217 Cute & Unique Hawaiian Girl Names With Meanings

The Hawaiian alphabet has only 13 letters, counting the ʻokina. I handpicked 217 Hawaiian girl names for this list with meanings also included:

List of Unique & Cute Powerful Hawaiian Girl Names And Their Meanings:

Keaomelemele

“The golden cloud.” That is the meaning of Keaomelemele (pronounced as kay-ow-meh-leh-MEH-leh), the main character of a legend Moses Manu serialized in 1884 and 1885.

Ikaika

”Strength.”

Nuakea

Kea is the Hawaiian word for white.

Olena

“Turmeric.”

Ehukai

“Sea spray,” and a beach where Pipeline breaks.

Lauae

“A fragrant fern.”

Kukuena

Kilauea’s uplands are of Kukuena (“the fire which fertilizes the earth”), a goddess in Pele’s family.

Kauila

A native hardwood, as well as a turtle in Punaluu legend.

Hauoli

“Happiness.”

Kaiona

Kai (”sea”) and ona (”attractive”). On Oahu, Kaiona is the goddess of Mount Kaala.

Wahineomao

“Green woman”.

Hinahele

Hele is the verb for going, so Hinahele means “Hina who travels.”

Ahonui

”Patience” or ”tolerance.”

Hinauluohia

“Hina of the growing ohia” is the goddess of the ohia lehua forest.

Kaiulani

Princess Kaiulani (means “royal sacred one”) met President Cleveland to protest the overthrow.

Oli

Oli is symbolizing “chant” or “joy.”

Kupulau

“Spring,” the season of new leaves.

Kahalaomapuana

In the Laieikawai legend Kahalaomapuana is the youngest of five sisters and the sharpest of them. Diminutives that I like are Hala and Puana.

Pulama

“To cherish.”

Mele

“Song,” or a Hawaiian form of Mary.

Ualani

Ua (rain) and lani, “heavenly rain.”

Poomaikelani

Virginia Poomaikelani (“Chief Chosen from Heaven”), sister of Queen Kapiolani, was the governor of Hawaii Island.

Kalaniakua

Lani (heaven, chief) and akua (god), and Kalaniakua is symbolizing “the godly heavens”.

Kaimi

“The seeker.”

Keahi

Ke (the) and ahi (fire): “the fire.”

Inoa

Inoa is the Hawaiian word for “name.”

Halia

“Fond remembrance.”

Alohi

Shining.

Kekaniau

Elizabeth Kekaniau (”breeze gently waving”) Pratt wrote a 1920 history of Keoua.

Ikena

View.

Nalani

”The skies” or “the heavens.”

Wahinepio

Wahine is a woman, and pio is the highest birth rank.

Hinapukuia

Hinapukuia is meaning “Hina gathering fish.” She mothered Aiai who set fishing shrines along the island shores.

Kokua

“Help.”

Oluolu

“Pleasant,” as well as a word Hawaiians use for please.

Hoohokukalani

“To generate stars in the heavens.” Hoohokukalani is the daughter of Wakea and Papa in Hawaiian myths.

Kahili

A feather standard, a sign of royalty at Hawaiian courts. Save

Naia

Dolphin.

Ahinahina

“Silvery gray.” Ahinahina is also a silversword plant of Haleakala.

Laahana

Laa (sacred) and hana (work) make Laahana, the goddess of tapa designs. Women printing patterns on bark cloth called on her and her sister.

Kalaimanuia

Kalaimanuia was the 12th Alii Aimoku of Oahu.

Luukia

Luʻukia was a legendary chiefess born in 1840 in Maui.

Piilaniwahine

“Woman who ascends to heaven.”

Kalaninuiahilapalapa

At 20 letters, Kalaninuiahilapalapa means “the great chief of blazing fire”. Save

Kaoanaeha

Kaoanaeha was married to John Young, the British sailor who advised Kamehameha I, and became grandmother of Queen Emma.

Makena

“Abundance” in Hawaiian and “happy one” in Kikuyu.

Aina

“Land”.

Kawehi

“The adornment.”

Kawena

Mary Kawena (“the glow”) Pukui co-wrote the Hawaiian Dictionary.

Elepaio

A flycatcher.

Pomaikai

Luck/blessing.

Nene

A goose, and the state bird, once down to about thirty in the wild.

Pilialoha

“Beloved friendship.”

Maile

A fragrant vine, and the open lei worn at weddings and graduations.

Akahai

“Kindness.”

Kahelelani

A tiny Niihau shell, the most prized for lei.

Laielohelohe

Laielohelohe (”drooping leaf of Lāʻie”) was the daughter of Kapalaoa and the King of Oahu.

Kilioe

“Seizing victory”.

Uakoko

Uakoko is symbolizing the presence or birth of a high chief.

Iini

“Longing.”

Makana

Gift.

Hauwahine

Hau (cool) and wahine (woman), Hauwahine was a moʻo and the guardian spirit.

Puuwai

Puuwai is symbolizing “heart.”

Konane

“Bright moonlight,” and a board game played with pebbles.

Keola

The life.

Mahiole

”Feather helmet.”

Waiau

Lake Waiau (“swirling water”) is close to 3,970 m on Mauna Kea, a dormant shield volcano and the last eruption was about 4,600 years ago.

Noweo

Noweo: “bright red, glowing”.

Makanikai

Makani (wind) and kai (sea) give Makanikai the meaning of ”sea breeze.”

Hulali

Glittering.

Laka

“Gentle.” Laka is also the goddess of hula.

Mohala

“Blossoming.”

Hopoe

Hopoe (“one encircled”) was a hula dancer of Kea’au, Puna.

Laieikawai

“Leaf in the water.”Save

Hinalea

Hinalea is wrasse, a reef fish. In traditional remedies, healers used the variety, the hinalea akilolo.

Pokii

“Younger sibling.”

Kapiolani

Queen Kapiolani (“arch of heaven”) founded a maternity home that is now a medical center.

Wekiu

“Summit,” and a bug that is found only on Mauna Kea’s peak.

Kuahiwi

”High mountain ridge.”

Kekauluohi

From 1839 to 1845 Kekauluohi (“the vault of heaven”) served as Kuhina Nui, the kingdom’s co-ruling premier. Her son Lunalilo was the first elected king.

Aulii

Aulii (“dainty”) Cravalho is the voice of Disney’s Moana.

Kilohana

“Lookout point” or “the best.”

Kaunaoa

An orange vine, and Lanai’s official lei.

Namahana

Namahana was the mother of Queen Kaahumanu.

Liliha

Liliha (”loathing”) governed Oahu after her husband Boki sailed off in 1829.

Mokihana

An anise-scented berry that lives only on Kauai.

Laniakea

“Immeasurable heaven.” Laniakea is a galaxy supercluster that includes our Milky Way.

Aala

“Fragrant” or “of high rank.”

Noni

“Indian mulberry.”

Kaikilani

Kaikilani was a High Chiefess who shared power with her husband Lonoikamakahiki.

Alana

“Offering.”

Hulu

“Feather,” “fur,” “precious” or “esteemed elder.”

Kipuka

“A green island in a lava field.”

Manono

In 1819 chiefess Manono was killed with her husband Kekuaokalani at the Battle of Kuamoo.

Onaona

“Soft fragrance.”

Akala

“Pink” or “Hawaiian raspberry.”

Peleuli

Peleuli (“dark Pele”) was one of the wives of Kamehameha I.

Olapa

The olapa tree trembles in the lightest wind. It means ”to flutter” or ”to flash.”

Malulani

Malu (shelter) and lani (heaven).

Wiwoole

Wiwo is timid and ole cancels it: “fearless”. I like this combination.

Hokuao

Venus as the morning star.

Hiehie

”Attractive” or ”dignified.”

Makaala

Maka (eye) and ala (awake) result into “watchful.”

Moanikeala

Moanikeala (“the fragrant breeze of the path”) Akaka, a trustee of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, was one of 32 activists arrested after occupying rooftops in Kalama Valley.

Ululani

“Heavenly inspiration”.

Waipuna

Wai (water) and puna (spring).

Lele

Fly/leap.

Leialoha

Lei and aloha make “garland of love.”

Kukui

“Lamp,” and Hawaii’s state tree, whose oily nuts burned as candles.

Hoaka

“Crescent” or “to glitter.”

Poliahu

Poli (bosom) and ahu (cloak) give Poliahu, “cloaked bosom”.

Pilahi

Pilahi Paki wrote the definition of aloha that was turned into its Aloha Spirit Law in 1986.

Haulani

”Royal restorer.”

Namaka

Namaka is meaning “the eyes” and is short for Namakaokahai, Pele’s sea goddess sister.

Makamae

“Precious.”

Lahela

Lahela is a form of Rachel, “ewe” in Hebrew.

Akaaka

Laughter.

Lilinoe

”Fine mist.” In most tellings Lilinoe cohabits Mauna Kea with her sister Poliahu.

Pauahi

“The fire is out.”

Kamamalu

“The shade” or “the protection”. In 1823 Queen Kamamalu sailed to London with Liholiho and died of measles there one year later.

Kamalei

Kama (child) and lei, “beloved child.”

Anela

Angel.

Manoa

“Vast.” Manoa is also a valley above Honolulu known for rainbows.

Ohelo

A red berry. Travelers offered the first handful to Pele.

Pohai

“Circle” or “gathering.”

Makoa

“Bold, unafraid.”

Likelike

Princess Likelike, mother of Kaiulani, married Scottish businessman Archibald Scott Cleghorn.

Kaimana

“Diamond” in Hawaiian.

Pookela

“Excellence.”

Kalama

”The light” or ”the torch”. Queen Kalama married Kamehameha III and adopted Kaʻiminaʻauao, the daughter of Analea Keohokālole.

Hekili

”Thunder.”

Kona

Kona was a favored residence of King Kamehameha I and is famous for coffee and scuba diving. It was the site of some of the first contacts between natives and Europeans.

Mauna

At more than 33,500 feet, Mauna (”mountain”) Kea is taller than Everest from base to peak.

Lanikai

“Heavenly sea”.

Kupaa

“Steadfast, loyal.” Royalists in 1893 used it for individuals who refused to sign away the kingdom.

Manaolana

”Hope.”

Haaheo

”Pride” or ”being proud.”

Pono

”Righteousness and balance.” It closes the state motto, “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono” that was first spoken by Kamehameha III in 1843. It is meaning “the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.”

Hanohano

”Noble” or ”glorious.”

Malama

”To preserve” or ”to protect.”

Honu

Honu is the reen sea turtle, a family guardian spirit for some lineages. In 1978, it became protected under the Endangered Species Act.

Nanea

“Relaxed” or “fascinating.”

Hinano

“Pandanus blossom.”

Lilikoi

Pronounced as lee-lee-KOH-ee. Passion fruit. It comes from a Maui gulch where the first seeds were planted.

Kealoha

Ke and aloha, “the loved one.”

Kokio

Native hibiscus.

Hokulea

Hōkūleʻa (“star of gladness”) was built by the Polynesian Voyaging Society. It is a traditional 62-foot, double-hull voyaging canoe.

Liko

“Leaf bud.”

Kohola

Kohola is the humpback whale and is born in these waters, making them kama’aina or native born.

Lokomaikai

“Generosity”.

Aalii

Aalii is pronounced as ah-ah-LEE-ee. A hardy native shrub.

Hookipa

“Hospitality,” as well as a Maui beach that is famous for windsurfing.

Ulana

Weave/plait.

Holokai

Holo (to sail) and kai (sea), so Holokair is seafarer.

Mano

”Shark”. Kaahupahau is a shark goddess of Pearl Harbor who forbade sharks there to attack people.

Momi

“Pearl”.

Pohaku

”Stone.” Pohakuloa is the long stone and is the plateau between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea.

Lokahi

”Unity and harmony.”

Nahienaena

Nahienaena is “the raging fires”. She was the daughter of Kamehameha I and Keopuolani and passed away in 1836.

Niele

Niele is symbolizing “curious.”

Hanalei

“Crescent bay” or “lei making.”

Papahanaumoku

“Papa who gives birth to islands.” Papahānaumoku is the Earth Mother and the wife of Wākea, son of the god Kahiko.

Noeau

”Skill and cleverness.”

Leilani

“Royal child of heaven” or “heavenly garland of flowers”. It has two nicknames that I like: Lei and Lani. In 1938 there was a piece “Sweet Leilani” that won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Wanaao

“Dawn.”

Anuenue

Rainbow.

Hokulani

“Heavenly star”.

Moana

In 1926 it was released the American silent documentary film Moana. It was the first production made with panchromatic black-and-white film. It means ”sea” or ”ocean” and is pronounced as ”mo.ana.”

Iolana

“To soar like a hawk.”

Mahina

”Moonlight.” I envision this one on a girl born under a full moon.

Lehua

“Ohia blossom,” “warrior,” “sweetheart” or “expert.”

Keelikolani

Ruth Keelikolani (“leaf bud of heaven”) stood before a lava flow, and Hilo was spared.

Ilima

A golden flower, and Oahu’s official bloom.

Palila

A finch, and a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit to save it.

Kuuipo

From kuu (my) and ipo (sweetheart).

Noelani

Noe (mist) and lani in Noelani, “mist of heaven.”

Lahilahi

Delicate.

Leahi

“Brow of the tuna.” It is the Hawaiian name of Diamond Head.

Kiele

Gardenia.

Lokelani

Loke (rose) plus lani and we have the heavenly rose, which is Maui’s official flower since 1923.

Pualani

“Flower of heaven”.

Liliuokalani

Liliʻuokalani was the only queen regnant and wrote Aloha ʻOe in 1878. Elvis Presley recorded a version of the song on March 21, 1961, at Radio Recorders, Hollywood.

Kaulana

”Celebrated” or ”renowned.”

Lanakila

”Vctory.”

Iolani

”Royal hawk.” Iolani Palace had electric lights in the 1880s. I know this was years before the White House.

Mana

”Spiritual power.”

Hiiaka

It is short for Hiiakaikapoliopele, Pele’s sister with supernatural powers.

Aolani

“Heavenly cloud”.

Kehaulani

Kehaulani comes from hau (dew) and lani: dew of heaven.

Pueo

A Hawaiian owl that hunts by day.

Malie

Calm and gentle.

Haumea

”Red ruler.” Haumea is the goddess of childbirth and fertility and she has given women the capacity to give birth naturally.

Nohealani

“Royal beauty”.

Kaahumanu

Kaahumanu (pronounced as kah-AH-hoo-MAH-noo) is “the feather cloak”. She negotiated the first treaty with the US in 1826.

Makani

”Wind.”

Haunani

Hau (dew) and nani (beauty). In 1993 Haunani-Kay Trask published “From a Native Daughter”.

Uluwehi

“Lush greenery”.

Leolani

Leo (voice) and lani: “heavenly voice.”

Melia

“Plumeria” in Hawaiian, “ash tree” in Greek.

Mahealani

Mahealani is the 16th night of the lunar month, the night of the full moon.

Eleu

Lively and alert.

Mamo

An extinct honeycreeper, “deep yellow,” “safflower” or “descendant.”

Opua

“Puffy clouds on the horizon.”

Keala

The path.

Hiilei

From hii (to carry in the arms) and lei, “held lovingly.”

Kaao

“Legend, tale.”

Kaimalino

Kai (sea) and malino (calm).

Nalu

“Wave” or “to ponder.”

Kulia

“Strive.”

Iwalani

Iwa (frigatebird) and lani, “heavenly seabird.”

Kolea

A golden plover that flies nonstop from Alaska every autumn.

Mililani

“To praise.”

Naupaka

It is a half-shaped flower from a legend.

Awapuhi

Wild ginger, whose sap worked as a natural shampoo.

Maluhia

Maluhia is symbolizing “peace.”

Pikake

“Jasmine” or “peacock.”

Uilani

“Heavenly beauty.”