Parenting

25 Hawaiian Baby Boy Names That Are Too Adorable To Overlook

ParentingPublished Aug 3, 2020
By Tanvier Peart
Boy on the beach next to oceanwomanOFimagery/twenty20

Expectant parents have been known to choose a baby name based on their travels, and one destination they'll want to circle on the map is Hawaii. Known for its majestic sunsets and diverse culture, Hawaii -- or the "Aloha State," as it is also called -- is a source of everlasting wanderlust and unforgettable baby names. These names represent the ocean, sea, and the stars, and we can't get enough of them! 

More from CafeMom: 70 Prettiest Baby Girl Names From Around the World

A baby name from a lovely location can make it extra special. And if that name is in a foreign language? Even better. Hawaiian baby boy names are perfect for a future surfer, swimmer, or person who likes to spend his days in the sun. With the help of our friends from BabyNameWizard, we found the best Hawaiian baby boy names that we can't get enough of. Take a journey with us as we (virtually) whisk away to Hawaii and soak in these enchanting baby names for boys. It just might inspire some parents to take a little trip someday!

More from CafeMom: 16 Unusual Baby Names That Are More Popular Than We All Thought

Seriously, these are too beautiful and unique to pass up. Read on to see which great names made our list, and let us know which ones we should add!

1/25
HILO-placeholder
HILO
iamkatwatkins/twenty20

HILO

The name Hilo is steeped in Hawaiian history and geography. As well as the term for the first night of the new moon, it’s also the name for the largest town on the island of Hawaii. History buffs will also appreciate that it was one of the first places Polynesians landed when they came to the islands.

2/25
KAYL-placeholder
KAYL
cassiopeiapink22/twenty20

KAYL

Though some variation of the name Kayl exists in a number of different languages, in Hawaiian, the name means "free man." It's a simple, direct name, and one that suggests independence, respect, and dignity.

3/25
MELE-placeholder
MELE
Pari_yummymummy/twenty20

MELE

Mele is another Hawaiian boy’s name with musical and creative overtones. As a girl's name i'’s used as a variant of Mary, but as a boy's name, Mele means song, and is also the word for Hawaiian chants, songs, or poems. Because of this, it's often used in song titles.

4/25
MANO-placeholder
MANO
Monarch.Creative/twenty20

MANO

Whichever Hawaiian definition one chooses to emphasize, Mano is definitely a power name. Literally, the word simply means "shark." Figuratively, it also carries connotations of a passionate lover. Either way, a Mano is one to keep an eye on.

5/25
LIKO-placeholder
LIKO
jvsse/twenty20

LIKO

Some names attract because of their power and some because of their simplicity. Liko falls into the latter category. It's a Hawaiian name given to boys, and one rooted in the world of nature. It's pronounced lee-ko, and it means "bud" or "leaf bud.

6/25
KOA-placeholder
KOA
nazmanm/twenty20

KOA

How should an island-born child, inhabiting small pieces of land and surrounded by water, face the sea? The name Koa, pronounced ko-a, gives one answer. It means brave, bold, and fearless, and is the name for a kind of wood used to build canoes and surfboards.

7/25
ANO-placeholder
ANO
otryaskinatatyana/twenty20

ANO

Ano is another baby boy name appropriate to the setting from which it comes. Pronounced a-no, the name means, variously, immaculate, awe or reverence, and peacefulness. What better gift from the islands?

8/25
AKONI-placeholder
AKONI
mallory.slavin/twenty20

AKONI

Variously traced as a derived from the Hawaiian version of Anthony or as a name originating from Hawaiian, Akoni (pronounced ah-ko-nee) carries a strong meaning either way: praiseworthy or priceless. A valuable name in any event.

9/25
KALEO-placeholder
KALEO
rgags/twenty20

KALEO

Any parents who enjoy singing --or who are hoping for a child who does -- would do well to place the name Kaleo on their list. It is pronounced "ka-leo," and it's a boy's name that means, literally, "the voice." A possible future on a singing contest program? Who knows?

10/25
NOE-placeholder
NOE
yihchang/twenty20

NOE

Noe is a baby name that can be given to both boys and girls, though with the male version, the "e" is pronounces (no-ee) and the with the female version it isn't. The name means "mist" or "misty." It's appropriate for lands placed in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

11/25
KAI-placeholder
KAI
Oksana Yurlova/Shutterstock

KAI

Everyone knows that it isn't really an island party until someone named Kai shows up. This gender-neutral title is a bit of an international superstar, as Kai has many meanings in many cultures and languages. And for those who are curious, the name Kai means "ocean" in Hawaiian.

12/25
KEANU-placeholder
KEANU
Worawut Supatson/Shutterstock

KEANU

Let's take a look at another K: Keanu. This baby name could bring to mind a certain celeb who holds the same title (we're talking about Keanu Reeves here), which could make it enticing. But there's another reason to fall in love with it. Pronounced keh-AH-noo, Keanu is Hawaiian for "cool breeze" -- and happens to be a fave among moms and dads in the Aloha State.

13/25
AHE-placeholder
AHE
AndreyUG/Shutterstock

AHE

Speaking of breezes -- and shouldn't we be since we're talking about Hawaii? -- Ahe is an excellent baby name to add to any list of faves. Pronounced just how it looks (ah-HEH), Ahe is Hawaiian for "softly blowing breeze."

More from CafeMom: 16 Boy Baby Names That Will Be Insanely Popular in 2017

14/25
HANI-placeholder
HANI
Visun Khankasem/Shutterstock

HANI

Although this baby name has roots in Arabic, the precious Hani also happens to be a name with Hawaiian sentiments. Pronounced HA-nee, Hani means "to move lightly" or "to touch," which makes us think of our sweet babies touching our face.

15/25
AOULI-placeholder
AOULI
Helen Sushitskaya/Shutterstock

AOULI

If only we could retreat to a place with endless sun and beautiful skies. Even though we can't always get rainbows and sunshine, we can enjoy a "blue sky," thanks to the Hawaiian name Aouli (pronounced ah-oh-OO-lee). It's kind of perfect and has an unforgettable sentiment.

16/25
KAHIAU-placeholder
KAHIAU
Olga Pink/Shutterstock

KAHIAU

It's pretty safe to say (or assume) that all parents would love for their child to be selfless and caring. And giving a child the name Kahiau (pronounced kah-HAH-yoo), might bring that dream a step closer to becoming a reality. Hawaiian for "selfless generosity," Kahiau is a charming name that's also unique.

More from CafeMom: 15 Baby Boy 'Nicknames' That Make Kickass First Names

17/25
KELANI-placeholder
KELANI
Kamelia Ilieva/Shutterstock

KELANI

In the mood for another name that begins with K? Try Kelani! Pronounced ke-LA-nee, Kelani is a gender-neutral Hawaiian name that's associated with "the heavens" -- making the title absolutely divine.

18/25
MAUI-placeholder
MAUI
Felix Mizioznikov/Shutterstock

MAUI

By this time, the name Maui should sound familiar. After all, it is the second-largest Hawaiian island that's commonly associated with paradise. The name Maui also has ties to Hawaiian mythology: Maui was a noted trickster and demigod who created the Hawaiian islands.

19/25
LONO-placeholder
LONO
Anna Nahabed/Shutterstock

LONO

Anyone trying to provide their child a bright future in farming -- or instill a serious love for horticulture -- should keep this name in mind. Lono is a Hawaiian title that means "god of peace and agriculture" -- quite fitting for the tiniest of gents who lead with a green thumb. It's a simple name and very sweet.

More from CafeMom: 25 Gorgeous & Unusual Baby Names That Work for Boys or Girls

20/25
KAWAI-placeholder
KAWAI
Tropical Studio/Shutterstock

KAWAI

There's something about the name Kawai that makes it magical. Hawaiian for "coming from water," Kawai (pronounced kah-WIE) has an endearing vibe that makes this baby name flow to the top of our short list.

21/25
HANALE-placeholder
HANALE
Viktoriia Drobotova/Shutterstock

HANALE

Parents who decide to name their son Hanale should be warned: However small the child, he just might take over the household -- as Hanale means "lord of the manor." This Hawaiian title is pronounced ha-nah-lee and is actually a variant of the English Henry. So the parents of any Hanale should be prepared to refer to him as "Sir," LOL.

22/25
IOKUA-placeholder
IOKUA
Aleksei Potov/Shutterstock

IOKUA

Any lovers of baby names inspired by the Bible? If so, check this out. Iokua is the Hawaiian variation of Joshua that means "God delivers." This peaceful title (pronounced yaw-KOO-ah) derives from the Hebrew yehōshū’a that means "God is salvation" and provides a fresh update to the classic Joshua, the successor of Moses and leader of the Israelites.

More from CafeMom: 19 Rare & Unusual Baby Names From the Bible

23/25
MOANI-placeholder
MOANI
oliveromg/Shutterstock

MOANI

Not to be confused with the Disney heroine Moana is Moani, an adorable baby boy name with a fragrance beyond these lands. Hawaiian for "breeze of scent," Moani (pronounced moh-AH-nee) is an adorable name that could fill a room with its tropical vibe.

24/25
NOELANI-placeholder
NOELANI
NadyaEugene/Shutterstock

NOELANI

Although Noelani (pronounced noh-eh-LAH-nee) makes for an adorable baby name for girls, it's also one that works for boys. Hawaiian for "dew from heaven," Noelani is a title that sounds divine and super duper dreamy. Plus, it offers handy nicknames such as Noel and Lani.

25/25
PIKA-placeholder
PIKA
The Clay Machine Gun/Shutterstock

PIKA

In the mood for another biblical name served with a twist? How about Pika? Pronounced PEE-kah, Pika is the Hawaiian variant of Peter that means "rock" and delivers its own flava. We think Pika is a playful baby name option that's vibrant and full of life.

More from CafeMom: 50 Cool Baby Names Inspired by the Bible

baby names
Cafemom Logo
This is motherhood #nofilter

AboutTermsContactPrivacyPRIVACY SETTINGSSUBMIT A STORY
© 2024 WILD SKY MEDIA.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PART OF WILD SKY MEDIA
| FAMILY & PARENTING
CAFEMOMMAMÁSLATINAS
LITTLETHINGSMOM.COM
This site is owned and operated by Bright Mountain Media, Inc., a publicly owned company trading with the symbol: BMTM.