120+ Powerful Hawaiian Boy Names & Their Meanings

Hawaii, one of the states in the USA, has retained its history, culture, folklore and traditions. A tropical paradise filled with beauty and charm, it has been a popular destination for tourists worldwide. But beyond that, the charming and handsome names that have been cultural cornerstones of the island are being noticed and preferred by parents from far and wide! You will find many boys named after the elements like water, islands, warriors, Hawaiian deities, and names urging them to grow up brave, strong, healthy, sunny, and full of grit. Let’s look at some cool Hawaiian baby boy names and help you find inspiration for the naming journey you will embark upon!

List of Hawaiian Names for Baby Boys With Meanings

The sky, fire, land, and sea inspire the most popular Hawaiian names for baby boys. It is also expected to choose island names for the baby boys. Most Hawaiian names for baby boys tend to start with the alphabets’ K’ and ‘M’; perhaps the influence of the sea! A classic example is ‘Kai’, which means ‘sea’ in Hawaiian. Another famous name is Keanu, meaning a cooling breeze, which gained more popularity after the actor Keanu Reeves hit stardom. Most expectant mothers prefer the name. But don’t limit yourself. Here are some more meaningful Hawaiian names for young boys.

Popular Hawaiian Boy Names

Here’s a list of some of the most sought-after Hawaiian baby boy names steeped in history, culture and tradition.

1. Aheahe

The name means as gentle as the breeze’s caress since ‘Ahe’ means the breeze.

2. Akamai

This name of Hawaiian origin means to be clever or intelligent.

3. Aalona

This name with Hawaiian origin means ‘high mountain.’

4. Akamu

Hawaiian terminology means ‘made from clay or the red earth.’ A variant of ‘Adam’ with a biblical reference to God making man from the earth.

5. Akela

This Hawaiian name will add all the nobility and grace to your son’s name. In Hindi, it means one who walks alone.

6. Alelo 

The word Alelo means ‘tongue’ or ‘language’ in Hawaiian. 

7. Alohi 

The name means ‘brilliant’ or ‘shining.’

8. Aolani 

The name refers to a heavenly cloud. 

9. Elta

The devout Christian Hawaiians use this name for baby boys. It means ‘the Lord is mine’ or ‘the Lord is my only God.’

10. Eusebio

Another biblical name for the true worshipper and maybe from the name ‘Eusephus’ or ‘Josephus’ in Latin.

11. Haikili

This name is used to denote the Hawaiian Thunder God.HaniniIn Hawaiian, this means to ‘pour like rain’ and is very apt for boys born in the rainy season.

12. Haulani

If your son is born to rule, this is a great name as it means the ‘imperial ruler’ in Hawaiian.

13. Hae 

The name means ‘ocean.’

14. Ikaika 

The name is an energetic Hawaiian name that means ‘strong.’

15. Iokepa 

The name is of Hawaiian origin and means ‘God will increase.’

16. Ikaia

It is an inspirational biblical quote that means ‘God will deliver’ and is popular in Hawaii, where it originated.

17. Ioane

The name represents the Hawaiian way of saying ‘one who is in God’s favour.’ The name is similar to another English name, ‘Ian.’

18. Kaeo

This Hawaiian name means strength and is used for the born strong and healthy.

19. Kahawai

Kahawai is a Hawaiian term for the ‘river.’ It is very suitable for your son if you live near a river.

20. Kaholo

It is a Hawaiian term for speed and means the ‘light-footed one.’

21. Kahula

In Hawaiian, this term refers to ‘dancing,’ especially if your son is always cheerful and happy when the music is on.

22. Kahuna

The term in Hawaii refers to the ‘medicine man’ or a ‘wise man.’ Did you know that there are over forty Kahuna in folklore? And over twenty of the Kahuna are just healers! Hawaiian mythology also uses Kahuna to refer to experts in any profession, for example, sorcerers, priests, ministers, etc.

23. Kalino

This Hawaiian name is apt for the bright and intelligent boy as it means ‘the brilliant one’ or ‘as bright as the sun.’

24. Kalon

This Hawaiian term draws inspiration from the Sky God and his qualities. It means ‘the sky,’ which in English would also make an excellent name for a baby boy. You can even spell it Kaylon.

25. Kanoa

This Hawaiian name means ‘the one who is born free’ or ‘the free-spirited one.’

26. Kanye

This Hawaiian name means ‘freedom’ and has the famed Kanye West as the namesake.

27. Kaui

The name means ‘This youth is beautiful.’ The Hawaiian origins mostly use beauty to describe both males and females and refer primarily to inner beauty.

28. Kilo

No, it does not mean Kilogram! Instead, in Hawaiian, it means ‘the astronomer,’ ‘the daydreamer,’ or ‘the one who always observes the stars.’

29. Kimo

This term in Hawaiian means ‘to supplant’ or ‘replace.’ Hence, the name could say ‘the family torchbearer.’

30. Koa

A warrior inspires the name and means ‘the one who is a valiant warrior.’

31. Kona

This Hawaiian name is short but has a meaning. It acts as a guiding become as it means ‘leeward,’ and can be read as a name that guides them through life.

32. Kukane

The very masculine name from Hawaii that means ‘the great man.’

33. KyeKye

The water-inspired Hawaiian name means ‘to possess oceanic qualities.’

34. Kai 

The name has multiple origins but means ‘sea’ in Hawaiian culture.

35. Kaimana 

The name means ‘diamond’ or ‘powerful sea.’

36. Keola 

The name is gender-neutral and means ‘the life.’

37. Lani 

The name is of Hawaiian origin and means ‘royalty.’

38. Likeke

If your son is born to be a leader and rule, try this name, ‘the courageous ruler.’

39. Leialoha

The Hawaiians use this term as an endearment, meaning ‘my darling son.’

40. Makanui

The name originates in Hawaiian mythology and means the prince born in the ‘eye of greatness.’

41. Makoa

This Hawaiian term is used for the courageous one, as it means ‘a brave and bold man.’

42. Mahana 

The name means ‘warmth’ or ‘heat’ in Hawaiian culture. 

43. Makaala 

The name means ‘to look out’ or ‘to be awake.’

44. Mao 

The name means ‘over there’ in Hawaiian. 

45. Mauka 

The name means ‘towards the mountains.’

46. Nahele 

The name is gender-neutral and means ‘forest’ or ‘tree grove.’

47. Nalu 

The name is a Hawaiian gender-neutral name and means ‘wave.’

48. Olakino 

The word Olakino refers to the state of health and well-being.

49. Olaola 

The name is of Hawaiian origin and means ‘well-being.’

50. Ori

It is a term in the Hawaiian dialect which means ‘my light.’

51. Pekelo

The name means ‘steadfast’ and ‘abiding.’ The Hawaiians also use it to signify a rock or a stone.

52. Pahokee

The name is of Hawaiian origin and means ‘grassy waters.’

53. Uhane

The name represents the soul, the spirit of a person. 

Cute and Unique Hawaiian Names for Boys

Who says traditional Hawaiian boy names are not cute? You have a long list of names to get through that are famous and also understood in the Hawaiian language. Most names are amenable to a quick tweak and are gender-neutral, for example, Kaleo, Kalua, Kana, Kamuela, and more. Here are some more Hawaiian names for you to choose for your bundle of joy.

1. Ahe

‘The softly blowing breeze’ in Hawaiian is a great short name.

2. Keimoni

Sure, your son is unique, and what better way to say it than saying in Hawaiian that he is the one with an ocean of knowledge and uniqueness?

3. Kekoa

The name originates from the Hawaiian term ‘a brave warrior.’

4. Kellii

This name denotes nobility and addresses the Chief in the Hawaiian dialect.

5. Keona

The name is derived from Keon, which is praise to God and means ‘God has been gracious to me.’ You can also use Keoni.

6. Kepakiano

The devout believe this name of Hawaiian origin is taken from the term Keoni, meaning ‘the gift from the Gods.’

7. Kika

The name refers to the battlefield and is used to signify the one who is victorious at the battle place.

8. Konala

This Hawaiian name invokes God’s favour and means ‘the chief of the world’ or ‘the ruler of the earth.’

9. Konane

This Hawaiian name signifies ‘a brilliant light’ and ‘the enlightened one.’

10. Kualii

It is how the Hawaiians refer to every famous chieftain or ruler.

11. Kaiholo

Names with Kai signify the sea in Hawaiian. This name means the ‘movement of the sea’ or “the roar and roll of the seas.’

12. Kainalu

A tranquil name that translates to ‘an ocean that bellows,’ this serene name is a perfect choice for excited water babies!

13. Lahahana

If your son is born in summer, the name is right for him because Hawaiian means ‘the sun’s warmth.’

14. Lanakila

The name means ‘full of victory.’

15. Mele

This Hawaiian term means ‘the one who is always merry and happy.’

16. Moke

This name of Hawaiian origin refers to the refined gentleman who is as elegant as the sweet honey.

17. Nohea

The name is similar to Noah and means born beautiful and blessed in Hawaiian.

18. Puna

This name signifies the spring of water in Hawaii.

19. Wakea

Named after a deity who was the husband of Mother Earth called Papahanaumoku. They are supposedly the parents of all ruling chieftains in Hawaii.

Rare Hawaiian Names for Boys

While Hawaiian names are quickly becoming popular, some are lesser-known hidden gems! Here is a list of some rare Hawaiian male names!

1. Anankoni

This Hawaiian name is an adaption of the name Anthony.

2. Bane

In Hawaiian, this means ‘the child that is long-awaited’ or ‘the child born after a long time.’

3. Ekewaka

In the Hawaiian dialect, this name is a form of the English name Edward, which means ‘protector of wealth.’

4. Hani

Although the name has Arabic roots, it means ‘to move or touch lightly.’

5. Hale

This word of English origin means ‘healthy’ and is a popular name that means ‘the one who hails from the far-off valley’ and a variant of the name Harry.

6. Hanale

This name is used to denote the master of the house. It is also how the locals adopt the name Henry to fit their culture.

7. Iokua

A biblical name that means ‘God will deliver me’ in the Hawaiian language. It is adapted from the Hebrew word for Joshua and pronounced as ‘yo-koo-ah.’

8. Kaila

The Hawaiian term for style makes a unique name for your baby boy.

9. Kana

The name refers to a demigod from the Island of Maui who supposedly became a rope and covered the stretch from Hawaii to Molokai.

10. Kahiau

In Hawaiian, this is the name for a caring or selfless individual.

Powerful Hawaiian Boy Names

Parents always want their baby boys to turn into resilient, strong, hardworking, self-sufficient, and brave men. These influential Hawaiian names for boys will motivate them to do just that!

1. Akoni

A Hawaiian name that means praiseworthy and admirable while being short, cute, and unique.

2. Ailani

This Hawaiian name means ‘the leader’ or ‘Chieftain’ and blesses your son if he wants to be a leader of men.

3. Etana

A Hawaiian name meaning ‘of a strong character.’ The term also symbolizes physical strength.

4. Haleigha

In Hawaiian, this name means the ‘East or the House of the Morning or Rising Sun.’

5. Healani

The name means ‘haze or mist from the heavens,’ perfect for a divine being.

6. Hikialani

The name denotes thanking God for your son or ‘the one who looks up to the heavens.’

7. Hilo

If your son is born on the first night of the lunar cycle, this name is apt as it means ‘on the first night of the new moon.’

8. Lakopa

Expecting twins? The second twin who comes ‘holding his twin’s heel’ is named Lakopa in Hawaii. Remember the biblical Esau and Jacob?

9. Lolana

This Hawaiian name signifies the term ‘to soar.’ Yes! All moms want their son’s ambitions and life paths to soar. Right?

10. Kahikilani

It is a term used in celebration and means ‘the arrival of the chief.’

11. Kahikina

The name probably signifies the sun’s arrival and refers to the East or dawn. It is a suitable name for baby boys born at dawn or in the East.

12. Kahiko

This name was used during the times of the irresponsible Chief Waia. Kahiko had the power to speak and was blessed by the Hawaiian Gods to take control from the Chief, who neglected his duties.

13. Kawika

This Hawaiian name means the one who is a favourite friend or beloved buddy.

14. Kawikani

If you name your child so, he will grow from strength to strength as the name means ‘the strong one.’ Can also be spelt as Kavikani.

15. Kayl

The name of Hawaiian origin means ‘born free’ or ‘free-spirited.’ You can spell it as Kyle or Kayle.

Hawaiian Names for Boys From Mythology

Irrespective of which part of the world you reside in, our cultural folklore, mythology, and stories have inspired us, impacted us, and, in some shape or form, made us the people we are today! These Hawaiian male names borrow inspiration from their mythology to create unique names.

1. Kane

While Kane traditionally translates to ‘male,’ ‘man of Eastern sky,’ and ‘little warrior,’ in Hawaiian Mythology, Kane, or ‘Kāne’, refers to one of the four predominant Gods in Hawaiian culture. It is said that these gods came together to create man in the image of Kane.

2. Kaulu

Kaulu refers to a mighty God in Hawaiian-Polynesian mythology known for his combat and magic skills.

3. Rangi

Rangi is the revered God of the Sky in Maori and Polynesian mythology. An unconventional name, it also translates to ‘sky’ and ‘heaven.’

4. Tane

An ethereal name for your baby boy, Tane refers to the God of Forests and Light in Hawaiian mythology.

5. Tangaroa

The God of Fertility and the Sea, Tangaroa, is a mythical and powerful name to bestow upon your son!

Other Beautiful Hawaiian Names for Boys

Beauty is an abstract concept in modern times, and today’s boys and men are beautiful too! Beauty is an inner dimension, and the name of the meaning of names is what expectant mothers love most. It is the first gift any parent could give their precious bundle of joy. Endearments are also used as names in Hawaii. Here are more Hawaiian boy names and their meanings for you to peruse!

1. Aouli

This name of Hawaiian origin means ‘the limitless blue sky.’

2. Kahoni

The Hawaiians call ‘the kiss’ as Kahoni. It is a unique and very apt name for a baby boy.

3. Koi

This Hawaiian name means to beg and implore. It is a variant of the Greek name Troy.

4. Kawai

This name means born of water and is of Hawaiian origins.

5. Kelani

This name is unisex and means ‘from the heavens.’

6. Lono

This name is for the child brought up on farms and means the ‘God of Agriculture and Peace.’

7. Liko

It is a rare name which in Hawaiian means the young flower bud.

8. Lopaka

Of Hawaiian origin, this name signifies a ‘bright flame,’ like the sun.

9. Makani

The name means ‘the one who flies like the wind,’ perfect for a baby boy who aspires to become a sportsman.

10. Makai

If you want your son to be a sea-farer, this name is for you as it means ‘the one who heads to the sea.’

11. Malo

The name has Hawaiian origins and connotes a winner total of victory. Try spelling variants ‘Malu’ or ‘Mallo’ if it suits you.

12. Mano

The name refers to a shark and is typically a Hawaiian way of adapting a name with Spanish origins.

13. Maui

A typical name from Hawaiian folklore is the Fire God deity, who created the Hawaiian Islands by tricking his brothers into fishing the land out of the ocean. He is supposed to have bound the sun to slow it down.

14. Moani

This name is a term used in the Hawaiian dialect, meaning ‘the scented breeze blowing over the land.’ You can also spell it Maonee, Mona or Moana if you wish. Remember the Disney character Moana?

15. Noelani

It is another name for boys born on Christmas day. It means ‘the dew from the heavens’ and can be shortened smartly to Lani or Noel or even used for a baby girl.

16. Nainoa

This term is used for the one who watches over the little children and has Hawaiian origins.

17. Onaona

Sounds exotic and means ‘one who has a pleasing scent or fragrance.’ It has Hawaiian origins, too.

18. Pika

It is a Hawaiian endearment for a vibrant baby boy who is full of life. Adapted from the name Peter with a local flavour perhaps.

19. Uluwehi

This name has a dash of colour and means lush green plants that grow well in Hawaii.

20. Wilbert

This name has also been popular and adapted into the Hawaiian language without any changes.

FAQs

1. Are there any naming traditions or rituals in Hawaiian culture?

Hawaiian culture has a deep spiritual foundation central to their rituals and traditions. Hawaiians might consider ancestry while naming newborns, but they also believe in three types of spiritual names. The first, ‘Inoa pō,’ refers to a name which comes to a family member in the dream and is thus given to the child. The second is ‘inoa hō‘ailona,’ which means sign name and refers to names that arise from visions or a noticeable phenomenon or mystical indicator. Finally, the ‘Inoa ‘ūlāleo’ refers to a name that comes to a family member as a spiritual voice that voices the name either directly or through a subtle message.

2. Can Hawaiian boy names be modified or changed?

Hawaiian names can be modified to suit contemporary wants. Traditionally, apostrophes indicate a pronunciation that uses the phonetic sound of the alphabet that succeeds it. You can remove the apostrophe if you like. The meaning remains the same, only the pronunciation slightly varies. 

Names of Hawaiian origin are meaningful and perfect for parents who want to give direction to their sons. And, like all parents with sons, you are right on the mark when you want one that is Hawaiian, sounds mystical and spiritual, and is a unique baby name! We hope you pick one of our suggestions, either as the baby’s first name, middle name, or nickname. Happy name hunting!

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