There’s a reason Hawaiian baby names keep showing up on shortlists. They’re melodic and vowel-rich (every syllable in Hawaiian ends on a vowel), they tend to carry meanings rooted in nature, spirituality, and family, and they sound unlike almost anything else on a kindergarten roster. Names like Kai, Leilani, and Keanu have crossed over into mainstream popularity, while picks like Kamalani, Nakoa, and Kōnane still feel beautifully rare.

Hawaiian-influenced sounds are trending in a big way right now. The SSA’s 2024 data showed Ailany (meaning “chief”) as the fastest-rising girl name in the entire country, and names ending in “-lani”—like Kailani, Kehlani, and Aylani—are climbing steadily. (For more on what’s trending right now, check out our roundup of the top 100 baby girl names and top 100 baby boy names.)

Related: These are the top 10 baby names in your state

In traditional Hawaiian culture, names were considered living things—they were believed to shape a child’s health, personality, and even destiny. Babies were often named by a kupuna (elder family member), and the name might come from a dream, a sign in nature, or an event surrounding the birth. That kind of intentionality is part of what makes Hawaiian names feel so special: they’re not just labels, they’re stories.

You’ll notice a lot of these names start with “K”—that’s because the Hawaiian alphabet has only 13 letters (the five vowels plus H, K, L, M, N, P, W, and the ʻokina, or glottal stop), and “K” does a lot of heavy lifting. You’ll also find that some names are Hawaiianized versions of Western names (like Kimo for James or Malia for Mary), while others are purely Hawaiian with deep cultural meaning.

Whether you have roots in Hawaiʻi, fell in love with the islands on vacation, or simply love the way these names sound, here are 60+ Hawaiian baby names—with meanings—to add to your list.

Here are 60 Hawaiian-inspired baby names.

Hawaiian baby names for girls

Hawaiian girl names often draw from the natural world—flowers, the ocean, the sky—and carry meanings that feel like little blessings. If you love nature-inspired names, you’ll also want to check out our lists of spring baby names and nature baby names.

Alaina: A Hawaiian form of the name Alana, meaning “precious” or “awakening.” Soft, familiar, and easy to pronounce.

Alanis: Meaning “precious” or “beautiful.” A variation of Alaina with a slightly edgier sound (yes, like Morissette).

Aleyna: Meaning “light” or “beautiful.” A Hawaiian-influenced spelling of Alaina/Alena that feels modern and bright.

Haukea: Meaning “white snow.” An unexpected Hawaiian name that references the snow-capped summit of Mauna Kea.

Kailani: Meaning “sea and sky.” Combines kai (“sea”) and lani (“sky” or “heavenly”) into one gorgeous name. It’s been rising on the charts for years.

Kalea: Meaning “joy” or “happiness.” Bright, breezy, and feels like a permanent vacation.

Kalei: Meaning “the flower wreath” or “the lei.” A beautiful nod to Hawaiian tradition. Pronounced ka-LAY.

Kamalani: Meaning “heavenly child” or “royal child.” Combines kama (“child”) and lani (“heavenly”). A name that carries real weight.

Kauai: The name of one of the oldest and most lush Hawaiian islands. It means “place around the neck,” possibly referencing the wearing of leis.

Kaulana: Meaning “famous” or “renowned.” A strong name for a girl destined to stand out.

Kawai: Meaning “the water” or “freshwater.” Simple and connected to the natural world.

Kawehi: Meaning “the adornment” or “precious.” A gentle, lyrical name with deep cultural resonance.

Keahi: Meaning “the fire” or “flames.” A unisex name (also listed under boys) with a fierce, elemental quality.

Kehlani: Meaning “sea heaven” or “royal sea.” Popularized by the singer Kehlani and rising fast on baby name charts.

Keiki: Meaning “child.” In Hawaiʻi, you’ll hear this word everywhere—it’s used casually to refer to kids. As a name, it’s sweet and playful.

Lei: Meaning “flower wreath” or “garland.” The lei is a symbol of love, respect, and welcome in Hawaiian culture. Short, powerful, and unmistakable.

Leilani: Meaning “heavenly flowers” or “royal child of heaven.” One of the most recognized Hawaiian names and consistently popular in the U.S.

Lenai: Meaning “portico” or “veranda.” Also the name of one of the smaller Hawaiian islands, known for its quiet beauty.

Lilo: Meaning “generous one” or “lost.” Made famous by Lilo & Stitch. In Hawaiian, it also carries the meaning of being generous or giving.

Lolani: Meaning “bird of heaven” or “heavenly hawk.” An ethereal, soaring name.

Mahina: Meaning “moon” or “moonlight.” In Hawaiian mythology, Mahina is the goddess of the moon. (If you love this one, check out our full list of baby names that mean moon.)

Malia: The Hawaiian form of Mary, meaning “calm” or “beloved.” Made well-known by Malia Obama. Classic and warm.

Maui: The name of the Hawaiian island and the demigod of Polynesian mythology who pulled the islands from the sea. Bold and instantly recognizable.

Mikala: The Hawaiian form of Michaela, meaning “who is like God.” Familiar but with a distinctly Hawaiian spin.

Moana: Meaning “ocean” or “wide expanse of water.” The Disney movie brought it mainstream, but it’s been a beloved name throughout Polynesia for generations.

Nakoa: Meaning “the warriors” or “brave one.” Listed here under girls (it’s used for both), Nakoa has a powerful, grounded energy.

Nani: Meaning “beautiful” or “glory.” Short, sweet, and one of the most universally appealing Hawaiian names.

Noelani: Meaning “heavenly mist.” Combines noe (“mist”) and lani (“heavenly”). Pronounced no-eh-LA-nee.

Pualani: Meaning “heavenly flower” or “royal child.” Combines pua (“flower”) and lani (“heavenly”). Poetic and graceful.

Uʻilani: Meaning “heavenly beauty” or “royal beauty.” The ʻokina (glottal stop) gives it an authentic Hawaiian pronunciation.

Hawaiian baby names for boys

Hawaiian boy names tend to carry meanings tied to strength, nature, and legacy—warriors, the sea, the land. Many are Hawaiianized forms of Western names, while others are deeply traditional. For even more boy name inspiration, browse our full list of 500 baby boy names.

Akamu: The Hawaiian form of Adam, meaning “of the earth” or “the ground.” A grounding, elemental name.

Anakoni: The Hawaiian form of Anthony, meaning “priceless one.” Familiar but with a distinctly Hawaiian cadence.

Ano: Meaning “awe” or “reverence.” Short, strong, and carries spiritual weight.

Haoa: The Hawaiian form of Howard, meaning “guardian” or “watchman.” Soft-sounding but strong in meaning.

Iokepa: The Hawaiian form of Joseph, meaning “God will increase.” Connects to Christian tradition while sounding entirely Hawaiian.

Ikaika: Meaning “strong” or “powerful.” A popular Hawaiian boy name with a direct, muscular meaning.

Kaholo: Meaning “the run” or “to run.” Also a Hawaiian dance step. Active, energetic, and full of life.

Kai: Meaning “sea.” One of the most popular Hawaiian crossover names—it works for any gender and has become a modern classic. Currently in the top 100 boy names in the U.S.

Kaleo: Meaning “the voice” or “the sound.” Musical and distinctive. You may know it from the band Kaleo.

Keahi: Meaning “the fire” or “flames.” Used for both boys and girls. Elemental and striking.

Keanu: Meaning “cool breeze” or “cool mountain breeze.” Yes, like Reeves. But the name has been beloved in Hawaiʻi long before The Matrix.

Kekoa: Meaning “the warrior” or “the brave one.” Strong and bold without being aggressive.

Keone: Meaning “the land” or “God’s gracious gift.” Also the Hawaiian form of John.

Keona: Meaning “the land” or “God’s gracious gift.” A close variation of Keone.

Kimo: The Hawaiian form of James, meaning “supplanter.” Short, friendly, and easygoing.

Koa: Meaning “warrior” or “brave.” Also the name of a native Hawaiian hardwood tree prized for its beauty and strength. Three letters, maximum impact.

Kōnane: Meaning “bright moonlight” or “glowing.” Also the name of a traditional Hawaiian board game.

Loki: Meaning “small” in Hawaiian. (Not to be confused with the Norse trickster god, though that association certainly adds some fun.)

Makaio: The Hawaiian form of Matthew, meaning “gift of God.” Familiar meaning, completely fresh sound.

Makoa: Meaning “brave” or “fearless.” Similar to Nakoa but with a slightly different energy.

Maleko: The Hawaiian form of Mark, meaning “warlike” or “dedicated to Mars.”

Mano: Meaning “shark.” In Hawaiian culture, sharks (manō) are considered ʻaumakua (guardian spirits). A powerful, meaningful name.

Manu: Meaning “bird” or “bird of the heavens.” A nature name with a spiritual dimension.

Meka: The Hawaiian form of Seth, meaning “appointed.” Gentle, approachable, and distinctive.

Nahele: Meaning “forest” or “grove of trees.” A gorgeous nature name for outdoorsy families.

Nalu: Meaning “wave” or “surf.” A beloved Hawaiian name that captures the spirit of the ocean.

Nohea: Meaning “handsome” or “lovely.” Tender and warm.

Pika: The Hawaiian form of Peter, meaning “rock.” Short and punchy.

Rangi: Meaning “sky” or “heaven.” Has roots in broader Polynesian culture (it’s also used in Māori naming traditions).

Gender-neutral Hawaiian baby names

Traditional Hawaiian names were often considered gender-neutral—the idea of assigning names strictly by gender is a more modern, Western concept. These picks work beautifully for any baby and fit right in with the growing trend toward gender-neutral baby names. For more gender-neutral options, explore our list of the top baby names across generations.

Kai: Meaning “sea.” The most popular Hawaiian crossover name, used widely for all genders. Simple, strong, and instantly recognizable.

Lani: Meaning “sky,” “heaven,” or “royalty.” Appears as a standalone name or as a building block in dozens of compound names (Kailani, Leilani, Noelani).

Mahina: Meaning “moon.” Used for all genders in Hawaiian tradition, though it skews feminine in mainland usage.

Mana: Meaning “spiritual power” or “divine energy.” A deeply significant word in Hawaiian and broader Polynesian culture.

Noe: Meaning “mist” or “gentle rain.” Soft, quiet, and evocative.

Pua: Meaning “flower” or “offspring.” Can refer to a child or to a blossom—either way, it’s lovely.

Keanu: Meaning “cool breeze.” While commonly used for boys, its meaning is gender-neutral and it works across the board.

A note on choosing Hawaiian names

If you don’t have Hawaiian heritage, it’s worth approaching these names with care and respect. Hawaiʻi has a complex history with colonialism, and names carry deep cultural significance in Hawaiian tradition. A few things to keep in mind:

Some Hawaiian names that are widely used—like Kai, Leilani, and Malia—have been embraced broadly and are considered accessible across cultures. Others carry specific spiritual, historical, or familial significance that may make them feel less appropriate to use outside of Hawaiian culture.

One thoughtful approach: if a Hawaiian name resonates with you, spend some time learning about its cultural context, and share that knowledge with your child as they grow up. A name can be a bridge to understanding and appreciation, rather than appropriation, when it’s held with care.

For more on how naming trends are evolving across cultures, check out our roundup of the most popular baby names by generation and our lists of summer baby names and gemstone-inspired baby names.