Hawaiian Last Names: Meanings & Cultural Depth
Hawaiian Last Names reveal a hybrid of native pride, colonial influence, and multicultural harmony. Below are 31 Hawaiian last names presented by BLN that aren’t just common or trendy. Each name is packed with meaning, origin, and cultural weight, crafted for those who want a name with depth, not decoration.
31 Hawaiian Last Names With Meaning & Cultural Insight
- Kealoha – “The love.” Often used as a surname and first name, it represents affection and familial connection.
- Kekoa – “The warrior.” Strong, short, and full of fire. Common among boys, admired by many.
- Kai – “Sea” or “ocean.” Simple, fluid, and endlessly deep.
- Mahina – “Moon.” A name that shines soft but carries ancient power.
- Alana – “Awakening” or “rising.” A fresh start in name form.
- Aukai – “Seafarer.” The one who crosses the unknown with strength.
- Kalani – “The heavens” or “royalty.” Used in aliʻi (noble) bloodlines.
- Hale – “House” or “home.” Solid, protective, grounding.
- Iona – Hawaiian version of Jonah. Graceful, biblical, peaceful.
- Kailani – “Sea and sky.” A marriage of ocean depth and sky freedom.
- Anuhea – “Cool breeze.” A refreshing presence, soft yet stirring.
- Kaimana – “Power of the ocean.” Calm and destructive, as needed.
- Kahale – “The house.” Familial strength and structure.
- Māhoe – “Twin.” Rare, symbolic, often linked to balance.
- Kanoa – “The free one.” Independent, bold, wild-hearted.
- Lani – “Sky” or “heaven.” A word found in many compound names.
- Hekili – “Thunder.” A name that enters like a storm.
- Mano – “Shark.” Fierce protector, guardian of the reef.
- Moana – “Ocean.” Made globally famous by Disney, but rooted in Polynesian language and lore.
- Ka‘uhane – “Spirit” or “soul.” A deep metaphysical echo.
- Makaio – “Gift of God.” Hawaiian version of Matthew.
- Noelani – “Heavenly mist.” Dreamy and lyrical.
- Ikaika – “Strength.” Often chosen for boys, solid and respected.
- Kalei – “Beloved,” “the wreath.” Woven with emotional and visual beauty.
- Leilani – “Heavenly garland of flowers.” Popular, romantic, and poetic.
- Pelekai – Likely derived from “Pele” (volcano goddess) and “kai” (sea). Dynamic and mythic.
- Lokelani – “Small red rose.” A state flower of Maui.
- Hoapili – “Close friend” or companion of royalty; also a real historical figure.
- Akana – “Golden” or “bright.” A name with both light and pride.
- Ailana – “Island.” Grounded yet surrounded by endless possibility.
- Waiola – “Water of life.” Sacred, nourishing, and eternal.
In Reddit’s r/namenerds, one user wrote, “I chose Keahi for my son—not just because it means fire, but because he was born during the Lahaina fires. It felt right.” This kind of emotional alignment is what names like these make possible.
23 Common Hawaiian Last Names That Are Still Beloved Today
. Common Hawaiian last names are like chants. They echo across generations, stitched into birth certificates, school roll calls, and family reunions. Among the most common last names in Hawaii today, you’ll find both traditional Hawaiian names and those introduced by immigrant families. It’s a dual heritage: Kealoha may live next door to Yamamoto. Akana might be a cousin to Silva.
Here are 23 of the most popular Hawaiian last names, with meaning and context:
- Kealoha – “The love.” A name with emotional gravity and cultural pride.
- Kekoa – “The warrior.” Widely embraced for its bold strength.
- Kai – “Ocean.” Simple, beautiful, and powerfully Hawaiian.
- Hale – “House.” A surname rooted in family and shelter.
- Kailani – “Sea and sky.” Used as both surname and given name.
- Mahina – “Moon.” Often used for daughters; poetic and protective.
- Iona – Adaptation of Jonah. Common among Christian Hawaiians.
- Kahale – “The home.” Symbolic of unity and heritage.
- Kalani – “The heavens.” Carried by both commoners and royalty.
- Alana – “Awakening.” Feels fresh, modern, yet timeless.
- Anuhea – “Cool breeze.” Common in baby name lists and obituaries.
- Kanoa – “The free one.” Especially popular on Oʻahu.
- Leilani – “Heavenly garland of flowers.” Frequently seen as first or last name.
- Noelani – “Heavenly mist.” Reflects nature and spirituality.
- Kaimana – “Ocean power.” A unisex name with broad appeal.
- Māhoe – “Twin.” Uncommon elsewhere, but deeply rooted here.
- Pelekai – Popularized by Lilo & Stitch, but with volcanic origins.
- Hoapili – “Trusted companion.” Still used in Maui and Big Island families.
- Akana – “Golden one.” Carried in many genealogy records.
- Lokelani – “Small red rose.” Official flower of Maui.
- Aukai – “Seafarer.” Short and striking, favored by coastal families.
- Waiola – “Water of life.” Symbolizes rebirth and purity.
- Lani – “Sky.” Often appended to other names, now a standalone surname.
Related Article: 101 Common Last Names by Country, with Meaning in 2025
19 Rare & Unique Hawaiian Last Names
Let’s explore 19 unique and rare Hawaiian last names you’ll rarely see outside island genealogies or sacred mele (chants).
- Keihanaikukauakahihulihe‘ekahaunaele – Famously long; means “one who would stand up and recite the rightful genealogy at the appropriate time.”
- Kamanawa – A high-ranking noble who served King Kamehameha I.
- Hoapili – Royal advisor and confidant to Hawaiian monarchs.
- Mulielealiʻi – Ancient Maui nobleman, name means “royal presence.”
- Keaunui – Son of Maweke, father of noble lines on Oʻahu.
- Kaʻōleiokū – Son of Kamehameha I, means “the beloved child.”
- Kauikeaouli – Birth name of Kamehameha III; means “the place in the cloud that opens.”
- Kanaina – A judge and father of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s husband.
- Kaululā‘au – A hero figure in Hawaiian legend, known for slaying demons.
- Kekuanaō‘a – Governor of Oʻahu and father to royalty.
- Ulumāheihei – Given to Hoapili, means “feathered cloak in calm motion.”
- Kawānanakoa – A surname still held by descendants of Hawaiian royalty.
- Keōua – Father of Kamehameha I; name means “the rain cloud.”
- Pākī – A high chief of Oʻahu; father of Bernice Pauahi Bishop.
- Kekūhaupi‘o – Famed warrior and teacher of Kamehameha I.
- Ka‘iulani – Princess of Hawai‘i; name means “royal sacred one.”
- Ha‘alilio – Hawaii’s first diplomat; name means “humble gesture.”
- Kapiʻolani – High chiefess and advocate of Christianity.
- Nāhi‘ena‘ena – Sister of Kamehameha III; name full of layered meaning.
One Reddit user remarked, “My uncle’s last name is Ulumāheihei. We joke that it doesn’t fit on his paycheck, but it’s our family pride.”
Related Article: Unique Last Names: 101 Rare & Powerful Surnames With Meaning
27 Ocean and Nature-Inspired Hawaiian Last Names
Hawaiian last names with nature meanings reflect how deeply Hawaiian culture is tied to the nature. For example land (ʻāina), sea (kai), and sky (lani). Nature-based names often carry spiritual weight.
Below are 27 last names grounded in the natural world: names that carry earth, water, wind, and fire in their bones.
- Kai – “Ocean” or “sea.” Simple, powerful, everywhere.
- Moana – “Vast ocean.” Known globally, deeply Hawaiian.
- Kaimana – “Diamond of the sea” or “ocean power.”
- Mahina – “Moon.” Often linked to wisdom and femininity.
- Kailani – “Sea and sky.” A name of balance and beauty.
- Leilani – “Heavenly garland of flowers.” Romantic, floral, lush.
- Anuenue – “Rainbow.” Symbol of promise and spiritual transition.
- Noelani – “Heavenly mist.” Soft, poetic, often used for daughters.
- Waiola – “Water of life.” Sacred, healing, abundant.
- Nalani – “The calm skies.” A name of peace and clarity.
- Keahi – “The fire.” A name of transformation and intensity.
- Kalei – “The flower lei” or “beloved.” Woven with love.
- Hōkū – “Star.” Often used in both first and last names.
- Lokelani – “Small red rose.” The flower of Maui.
- Makani – “The wind.” Free-spirited, uncontained.
- Pōmaikaʻi – “Blessed.” Sometimes tied to harvest and rain.
- Laulea – “Peaceful” or “leaf of joy.”
- Nāhele – “The forest.” Thick with growth, mystery.
- Ahi – “Fire” or “tuna fish.” Depends on context; both powerful.
- Wailani – “Heavenly waters.” Associated with clarity and origin.
- Iolana – “Soaring like a hawk.” A sky-bound name of vision.
- ʻIlima – A native yellow flower, also symbol of Oʻahu.
- Pikake – “Peacock” or “jasmine flower.” Fragrant and regal.
- ʻŌpua – “Cloud formations.” A name of signs and omens.
- ʻAukai – “Seafarer.” One who travels over water.
- Hāloa – “Long breath.” Also name of the first Hawaiian ancestor tied to the kalo plant.
- Lani – “Heaven” or “sky.” Woven into many compound names.
25 Cool, Pretty, and Simple Hawaiian Last Names You’ll Fall in Love With
Cool Hawaiian last names are gaining love online. Especially the ones that are short, graceful, and easy to say. On Pinterest boards, TikTok baby name reels, and Instagram birth announcements, you’ll see them paired with soft colors and island imagery. But don’t let their simplicity fool you. These names are rich. They may be light on syllables, but they’re heavy with soul.
Either you want a name that feels modern or one that rolls off the tongue like music, here’s a list of Hawaiian last names that do just that.
- Kai – “Sea.” One syllable. Infinite meaning.
- Lani – “Sky” or “heaven.” Common in many compound names.
- Koa – “Brave,” “warrior,” or the native koa tree.
- Lei – “Garland of flowers.” A symbol of affection and welcome.
- Aka – “Shadow.” Mysterious and poetic.
- Kei – “Dignified.” Short and rare.
- Hale – “House” or “home.” Strong and simple.
- Malu – “Shade” or “peace.” A name of calm strength.
- Nalu – “Wave.” Rhythmic and modern.
- Liko – “Leaf bud.” Youthful and growing.
- Noe – “Mist.” Soft and moody.
- Anu – “Cool” or “gentle.” A subtle touch.
- Ika – Root from Ikaika, meaning strength.
- Ala – “Path.” Suggests direction and purpose.
- Pua – “Flower” or “child.” Pure, beloved.
- Hoku – “Star.” Bright and easy to remember.
- Lua – “Pit” or “valley.” Deep and grounded.
- Kani – “Sound” or “voice.” Musical and meaningful.
- Nani – “Beautiful.” Straightforward, flattering.
- Lau – “Leaf.” Organic, peaceful, and earthy.
- Mo’i – “King” or “royalty.” Bold in two letters.
- Uku – “Small,” “precious,” or “payment.” Simple with punch.
- Ona – “Sweetness.” Warm and inviting.
- Ahi – “Fire” or “tuna.” Sharp and elemental.
- Ena – “Glow” or “to shine.” A name that radiates.
A Redditor once said, “We named our daughter Noe. It’s misty in Hilo most mornings—felt like her spirit already knew this place.”
These names are trending because they’re catchy and feel timeless.
21 Hawaiian Last Names That Start With K, M, and T (With Meanings)
If you’ve seen a list of Hawaiian last names, you’ve probably noticed a pattern: lots of K’s. That’s no accident. The Hawaiian alphabet has just 12 letters: five vowels and seven consonants. And K is the workhorse. It replaced the older T during linguistic standardization in the 1800s. So names that might’ve once started with “T” often now begin with “K.” The result? A flood of K-dominant surnames that feel bold, melodic, and distinctively Hawaiian.
Below are 21 surnames, broken down by K, M, and T, with meanings and tips for pronunciation.
K-Names (Bold, Classic, Foundational)
- Kealoha – “The love.” keh-ah-LOH-hah
- Kekoa – “The warrior.” keh-KOH-ah
- Kai – “Ocean.” kah-ee
- Kailani – “Sea and sky.” kai-LAH-nee
- Kahale – “The house.” kah-HAH-leh
- Kalani – “The heavens.” kah-LAH-nee
- Kaimana – “Ocean power.” kai-MAH-nah
M-Names (Gentle, Lyrical, Grounded)
- Mahina – “Moon.” mah-HEE-nah
- Māhoe – “Twin.” MAH-ho-eh
- Malu – “Shade” or “peace.” MAH-loo
- Mele – “Song.” MEH-leh
- Makaio – “Gift of God.” mah-KAI-oh
- Makani – “The wind.” mah-KAH-nee
- Moana – “Ocean.” moh-AH-nah
T-Names (Rare, Historic, Cross-Linguistic)
- Tanoa – Polynesian origin, often used in Samoa and Tahiti.
- Taniela – Hawaiian version of “Daniel.” tah-nee-EH-lah
- Talia – Found in Tahitian lines; means “gentle dew.”
- Tupuola – Samoan influence; “high chief bloodline.”
- Tavita – Variant of David in Polynesian languages.
- Taeoalii – “Royal lineage” or “chief’s heritage.”
- Temana – Less common; variation seen in older records.
17 Traditional Hawaiian First and Last Name Combos That Flow Like Music
In Hawaiian, names aren composed. Like a mele (chant) or a hula, the rhythm matters. Hawaiian first and last names often follow a melodic pattern. They have soft vowels, balanced syllables, and they show a gentle rise and fall. They sound like they belong together, because they often do.
Many traditional name combos draw from nature, family lineage, or spiritual values. You’ll hear names that pair a powerful first with a soft last, or vice versa. Modern parents sometimes mix Hawaiian with English or Biblical names. So the combos below are all rooted in linguistic harmony and cultural respect.
These 17 name pairings don’t just work, they sing.
17 First + Last Name Pairings That Flow
- Leilani Kealoha – “Heavenly flower” + “the love.” Romantic and lyrical.
- Ikaika Kekoa – “Strength” + “the warrior.” A bold, masculine pairing.
- Mahina Kaimana – “Moon” + “ocean power.” Balanced and elemental.
- Kailani Māhoe – “Sea and sky” + “twin.” Flowing and soft.
- Noelani Kahale – “Heavenly mist” + “house.” Dreamy and grounded.
- Makani Keahi – “Wind” + “fire.” A name with contrast and power.
- Hoku Kalani – “Star” + “heavens.” Celestial and elegant.
- Anuhea Hale – “Cool breeze” + “home.” Comforting and light.
- Alana Iona – “Awakening” + “grace.” A rebirth name.
- Kai Lokelani – “Ocean” + “small red rose.” Soft and strong.
- Nani Anuenue – “Beautiful” + “rainbow.” Radiant and joyful.
- Moana Koa – “Ocean” + “warrior.” Classic Disney-meets-heritage energy.
- Mele Keawe – “Song” + royal lineage. Melodic and noble.
- Lani Ulumāheihei – “Sky” + historic noble name. Light meets legacy.
- Pua Kahalewai – “Flower” + “house by the water.” Deeply native.
- Anela Palakiko – “Angel” + variation of Francis (biblical blend).
- Alohi Kai – “Brilliance” + “sea.” Shines in one breath.
As one Hawaiian parent shared on Facebook, “We chose Noelani Kahale because we wanted her name to feel like home. And when we say it aloud, it does.
Notable Noble Hawaiian Surnames from the Aliʻi Class
The last Queen of Hawaii wasn’t just a monarch. She was a poet, composer, and guardian of her people’s dignity. Her full name was Lydia Liliʻu Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamakaʻeha. Upon ascending the throne, she was known as Queen Liliʻuokalani. Its meaning is “the smarting pain of the royal ones.” Every part of it carried weight. Not just bloodline, but prophecy.
Liliʻuokalani came from the aliʻi, the noble ruling class whose surnames still echo through Hawaiian history. These traditional Hawaiian last names weren’t common. They were earned, inherited, and often guarded.
- Kamehameha – The unifier of the islands. His name means “the lonely one.”
- Keawe – A ruling line connected to the island of Hawaiʻi.
- Kekuanaōʻa – Governor of Oʻahu, father of two Hawaiian kings.
- Kalākaua – The “Merrie Monarch,” brother to Liliʻuokalani, patron of arts and culture.
- Kawānanakoa – A family line still recognized as Hawaiian royalty.
- Kanaina – Judge and father of royal consort Charles Kanaʻina.
- Ka‘iulani – Crown princess whose name means “the sacred royal one.”
- Pākī – Father of Bernice Pauahi Bishop, founder of Kamehameha Schools.
- Nāhiʻenaʻena – A high chiefess and cultural icon.
- Hoapili – Royal confidant, known for integrity and loyalty.
Tips for Choosing a Hawaiian Name Respectfully
- Learn the meaning first. Don’t pick based on sound alone. Keahi may be fiery, but it’s not for a quiet spirit.
- Avoid names with deep cultural or royal ties (e.g. Kamehameha, Liliʻuokalani) unless you carry that lineage.
- Check pronunciation. Use tools like ʻŌlelo Online to hear it aloud.
- Use context. A name like Kai (“sea”) makes sense for a surfer, but Nāhiʻenaʻena carries sacred history.
- Consider flow. Match first and last names that sing together (see our earlier combos section).
Wrap Up
Hawaiian last names are more than names. If you’re choosing a name for a child, a character, or yourself, do it with intention. Ask questions. Listen to locals. Look past the surface. Because in Hawaii, a name isn’t just a word. They hold meaning, memory, and place. From ocean to sky, from warrior to mist, each one tells a story. Choose with care. Speak with respect. And remember, every name here carries a piece of the islands.
