200+ Hawaiian Last Names 2026 (With Meanings)

Hawaiian last names 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 historic 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 how 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

Akana – solid rock

Alaloa – long pathway

Anahola – beloved canopy

Aukai – ocean traveler

Awapuhi – ginger plant

Balahura – (adapted from place name; “laughing waters”)

Blaisdell – (Hawaiian-adopted; valley slope)

Kaʻapuni – circling path

Kahaunaele – driving rain

Kahikina – eastward dawn

Kahoʻokele – guiding wind

Kahumoku – stone platform

Kahuwai – water guardian

Kaikoʻokalani – sea of the heavens

Kaili – binding the sea

Kaimana – power of the sea

Kainoa – namesake (the sea)

Kaiwi – bone / backbone

Kākoʻo – support, assistance

Kalākaua – beloved ruler

Kalalehua – clear lei flower

Kalaniʻopuʻu – heaven’s « dark rolling cloud »

Kalapana – spreading flame

Kālena – pure / warrior

Kālewa – drift / float

Kalihilihi – gentle breeze at ankle

Kalikolehua – lei of large blossoms

Kalima – the wind

Kaloa – coral harvest

Kaluaokalani – two beloved celestial ones

Kamahele – family or share

Kamahole – spreading valley

Kamakoa – valued child

Kamāmalu – sheltered child

Kamealoha – beloved child

Kamehameha – the very lonely one

Kameʻeleihiwa – beloved curve

Kamohoaliʻi – beloved of the kings

Kanekoa – strong man / bold

Kānaloa – mighty ocean

Kanekapolei – beloved mother of the beloved sun

Kānealii – chief of men

Kaoa – warrior chief

Kaohinani – quiet wind

Kaolena – true sea

Kaʻulehu – sweet / playful

Kaulana – famous / renowned

Kauluokahaʻi – feared warrior

Kawena – smooth / pure

Kawai – water / stream

Kawika – beloved David

Keahi – the fire

Keala – the pathway

Kealohi – bright pathway

Kealoha – the beloved one

Keanu – cool mountain breeze

Kekoa – the warrior

Kekuhaupio – revered guardian

Keola – life / health

Keone – sand / beach

Kepa – Hawaiian form of “Peter”

Kiaʻi – guardian / watcher

Kihei – cape or strip of land

Kīpapa – hillside stepping

Kīpini – old stone wall

Kolea – golden plover (bird)

Konane – bright / shining

Kūpono – righteous / faithful

Kūkulu – to erect / build

Kūlike – similar / equal

Kūmauna – loyal ally

Kumu – teacher / foundation

Laʻakea – white light

Lāhainā – cruel sun (place name)

Lai – calm sea

Lanakila – victory / triumph

Lauka – multiplicity / abundance

Leialoha – beloved lei

Leimana – Hand of Mana (spiritual)

Liko – bud / rising bud

Lio – young chief / youth

Lōʻihi – tall / long

Lulani – heaven’s child

Mahoe – broadleaf plant

Makana – gift / reward

Makani – wind

Maluhia – peace / serenity

Mano – shark (symbol of strength

Mauala – fragrance of the hills

Mele – chant / song

Mokuʻula – red island (sacred site)

Moana – ocean / deep sea

Nakupalolo – red soil expanse

Nohoalii – noble residence

Ohanas – extended family

Olina – joy / gladness

Pakalana – to flourish / thrive

Pohaku – rock / stone

Pua‘a – pig (symbol of abundance)

Ululani – heavenly inspiration

Wailani – heavenly water