227 Hawaiian Baby Boy Names With Meanings

Ride the tropical waves of inspiration with these unique and vibrant monikers.

Written by Kavita Kankani, MBA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 7 years

Kavita has a diverse background in finance, human resources, and teaching. She did her MBA in Finance and HR at Solapur University, and bachelor in Education at Pune University. After working for thre... more

Edited by Akshay Nair, MA Specialty: Love, Marriage, RelationshipsExperience: 4.5 years

Akshay is an associate editor and former journalist with more than four years of experience. A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism, he has strong professional and academic background in... more

Fact-checked by N Pravenchandra Singh, MA Specialty: Literature and RelationshipsExperience: 2 years

Praven is an English literature expert. He did his bachelors in English from Delhi University and masters in English from Manipur University. Besides, he holds a certificate in multimedia design and c... more

• Sep 6, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Hawaiian baby boy names reflect the island's scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. These names are deeply rooted in Hawaiian traditions, elegantly reflecting the cross-generational bonds they hold. North American and East Asian cultures strongly influence Hawaiian culture. Indigenous Hawaiian tribes also played a prominent role in shaping the Hawaiian naming system. Generally, Hawaiian baby names draw inspiration from Hawaiian landscapes. Hence, they are often connected to the island's beaches, white sand, flora, and fauna. However, Hawaiian names can also be given to remember ancestors, historical events, and stories (moʻolelo) (1). The naming ritual is one of the most important ceremonies in Hawaiian culture. Ancestral Hawaiians believed overtly meaningful names attracted negative forces. Also, they believed that names could shape one's destiny. Hence, careful selection of names is given utmost importance in the culture. Genuine Hawaiian names defy gender norms, often carrying explicit connotations and occasionally exclusive emblems tied to a lineage. These names encapsulate individual life narratives, bearing profound importance. When articulated in Hawaiian, the significance resonates with speakers, the language itself conveying the weight to listeners. In Hawaiian tradition, three name types show the link between people and the spirit world: night-dream names (inoa pō), sign names (inoa hō‘ailona), and voice names (inoa 'ūlāleo). Night-dream names come from a relative's dream, whereas Sign names arise when a family member sees special signs like cloud shapes or bird flights, revealing a name. Voice names come from mystical voices heard in the wind. Bestowing these names to a child is believed to be the way to connect to the higher cosmic order (2). If Hawaiian naming practices allure you, we have compiled a list of Hawaiian baby boy names that are stylish and one-of-a-kind. Scroll down and explore to find charming monikers as vibrant as Hawaiian culture.

‹

›

Name	Gender	Meaning
Aiden	Unisex	Little fire
Caleb	Boy	Faithful as a dog; Brave; Devoted to God; Whole-hearted
Elijah	Boy	Yahweh is my God
Ethan	Boy	Strong
Ezekiel	Boy	Strength of God
Liam	Boy	Strong-willed warrior
Logan	Boy	Little hollow
Madison	Boy	Son of Maud
Mason	Boy	Stone worker
Noah	Unisex	Rest

William	Boy	Will; Protector
Ahe	Unisex	softly blowing breeze
Aheahe	Unisex	A variant of Ahe
Ailani	Boy	Chief; Leader
Ailany	Unisex	Seren; Tranquil
Aiona	Unisex	Everlasting love or eternal flame
Akamu	Boy	Of the Red Earth
Akela	Boy	Happy Joy; Feeling pleasure; Contented; Pleased
Alakai	Unisex	The leader; Guidance
Anuhea	Unisex	Beautiful, gentle, heavenly

Aukai	Unisex	Sea traveler
Bane	Boy	Son of consolation; Son of the Prophet; Long-awaited child
Boiken	Boy	Strong; Brave; Resolute
Dalinar	Boy	Strength; Warrior; Noble
Darriel	Unisex	Strong; Charismatic; Determined
Deaton	Unisex	Strong and courageous
Dreya	Unisex	Unique; Vibrant
Elta	Boy	The lord is my God
Etana	Boy	A Hawaiian word meaning strong
Eusebio	Boy	One who worships well

Halani	Unisex	Breath of heaven; Heavenly home
Haleigha	Boy	House of the Rising Sun
Halia	Unisex	Remembrance of a loved one; Memorial
Hanalei	Unisex	Polynesian paradise
Haulani	Boy	Royal ruler; Heavenly ice
Hikialani	Boy	Looking up at heaven
Hilo	Boy	First night after the new Moon
Ikaika	Unisex	Strong or Man of strength
Iselle	Unisex	God is my oath
Jhase	Boy	Healer

Joeli	Unisex	God is willing
Kaelani	Unisex	Heavenly or royal spirit
Kaeo	Boy	Strong
Kahawai	Boy	River
Kahi	Unisex	Ocean or sea
Kahiau	Unisex	Selfless generosity
Kahikilani	Boy	Arrival of the chief
Kahikina	Boy	East; Arrival
Kahili	Boy	Feather standard or rainbow part
Kahlani	Unisex	Heavenly; The heavens

Kahli	Unisex	Man; Army; Immortal; Everlasting
Kahoku	Unisex	Star
Kaholo	Unisex	Nimble
Kahoni	Unisex	Kiss
Kahua	Unisex	Base or foundation
Kahuna	Unisex	The hidden secret
Kaiana	Unisex	Sea and sky
Kaiel	Unisex	God is my warrior
Kaiholo	Unisex	Moving sea, running current
Kaikane	Boy	Strong Sea

Kaiko	Unisex	Sea with strong current
Kaikoa	Unisex	Sea warrior
Kailana	Unisex	Sea or sky princess
Kailany	Unisex	Sea and sky
Kailia	Unisex	Joyful sea; Sea of joy
Kaimana	Unisex	Power of the ocean; Diamond
Kaimee	Boy	Seeker
Kaimi	Boy	Seeker
Kainalu	Unisex	Sea wave
Kainoa	Unisex	The free-flowing ocean

Kainona	Unisex	Sea with no restrictions
Kaipo	Unisex	The sweetheart
Kairin	Unisex	Peaceful
Kaiulani	Unisex	Royal and sacred one
Kalama	Unisex	The torch; Flaming torch
Kalani	Unisex	Heaven; Sky; Royal one
Kaleho	Unisex	Cowry Shell
Kalei	Unisex	The child; The flowers
Kaleo	Unisex	Sound; Voice
Kalino	Boy	The brilliant one

Kalon	Boy	Sky
Kamaia	Unisex	Calm; Quiet one
Kamie	Unisex	Desire or longing
Kanoa	Boy	The free one
Kanuha	Boy	The sulky one
Kapena	Unisex	Captain
Kapono	Unisex	Righteous
Kapueo	Unisex	Owl in Hawaiian
Kapula	Unisex	Prayer
Kapuni	Unisex	Favorite One

Kaua	Boy	Sensitive; One who is sensitive by nature
Kauai	Unisex	Place of beauty
Kaui	Boy	The youth is beautiful
Kawena	Unisex	The rosy glow in the sky
Kawika	Boy	Favorite; Beloved Friend
Kawikani	Boy	The one who is strong
Kayl	Boy	The man who is free
Keahi	Unisex	Fire
Keahilani	Unisex	Heaven's fire
Keaka	Boy	Brave warrior; Valiant protector

1 2 3 »

Hawaiian baby boy names blend tradition and meaning for parents seeking unique names. These names embody the islands' vibrant spirit and deep meanings. Whether rooted in nature, history, or familial heritage, these names reflect the beauty and depth of Hawaiian history and culture. The compilation of names presented above provides a glimpse into this captivating world, guiding parents in selecting a meaningful name that resonates with Hawaiian traditions. So pick a name that fits your child's identity as a gem.

Infographic: Joyful Hawaiian Baby Boy Names

The islands of Hawaii are known for their verdant beauty and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The region is a picture-perfect confluence of flora and fauna, with natural beauty at its finest. If this sublime charm of Hawaii is what you are fond of, you may consider a Hawaiian name for your son. The following infographic presents some of the best Hawaiian baby boy names for you to explore.

hearty and joyous hawaiian baby boy names (infographic)

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Hawaiian boy name means gift from God?

Among the unique names for boys in Hawaii, Makana is a unisex name that means ‘gift’ or ‘gift from God,’ Keona means ‘God’s gracious gift,’ and Ionakana implies ‘a gift from God.’ These are beautiful choices for boys.

2. Which Hawaiian boy names mean sky?

Kalon is a popular Hawaiian name for boys that means ‘the sky’ and has drawn inspiration from the God of the Sky and his characteristics. Additionally, Aouli is another traditional name that has Hawaiian roots and means ‘the limitless blue sky.’

3. Which Hawaiian boy name means love?

In the Hawaiian language, Aloha means ‘love.’ Therefore, any name that contains the word aloha symbolizes love. For example, Kealoha is a unisex name that means ‘the loved one,’ where ke denotes a definite article. Pilialoha is another traditional Hawaiian name that means ‘beloved’ or ‘a bond of love.’

4. What is the meaning of the name "Kai" in Hawaiian?

Kai in Hawaiian is a unisex name that means ‘sea.’ Some other Hawaiian names that mean sea are Kaiholo (running current), Kaiko (sea with strong current), and Kaikane (strong sea).

5. What are some Hawaiian baby boy names that are easy to pronounce?

Names like Kai meaning ‘sea’ (k-eye), Koa means ‘warrior’ (koh-ah), Nalu means ‘wave’ (nah-loo), Liko means ‘bud’ (lee-koh), Makaio means ‘gift of Yahweh’ (mah-kah-ee-oh), and Nainoa means ‘the namesakes’ (nah-ee-noh-ah) are easy to pronounce. However, keep in mind that pronunciation can vary, and it's always a good idea to consult with a native Hawaiian speaker to ensure accurate pronunciation.

6. What are some Hawaiian baby boy names with historical significance?

Hawaii has a rich history and culture, among which Kamehameha is a name that symbolizes ‘the quiet one.’ It was the name of the legendary founder and first King of Hawaii and was referred to as Kamehameha the Great by the local people (3). Kaheliki is another name for boys in Hawaiian culture that implies ‘the thunder’ and was the name of the 13th and 25th Chiefs or Mōʻī of the Māui people of Hawaii.

7. What are some Hawaiian baby boy names that are suitable for twins?

Some Hawaiian names that could be suitable for twins are Alo means ‘the face’ and Aloiki means ‘renowned war’, Mamo means ‘yellow bird’ and Manu means ‘bird’, Kai means ‘sea’ and Kainalu means ‘surf’, and Oliwa means ‘olive tree’ and Onaona means ‘sweet fragrance.’ It's always a good idea to research the meanings and cultural significance of the names you are considering to ensure they align with your intentions.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Native Hawaiian Cultural Heritage.
https://www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/heritage/kapainoa.html
Hawaiian Naming Traditions: A Cultural Legacy
http://www.bigislandtalkstory.org/talk-stories/hawaiian-naming-traditions-a-cultural-legacy-ke-ola-magazine-sept-oct-20209945271
Kamehameha the Great.
https://www.nps.gov/puhe/learn/historyculture/kamehameha.ht

Look Up For Many More Names

Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.