninhabited and managed by the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission, dedicated to cultural and ecological restoration.
Learn about Kaho‘olawe
Why the Names Matter
The names of Hawai‘i’s islands are not just labels—they are living reminders of legends, family ties, and natural features. They connect modern residents and visitors to the islands’ ancient past and help preserve the Hawaiian language and worldview.
When you say Maui or Kaua‘i, you are invoking the names of gods, ancestors, or poetic descriptions of the land itself. Recognizing the origins of these names adds depth to any journey across Hawai‘i and reinforces the importance of respecting the culture that continues to thrive here.
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Frequently Asked Question
1. How did the Hawaiian Islands get their names?
Each Hawaiian island’s name reflects a mix of legend, language, history, and geography. Some names come from Hawaiian gods and demigods, such as Maui; others come from ancient Polynesian navigators like Hawai‘iloa; and some connect to natural features or poetic descriptions. These names preserve Hawai‘i’s ancestral stories and offer deeper insight into the culture and worldview of Native Hawaiians.
2. Why is Hawai‘i Island called “The Big Island”?
Hawai‘i Island shares its name with the entire state, so people call it “The Big Island” to avoid confusion. According to tradition, the island’s name comes from Hawai‘iloa, a legendary navigator who discovered the archipelago. Some stories say he named the island after himself, while others link the name to Hawaiki, the ancestral homeland referenced across Polynesia.
3. Why is the island of Maui named after the demigod Māui?
Maui is named after Māui, the iconic Polynesian demigod known for slowing the sun and pulling islands from the sea. Some legends say Hawai‘iloa named the island after his son, who was named in honor of the demigod. This connection gives the Valley Isle a strong tie to myth and heroic tradition.
4. What does the name O‘ahu mean?
O‘ahu is often translated as “The Gathering Place.” While its exact linguistic origin isn’t fully documented, the name appears frequently in chants, oral histories, and ancient stories. Fittingly, O‘ahu is still the “gathering place” today as the home of Honolulu, Waikīkī, and the majority of Hawai‘i’s population.
5. Where does the name Kaua‘i come from?
The origin of Kaua‘i is not completely certain. One interpretation links its name to kau (to place) and a‘i (to eat), while another ties it to Hawai‘iloa’s son. As the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, Kaua‘i’s poetic name reflects its deep roots in family tradition, age-old legends, and the island’s lush, mystical landscapes.
6. What is the meaning behind the name Moloka‘i?
Moloka‘i, known as “The Friendly Isle,” holds a strong cultural and spiritual history. Its name’s origin is debated, but the island itself remains closely tied to Hawaiian traditions, including storytelling, farming, fishing, and historical sites like Kalaupapa, where Saint Damien and Saint Marianne cared for people with Hansen’s disease.
7. Why is Lāna‘i called “the Pineapple Isle,” and what does its name originally mean?
Lāna‘i earned the nickname “The Pineapple Isle” thanks to its once-massive pineapple plantations. Traditionally, however, the name Lāna‘i is said to mean “day of conquest.” Legend says a Maui chief’s son, Kaululā‘au, drove away spirits from the island, making it suitable for human settlement.
8. What is the meaning of Ni‘ihau’s name?
The exact meaning of Ni‘ihau is uncertain. Some legends interpret it as “snatched away,” referencing mythological creation stories, while others translate it as “withered” or “dry,” reflecting its arid environment. Today, Ni‘ihau is known as “The Forbidden Island,” privately owned and known for its preservation of Hawaiian language and culture.
9. Why is Kaho‘olawe considered sacred, and how did it get its name?
Kaho‘olawe’s name is often linked to its natural environment, with some translations meaning “the carrying away” or connected to storms and dryness. It is considered sacred by Native Hawaiians and has been the focus of significant cultural and ecological restoration after decades of military use. Today, it is uninhabited and protected by the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission.
10. Why do the names of Hawai‘i’s islands matter so much?
The names of Hawai‘i’s islands are more than geographic labels—they are living reflections of culture, language, genealogy, and spirituality. Knowing their meanings helps visitors appreciate the islands on a deeper level and encourages respect for Hawaiian traditions. When you say names like Maui or Kaua‘i, you’re speaking words rooted in ancient stories and cultural identity.
11. How can learning the meanings of Hawaiian island names enhance my visit?
Understanding each island’s name deepens your connection to the places you explore. Whether visiting Maui’s legendary landscapes, Kaua‘i’s ancient valleys, or O‘ahu’s historic sites, the stories behind the names enrich your experience and help you travel with greater respect for Hawai‘i’s culture and heritage.
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