100 Cool Hawaiian Last Names
Hawaiian surnames have immense cultural weight since they often describe ancestry, nature, and personal activity.
Such surnames in the Hawaiian language and a rich tradition reveal tales of family history, geographical origins, and even historicity events.
Hawaiian surnames, some passed from parent to child and others chosen in honor of a connection to the islands, offer a glimpse into the long and vibrant history-perhaps cultural identity-of the people of Hawaiʻi.
We’ll explore these names, what they mean, and these histories shape Hawaiian identity today.
Hawaiian last names
Akeakamai – Seeker of wisdom and knowledge
Akina – Strong and daring
Alama – A symbol or sign
Alika – Guardian or noble
Alohi – Shining, brilliant
Anuenue – Rainbow
Apiki – Clever, resourceful
Aponi – Butterfly
Beamer – A person from the beam of light or a strong, resilient person
Cabellero – Gentleman or noble
Dela Cruz – Of the cross, a Christian name
Faumuina – A name of high status, often used by chiefs or leaders
Gima – Grace or mercy
Hamakua – A name from the Hamakua Coast, signifying strength or resilience
Hana – Work or creation
Hano – A name meaning “red,” symbolizing strength or vitality
Haukini – A gentle, loving name
Heiau – Sacred temple or place of worship
Hipa – A traditional Hawaiian name referring to someone of high status or position
Ikaika – Strong, powerful
Ikona – Image or representation, often used to symbolize a revered ancestor
Ipu – Gourd or vessel, representing sustenance
Kalani – The heavens or royal, meaning “heavenly”
Kama – Child, but often used to refer to someone with great potential or future promise
Kamaka – Eye or vision, often associated with foresight or insight
Kamalani – Royal child, heavenly child
Kanani – Beautiful, a term of admiration for someone’s grace or beauty
Keawe – A name meaning “fire” or “passion”
Kekoa – The warrior or the brave one
Kimo – God, a name often associated with reverence and respect
Koa – Brave, courageous, or warrior
Kohana – Little, young, but often used to show affection
Kona – Leeward or the southern part of an island
Kupono – Righteous, just, or moral
Lani – Heaven, sky, or royalty
Leilani – Heavenly flower, a beautiful and delicate name
Makai – Towards the sea, symbolizing connection to the ocean
Malia – Calm, peaceful, or serene
Mano – Shark, a powerful creature of the ocean
Naauao – Knowledgeable, wise
Napua – The flower, symbolizing beauty and grace
Noe – Mist or fog, representing gentleness and mystery
Puna – Spring of water, symbolizing life and renewal
Rona – A name symbolizing strength and endurance
Silila – A name denoting someone who is full of grace and beauty
Takahashi – Tall bridge, symbolizing connection and strength
Tui – A ruler, often associated with leadership and power
Wailua – Two waters, symbolizing the balance of life
Walaka – To roam or wander, often representing freedom and exploration
Waikiki – Fresh water, or a place of abundant resources
Akau – North, directional name indicating a connection to the northern part of the land
Aluli – A name meaning “darkness” or “mystery”
Amalu – To be calm, peaceful
Apau – A name related to success and achievement
Aukai – Seafarer, one who navigates the oceans
Ayau – A name meaning “victory” or “triumph”
Balani – Royal, high status
Bani – To be blessed or fortunate
Chanel – A channel or pathway, symbolizing connection or flow
Ching – A surname often associated with respect or honoring family heritage
Hina – Goddess of the moon and powerful female figure
Hohola – Freedom, release
Ikaika – Strength, resilience
Ili – Skin, often referring to a person’s character or integrity
Iolani – Royal bird, symbolizing nobility
Kaaha – A leader or guide
Kahe – Flow, often referring to the flow of water or energy
Kaia – Sea, ocean
Kaipo – Sweetheart, a term of endearment
Kaulana – Famous, renowned
Kaukahi – The first, beginning
Kekahi – Unique or special
Keli’i – A chief or nobleman
Koa – Warrior, brave
Kohana – Young or small, often used as a term of affection
Kumu – Teacher or source, referring to wisdom or leadership
Kuikahi – To unite, often referring to bringing people or things together
Kupono – Righteous, virtuous
Lani – Heaven, sky, often symbolizing a connection to the divine
Lau – Leaf or branch, representing growth
Lehua – A type of flower, symbolizing beauty and uniqueness
Liloa – A royal title, often associated with nobility
Lokahi – Unity or harmony, signifying togetherness
Makana – Gift or blessing
Makai – Towards the sea, a directional term
Malu – Shade or shelter, symbolizing protection
Mana – Power or spiritual energy
Moana – Ocean or vast sea
Nalu – Wave, symbolizing movement and change
Nani – Beautiful, graceful
Nohea – Handsome or lovely
Palani – Noble, high-ranking
Pali – Cliff, symbolizing strength and resilience
Pua – Flower, symbolizing beauty and grace
Puhi – To puff or blow, symbolizing energy or movement
Kapa – Tapa cloth, symbolizing tradition
Kipuka – A sanctuary or refuge, often associated with safety or peace
Pohana – To prosper or grow
Wainani – Beautiful waters, symbolizing tranquility and beauty
Waikani – Waterfall, symbolizing strength and natural beauty
