Hawaiian Name Generator

Generate Hawaiian given names built from Hawaiian words: classics like Leilani, Kaimana and Keanu, softer names such as Maluhia and Pōmaikaʻi, strong names like Ikaika and Kekoa, and lei-style compounds like Kalehuaokalani, all written with ʻokina and kahakō.

About Hawaiian names

Hawaiian names are made of ordinary Hawaiian words, so every name carries a meaning that a speaker hears immediately. Lani (heaven, sky), kai (sea), lei (garland), pua (flower), nani (beauty), aloha (love), koa (brave, also the koa tree), hōkū (star), mahina (moon), makani (wind), ola (life) and mana (spiritual power) are the most common building blocks, and they combine freely: Kailani is sea and sky, Kekoa is the brave one, Hōkūlani is heavenly star, Leimomi is a pearl lei, Kaleiokalani is the lei of heaven.

The language has thirteen letters: a, e, i, o, u, h, k, l, m, n, p, w and the ʻokina, a glottal stop written ʻ that is a real consonant. A macron (kahakō) marks a long vowel and can change meaning, so Pōmaikaʻi and Kūpaʻa are correctly written with the marks. In the past names were not divided strictly by gender, though today names built on pua, lei, nani and lani are mostly given to girls and names with koa, ikaika, kāne and kai lean toward boys.

Many familiar names are Hawaiian forms of Christian names introduced after 1820: Kimo (James), Kawika (David), Keoni (John), Kamuela (Samuel), Malia (Mary), Kalena (Karen), Iokepa (Joseph). Those forms are still very common in Hawaii and work well alongside word-based names in a family. The names and meanings on this page have not been checked by Hawaiian speakers, so a compound may not read naturally and an ʻokina or kahakō may be missing. If you need a real Hawaiian name, ask a Hawaiian speaker or contact a Hawaiian language program in Hawaiʻi.

How to choose Hawaiian names

• Learn what the parts mean before you commit; lani, kai, lei, pua, koa and nani are the core roots, and readers who know Hawaiian will notice a name that translates awkwardly.
• Keep the ʻokina and kahakō in print (Kaʻiulani, Pōmaikaʻi); they are letters, not decoration, and change how the name is pronounced.
• For a girl, lean on lei, pua, nani and lani compounds; for a boy, koa, ikaika, kai and kāne; but remember many Hawaiian names are shared by both.
• Long compound names are normal, so give the character a short everyday form too, such as Lehua for Kalehuaokalani or Hōkū for Hōkūlani.
• For a mid-century or older character, a Hawaiianized Christian name like Kimo, Kawika or Malia is often more realistic than an ornate compound.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular Hawaiian names?

Leilani, Kalani, Kailani, Nalani, Malia, Kiana and Moana for girls; Kai, Koa, Keanu, Kekoa, Ikaika, Kanoa and Keoni for boys. Leilani and Kai regularly appear on baby-name charts far outside Hawaii.

What do common Hawaiian name parts mean?

Lani is heaven or sky, kai is sea, lei is a garland, pua is flower, nani is beauty, aloha is love, koa is brave, hōkū is star, mahina is moon, makani is wind and ola is life. Ka- or Ke- at the front usually means 'the', so Kekoa is 'the brave one'.

Are Hawaiian names gendered?

Not strictly. Names describe events, hopes or ancestors and could go to any child. Modern usage leans feminine for flower and lei names and masculine for names built on koa or ikaika, but names like Kai, Kalani, Kanoa and Keola are used for both.

Can I use a Hawaiian name for my baby or character if I am not Hawaiian?

Common given names like Leilani, Kai and Malia are widely used worldwide and generally welcomed. Be thoughtful with names of aliʻi (royalty), deities such as Pele or Kāne, and sacred places, and if you are unsure of a meaning, ask a Hawaiian speaker before you settle on it. The names and meanings on this page have not been checked by Hawaiian speakers. If you need a real Hawaiian name, ask a Hawaiian speaker or contact a Hawaiian language program in Hawaiʻi.

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