The 125+ Most Beautiful Hawaiian Names for Girls & Their Meanings

Hawaiian names have a uniquely lovely, melodic sound—and equally special meanings in the Hawaiian language to match. So, if you’re looking for Hawaiian names (specifically for a little girl), you’ve come to the right place! We’ve put together an extensive collection of Hawaiian names for girls, from some of the most popular names out there to some of the most unique and powerful ones, with insights from naming expert Natalie Mulholland. No matter what type of “vibe” you’re looking for, you’ll find it here, complete with an introduction to traditional Hawaiian naming customs as well.

What Are the Prettiest Hawaiian Names for Girls?

Naming expert Natalie Mulholland recommends Hawaiian names for girls like Maia and Leilani. Other great options include:

Popular: Alani, Kalea, Makoah, Maile, Malia, Nalani
Beautiful: Alohi, Haukea, Kaipo, Kawehi, Luana, Ulani
Powerful: Iolani, Kaimana, Kealia, Lanakila, Okalani
Flower-Inspired: Kalei, Lehua, Leia, Lokelani, Pualani

Section 1 of 9:

Popular Hawaiian Names for Girls

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Let’s start with some of the names that are most popular in Hawaii! While these names still might be considered rare or unique in the continental United States, all of them are much-loved and commonly used among Hawaiians. Popular Hawaiian girls’ names include:^{[1]
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- Alani - Pronounced “al-AH-nee.” It means “orange tree” in Hawaiian.
- Alayna - Pronounced “al-AY-nah.” It means “precious” or “awakening” in Hawaiian.
- Kalani - Pronounced “ka-LA-nee.” It means “the heavens” or “the royal” in Hawaiian.
- Kalea - Pronounced “ka-LEH-aa.” It means “joy” in Hawaiian.
- Kehlani - Pronounced “keh-LA-nee.” It means “sea and sky” or “sea heavens” in Hawaiian.
- Keilani - Pronounced “kay-LAH-nee.” It means “glorious chief” in Hawaiian.
- Kiana - Pronounced “kee-AH-na.” It means “divine” or “heavenly” in Hawaiian.
- Lanai - Hawaiian name meaning “porch” or “veranda.”
- Leilani^{[2]
  X
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  Natalie Mulholland
  Naming Expert
  
  Expert Interview} - Pronounced “lay-LA-nee.” It can mean several things in Hawaiian, including “heavenly child,” “royal child,” or “heavenly flowers.”
- Mahina - Pronounced “mah-HEE-nah.” It means “moonlight” in Hawaiian.
- Maile - Pronounced “MIE-lee.” Maile is a type of flowering vine that grows in Hawaii, used by locals to make flower lei.
- Makoah - Pronounced “ma-KOH-ah.” It means “brave warrior” in Hawaiian.
- Malia - Pronounced “ma-LEE-ah.” It’s a Hawaiian version of “Maria” or “Mary,” meaning “beloved.”
- Nalani - Pronounced “na-LA-nee.” It means “serenity of the skies” in Hawaiian.
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Natalie Mulholland is a naming expert and content creator based in Athens, Georgia. She brings a linguistically focused approach to her content, sharing a name’s origin, meaning, category, notable people, and more.

Section 2 of 9:

Beautiful Hawaiian Names for Girls

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Want to give your little girl a name meaning “beautiful” (or a name with some related meaning that’s just as pretty)? Here’s a list of the best cute and memorable beauty-themed Hawaiian girls’ names:
- Alohi - Pronounced “ah-LO-hee.” It’s a Hawaiian name meaning “shining” or “brilliant.”
- Aonani - Pronounced “ah-oh-NAH-nee.” It means “spirit of life” in Hawaiian.
- Haukea - Pronounced “how-KEH-a.” It’s a Hawaiian name meaning “white snow.”
- Haunani - Pronounced “how-NAH-nee.” It means “beautiful snow” in Hawaiian.
- Kaipo - Pronounced “KIE-po.” It’s a Hawaiian name meaning “sweetheart.”
- Kanani - Pronounced “ka-NAH-nee.” It means “the beauty” in Hawaiian.
- Kau’i - Pronounced “ka-OO-ey.” It means “the beautiful one” in Hawaiian.
- Kawehi - Pronounced “ka-WHEY-ee.” It means “adornment” or “adorned” in Hawaiian.
- Kealoha - Pronounced “KEL-oh-aa.” It means “the loved one” in Hawaiian.
- Kōnane - Pronounced “koh-NA-ney.” It means “bright” in Hawaiian.
- Luann (Louann) - Pronounced “LOO-ann.” It means “enjoyment” in Hawaiian.
- Luana - Pronounced “LOO-ann-ah.” It means “enjoyment” in Hawaiian.
- Mālie - Pronounced “MALL-lee-ay.” It means “calm” in Hawaiian.
- Noelani - Pronounced “no-eh-LA-nee.” It means “heavenly mist” in Hawaiian.
- U’ilani - Pronounced “oo-ee-LA-nee.” It means “heavenly beauty” in Hawaiian.
- Ulani - Pronounced “u-LAH-nee.” It means “cheerful” in Hawaiian.

Section 3 of 9:

Powerful & Unique Hawaiian Names for Girls

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Are you looking for a name that feels strong, powerful, and one-of-a-kind? There are plenty of Hawaiian names that fit the bill. Each of the names below evokes a sense of majesty, energy, and might (perfect for capturing your little girl’s inner spirit). Take a look:
- Hōkūlani - Pronounced “ho-koo-LA-nee.” It means “heavenly star” in Hawaiian.
- Iolani (or Iolana) - Hawaiian name meaning “to soar like a hawk.”
- Kaimana - Pronounced “kie-MA-na.” It means “powerful sea” in Hawaiian.
- Kaulana - Pronounced “kow-LA-na.” It means “famous” in Hawaiian.
- Keahi - Pronounced “keh-A-hee.” It means “fire” in Hawaiian.
- Keahilani - Pronounced “keh-a-hee-LAH-nee.” It means “the flames of heaven” in Hawaiian.
- Keala - Pronounced “keh-A-la.” It means “the path” in Hawaiian.
- Kealia - Pronounced “keh-LEE-aa.” It means “pathway” in Hawaiian.
- Keone - Pronounced “keh-OH-ney.” It means “the homeland” in Hawaiian.
- Lanakila - Pronounced “la-na-KEE-la.” It means “victory” or “triumph” in Hawaiian.
- Makani - Pronounced “ma-KAH-nee.” It means “the wind” in Hawaiian.
- Okalani - Pronounced “oh-ka-LA-nee.” It means “heavenly” in Hawaiian.
- Pauahi - Pronounced “POW-a-hee.” It means “the fire is out” in Hawaiian.

Section 4 of 9:

Short Hawaiian Names for Girls

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Maybe your favorite type of name is “short and sweet.” If that’s the case, we’ve still got you covered! Here are some of the shortest and loveliest Hawaiian girls’ names to choose from:
- Ahe - Pronounced “AH-heh.” It means “gentle breeze” in Hawaiian.
- Ele - Pronounced “EL-ee.” It means “shining one” or “black” in Hawaiian.
- Hali - Pronounced “ha-LEE.” It means “to remember” in Hawaiian.
- Kaia - Pronounced “KY-a.” It means “the sea” in Hawaiian.
- Lani^{[3]
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  Natalie Mulholland
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  Expert Interview} - Pronounced "LAH-nee." It means "heaven" in Hawaiian.
- Lei - Pronounced “LAY.” It means “flowers” or “child” in Hawaiian.
- Lilo - Pronounced “LEE-low.” It means “generous one” in Hawaiian.
- Loni - Pronounced “LON-ee.” It means “sky” in Hawaiian.
- Maia^{[4]
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  Natalie Mulholland
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  Expert Interview} - Pronounced “MY-ah.” It means “banana” in Hawaiian.
- Momi - Pronounced “MO-mee.” It means “pearl” in Hawaiian.
- Naia - Pronounced “NY-ah.” It means “dolphin” in Hawaiian.
- Nani - Pronounced “NA-nee.” It means “beauty” or “glory” in Hawaiian.
- Noe - Pronounced “NOH-ee.” It means “mist” in Hawaiian.
- Pua - Pronounced “POO-ah.” It means “flower” in Hawaiian.

Section 5 of 9:

Flower-Inspired Hawaiian Names for Girls

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There are plenty of lovely Hawaiian names that relate to flowers (and nature as a whole), which is unsurprising, given how much gorgeous flora exists on the Hawaiian islands. And, fittingly, some of the names below directly reference beloved or sacred flowers found in Hawaii! These flower-inspired names include:
- Kalei - Pronounced “ka-LAY.” It means “the flowers” in Hawaiian.
- Kapua - Pronounced “ka-POO-a.” It means “the flowers” or “the child” in Hawaiian.
- Lehua - Pronounced “leh-HOO-a.” The ‘ōhi’a lehua is a species of flowering evergreen tree that grows in Hawaii!
- Leia - Pronounced “LAY-aa.” It means “heavenly flowers” in Hawaiian.
- Leimomi - Pronounced “LAY-mo-mee.” It means “pearl flowers” or “pearl child” in Hawaiian.
- Lokelani - Pronounced “lo-kay-LAH-nee.” It means “heavenly rose,” and it’s the name of Maui’s official island flower—a small pink or red rose.
- Pualani - Traditional Hawaiian name meaning “heavenly flower.”
- Puanani - Pronounced “poo-a-NA-nee.” It means “beautiful flower” in Hawaiian.

Section 6 of 9:

Hawaiian Princess Names

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Everyone’s little girl is like their princess, right? Well, you can give your little princess a Hawaiian name actually befitting royalty! The names below either directly relate to royalty or rulers or describe traits of a beloved ruler. Take a look:
- Ailani - Pronounced “ah-ee-LAH-nee.” It means “heavenly chief” in Hawaiian.
- Alamea - Pronounced “ah-la-MAY-ah.” It means “precious” or “whole” in Hawaiian.
- Aleka - Pronounced “aa-LEK-aa.” It means “defender of the people” in Hawaiian.
- Ali’ikai - Pronounced “ah-LEE-ee-kye.” It means “royalty of the ocean” in Hawaiian.
- Haumea - Hawaiian name meaning “red ruler,” derived from the elements hau (ruler) and mea (reddish).
- Kaloni - Pronounced “ka–LOH-nee.” It means “the royal one” in Hawaiian.
- Kamalani - Pronounced “kah-ma-LAH-nee.” It means “royal child.”
- Kekepania - Pronounced “keh-keh-PAN-ee-a.” It means “crown” or “wreath” in Hawaiian.
- Kulani - Pronounced “koo-LA-nee.” Literally translates to “like heaven,” and can also mean “of chiefly nature.”
- Lalani - Pronounced “luh-LA-nee.” It means “royal child of heaven” in Hawaiian.
- Moana - Pronounced “mo-AH-na.” It means “ocean” in Hawaiian.
- Pele - Pronounced “peh-leh.” It’s the name of the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and lava.

Section 7 of 9:

Hawaiian Girl Names Adapted From English

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Most Hawaiian names are derived directly from the Hawaiian language (which, in turn, is closely related to other Polynesian languages and part of the Austronesian language family).^{[5]
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Go to source} However, a few names are actually Hawaiian-ized versions of common English names—like Elizabeth, Mary, and so on. These adapted names include:
- Apikalia - The Hawaiian form of Abigail, meaning “my father’s joy.”
- Elikapeka - The Hawaiian form of Elizabeth, meaning “God is my oath.”
- Haili - Hawaiian name meaning “sudden remembrance,” and also linked to the English Haley.
- Iekika - The Hawaiian equivalent of Jessica, meaning “to behold.”
- Kakalina - The Hawaiian form of Katherine, meaning “pure.”
- Kala - The Hawaiian equivalent of Sara, meaning “princess.”
- Kalena - The Hawaiian form of Karen, meaning “pure.”
- Kiana - The Hawaiian version of Diana, meaning “heavenly” or “goddess.”
- Kilikina - Hawaiian variant of Christina, meaning “anointed.”
- Lana (or Lannah) - Hawaiian name connected to Alana; this name means “precious” or “awakening.”
- Mele - Hawaiian version of Mary; it means “song” in Hawaiian, though the name Mary also means “beloved.”
- Melika - The Hawaiian variant of Melissa, meaning “bee.”
- Wikolia - The Hawaiian equivalent of Victoria, meaning “victory.”

Section 8 of 9:

Gender-Neutral Hawaiian Names

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Finally, we have some Hawaiian gender-neutral names—perfect for a child of any gender and with lovely meanings to complement them. So, even if you’re looking for girls’ names, any of the following names would still be a lovely pick:^{[6]
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- Akamai - Pronounced “ah-kah-my.” It means “smart” or “clever” in Hawaiian.
- Hōkū - Pronounced “ho-koo.” It means “star” in Hawaiian.
- Kai - Pronounced “KYE.” It means “sea” or “ocean” in Hawaiian.
- Kamali’i - Pronounced “ka-ma-lee-ee.” It means “children” in Hawaiian.
- Kameo - Hawaiian and Japanese name meaning “the one” (or “turtle man” in Japanese).
- Keani - Pronounced “kee-AH-nee.” It means “cool breeze over the mountains” in Hawaiian.
- Konane - Pronounced “ko-NAH-neh.” It means “glow like moonlight” in Hawaiian.
- Lani - Pronounced “LAh-nee.” It means “heaven” or “sky” in Hawaiian.
- Makoa - Pronounced “mah-KO-ah.” It means “fearless and bold” in Hawaiian.
- Makana - Pronounced “ma-KA-na.” It means “gift” in Hawaiian.
- Mano - Derived from the Hawaiian word manō, meaning “shark.” This name also has Spanish, Italian, and Japanese roots.
- Moani - Pronounced “mo-AH-nee.” It means “dew from heaven” in Hawaiian.
- Nahele - Pronounced “na-heh-leh.” It means “tree grove” in Hawaiian.
- Nohea - Hawaiian name meaning “lovely,” “handsome,” or “beautiful.”
- Pohaku - Pronounced “po-HAH-koo.” It means “stone” or “rock” in Hawaiian.

Section 9 of 9:

Traditional Hawaiian Naming Customs

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Hawaiian culture has several different methods for choosing baby names. Names are considered precious and deeply significant in Hawaiian culture, which means they’re typically chosen with care. Thus, there are also old Hawaiian traditions associated with naming children, and if a name is discovered using one of these traditions, it must be given to the child. Of course, not all Hawaiians still use these traditions! Nonetheless, they include:^{[7]
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- Inoa pō - This means “night name,” referring to a name received from a spiritual source—typically a dream.
- Inoa hō‘ailona - This type of name is discovered through visions or signs.
- Inoa ‘ūlāleo - This type of name is discovered through a voice that is heard (even just a voice in the wind).
- Inoa ho‘omana‘o - This kind of name is chosen as a way to commemorate a past historical or significant event.
- Inoa kūamuamu - This type of name is given to children to ward away malicious spirits.
- Inoa kupana - This type of name is chosen specifically to honor the family’s ancestors.
- Inoa ewe - These names are chosen for babies based on their personalities and significant traits.
- According to Mulholland, choosing a Hawaiian name for your baby if you don’t have Hawaiian ancestry could be seen as cultural appropriation.^{[8]
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