Hawaii is a land of breathtaking beauty, rich traditions, and a unique blend of cultures. Hawaiian last names often reflect the islands’ deep connection to nature, ancestry, and history. Whether derived from native Hawaiian words, occupations, or influences from other cultures, each surname tells a story.
In this post, we’ll explore over 140 popular Hawaiian last names, categorized for easier reading, along with their meanings and origins. Whether you’re researching your family history, writing a story, or just curious about Hawaiian culture, this list will give you insight into the beautiful names that shape Hawaii’s identity.
Popular & Common Hawaiian Last Names or Surnames & Their Meanings
Traditional Hawaiian Surnames (Nature-Inspired)
Many Hawaiian last names are rooted in the natural world, reflecting the islands’ lush landscapes, ocean, and wildlife.
- Akana – Means “the golden one” or “the sun.”
- Aka – Means “shadow” or “reflection.”
- Alika – Hawaiian form of “Alex,” meaning “defender of mankind.”
- Anuhea – Means “cool, fragrant breeze.”
- Aolani – “Heavenly cloud.”
- Awai – Refers to a “stream” or “river.”
- Hoku – Means “star.”
- Ikaika – Means “strong” or “powerful.”
- Kai – Means “sea” or “ocean.”
- Kalei – Short for “Kaleialoha,” meaning “the beloved one.”
- Kaimana – Means “diamond” or “power of the ocean.”
- Kailani – “Sea and sky.”
- Kealoha – Means “the love” or “beloved one.”
- Keanu – Means “cool breeze.”
- Lani – Means “sky” or “heaven.”
- Leilani – “Heavenly flower.”
- Lokelani – “Small red rose” (also the official flower of Maui).
- Mahina – Means “moon.”
- Makai – Means “toward the sea.”
- Nalani – “The heavens” or “chief of the sky.”
- Noelani – “Mist of heaven.”
- Pualani – “Heavenly flower.”
- Ua – Means “rain.”
Hawaiian Surnames Derived from Occupations & Traits
Some Hawaiian last names originate from ancestral professions or personal characteristics.
- Akamu – Hawaiian form of “Adam.”
- Alika – Also means “noble” or “truthful.”
- Haku – Means “lord” or “master.”
- Hale – Means “house” (often for someone who built homes).
- Kamaka – Means “person” or “human.”
- Kameāloha – “The beloved one.”
- Kanaka – Another term for “person” or “human.”
- Kapena – Means “captain” (from English influence).
- Kupuna – Means “elder” or “ancestor.”
- Lima – Means “hand” (possibly for a skilled worker).
- Mahelona – Derived from “Māhealani,” meaning “full moon.”
- Mākua – Means “parent” or “elder.”
- Moana – Means “ocean” (for fishermen or sailors).
- Pākī – Means “partition” or “boundary.”
- Pākōlī – Refers to someone who is “quick” or “agile.”
- Pana – Means “to shoot” (possibly for hunters).
- Poʻokela – Means “chief” or “excellence.”
Hawaiian Surnames with Religious or Spiritual Meanings
Many Hawaiian names are tied to spirituality, gods, and sacred concepts.
- Akoni – Hawaiian form of “Anthony,” meaning “priceless.”
- Akela – Hawaiian version of “Asher,” meaning “blessed.”
- Hoʻomana – Means “to worship” or “religion.”
- Ikaika – Also means “spiritual strength.”
- Kāne – Named after the Hawaiian god of creation.
- Kū – Named after the god of war.
- Lono – Named after the god of agriculture and peace.
- Mana – Means “spiritual power.”
- Maui – Named after the demigod Maui.
- Pele – Named after the goddess of fire and volcanoes.
Hawaiian Surnames with Foreign Influences
Due to migration and colonization, many Hawaiian last names have European, Asian, or other Polynesian roots.
European-Influenced Names:
- Kale – Hawaiian form of “Charles.”
- Kalani – Derived from “Clarence.”
- Kimo – Hawaiian version of “James.”
- Lopaka – Hawaiian form of “Robert.”
- Malia – Hawaiian form of “Mary.”
- Palani – Hawaiian version of “Frank.”
- Wiliama – Hawaiian form of “William.”
Asian-Influenced Names:
- Arakawa – Japanese origin, meaning “rough river.”
- Fujimoto – Japanese, meaning “wisteria base.”
- Kimura – Japanese, meaning “tree village.”
- Lee – Common Chinese surname in Hawaii.
- Ono – Japanese, meaning “small field.”
- Wong – Chinese surname prevalent in Hawaii.
Other Polynesian Names:
- Fiti – Samoan influence, meaning “strong.”
- Maiava – Samoan origin.
- Tavita – Samoan form of “David.”
Royal & Noble Hawaiian Surnames
Hawaii’s monarchy left behind many distinguished surnames.
- Kalanimoku – A chief and advisor to Kamehameha I.
- Kamehameha – The dynasty of King Kamehameha I.
- Kaʻiulani – Princess Victoria Kaʻiulani’s name.
- Kapiʻolani – Queen Kapiʻolani’s name.
- Keōua – Father of Kamehameha I.
- Liliʻuokalani – Hawaii’s last reigning monarch.
- Lunalilo – King William Lunalilo.
Unisex & Modern Hawaiian Surnames
Some names are gender-neutral or have gained popularity recently.
- Aloha – Means “love,” “greeting,” or “compassion.”
- Hoku – “Star” (used for both genders).
- Koa – Means “warrior” or “brave.”
- Kaiwi – Means “the bone” (symbolizing strength).
- Makana – Means “gift.”
- Nani – Means “beautiful.”
- Ono – Means “delicious” or “tasty.”
Rare & Unique Hawaiian Surnames
These names are less common but carry deep meanings.
- Ailani – “High chief.”
- Haunani – “Beautiful snow.”
- Iolana – “To soar.”
- Kaleikoa – “The voice of the warrior.”
- Kawena – “The glow of the sun.”
- Lokomaikaʻi – “Goodness from within.”
- Mālie – “Calm” or “peaceful.”
- Nahoa – “Bold” or “fearless.”
- Pualani – “Heavenly flower.”
- Ululani – “Divine inspiration.”
Common Hawaiian Surnames Today
These are frequently seen in modern Hawaii.
- Andrade – Portuguese origin.
- Castro – Spanish influence.
- Chun – Chinese origin.
- Dias – Portuguese surname.
- Gomes – Portuguese origin.
- Kekoa – Means “the brave one.”
- Machado – Portuguese, meaning “axe.”
- Pereira – Portuguese origin.
- Silva – Common Portuguese surname.
- Souza – Portuguese origin.
Hawaiian Surnames Inspired by Mythology & Legends
Hawaiian mythology is rich with gods, demigods, and epic tales, and many surnames pay homage to these stories.
- Haikili – Named after the god of thunder.
- Hina – After the goddess of the moon.
- Kahoʻaliʻi – A legendary figure associated with sacred chiefs.
- Kamapuaʻa – Named after the demigod who could transform into a pig.
- Kanaloa – The god of the ocean and underworld.
- Kāne – The creator god in Hawaiian mythology.
- Kawelo – A hero from Hawaiian legends.
- Laka – The goddess of hula and forest growth.
- Māui – The mischievous demigod who pulled the Hawaiian Islands from the sea.
- Nāmaka – The sea goddess, sister of Pele.
Hawaiian Surnames Based on Places & Geography
Many Hawaiian last names are tied to specific locations, landmarks, or ancestral lands.
- Haleakalā – Named after Maui’s famous “House of the Sun” volcano.
- Hana – Refers to the lush town on Maui’s eastern coast.
- Honoliʻi – A place name meaning “small bay.”
- Kailua – Means “two seas” (a town on Oʻahu and the Big Island).
- Kauaʻi – Named after the island of Kauaʻi.
- Kealakekua – A historic bay on the Big Island.
- Kona – Refers to the leeward side of the Big Island.
- Lahaina – A historic town in Maui.
- Mauna – Short for Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa (Hawaii’s tallest volcanoes).
- Waikīkī – Named after the famous beach in Honolulu.
Hawaiian Surnames with Hidden Symbolism
Some names carry deeper meanings related to virtues, emotions, or life philosophies.
- Alakaʻi – Means “leader” or “guide.”
- Hōkūpaʻa – Means “North Star,” symbolizing guidance.
- Hoʻomalu – Means “to protect” or “to bring peace.”
- Kūpaʻa – Means “steadfast” or “loyal.”
- Lokahi – Means “unity” or “harmony.”
- Maluhia – Means “peace” or “tranquility.”
- Naʻauao – Means “wise” or “enlightened.”
- Oluolu – Means “gentle” or “kind.”
- Pono – Means “righteousness” or “balance.”
- ʻŌpūnui – Means “abundance” or “prosperity.”
Hawaiian Surnames with Occupational & Skill-Based Origins
Some names reflect traditional Hawaiian skills, crafts, or roles in the community.
- Haku Mele – Means “song composer.”
- Kahuna – Refers to a priest, healer, or expert.
- Kālai – Means “to carve” (for wood or stone carvers).
- Kupuna – Means “elder” or “respected ancestor.”
- Lauhala – Refers to the art of weaving pandanus leaves.
- Lawaiʻa – Means “fisherman.”
- Pāʻū – Refers to a hula skirt maker.
- Poʻe Hula – Means “hula dancer.”
- Pūkāea – Refers to a conch shell blower (used in ceremonies).
- Waʻa – Means “canoe builder.”
Hawaiian Surnames with Dual Meanings
Some names have layered meanings, blending Hawaiian and foreign influences.
- Kaleo – Means “the voice” (Hawaiian) but also resembles “Cleo” (Greek).
- Keoni – Hawaiian form of “John,” meaning “God is gracious.”
- Liko – Means “bud” (Hawaiian) but also resembles “Nico” (Greek).
- Makoa – Means “fearless” (Hawaiian) but sounds like “Mako” (Polynesian for “shark”).
- Noa – Means “freedom” (Hawaiian) and is also a biblical name.
Modern Adaptations & Blended Hawaiian Surnames
As Hawaii’s culture evolves, some surnames merge Hawaiian and Western influences.
- Kaimana-Kai – A modern blend meaning “diamond of the sea.”
- Kealoha-Smith – A mix of Hawaiian and English surnames.
- Leilani-Gonzalez – Combining Hawaiian and Hispanic heritage.
- Nalani-Johnson – A fusion of Hawaiian and Anglo surnames.
- Pomaikaʻi-Lee – Meaning “blessed Lee” (Hawaiian-Chinese blend).
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Final Thoughts
Hawaiian last names are a beautiful blend of nature, history, and cultural influences. Whether rooted in ancient traditions or shaped by outside interactions, each name carries a legacy.
Do you have a Hawaiian surname in your family? Or is there a name on this list that resonates with you? Share your thoughts in the comments, we’d love to hear your stories!
Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for reading! 🌺🌊