Discover the interesting background of these surnames and the ones that are most commonly used.
Traditionally, families pass down last names through generations. But in Hawaii, things are different. Instead of using last names, the native people primarily use first names and only have a small number of Hawaiian surnames. Our list provides insight into some popular Hawaiian last names and their meanings, many of which originated when immigrants arrived and made their home on the islands.
This indicates that these last names come from different cultures and languages. Additionally, many of these last names may sound recognizable because they are shortened versions of other last names. The Hawaiian language only has 12 letters, so it’s common to mix up letters when creating a last name in the Hawaiian naming custom. Similar to their first names, Hawaiian last names show the close connection Hawaiians have with the natural world and their deities.
Top Hawaiian Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings
Each of these names is special and one-of-a-kind because they have a unique significance.
- Ailana
Ailana is a lovely name of Finnish origin that means ‘moonlight.’
- Ai’la’ausd
It’s a Hawaiian surname with religious connotations that translates to ‘Fire God’.
- Aka
This name can signify being loving or honorable. It can also suggest brightness and clearness at times. The surname Akamai comes from the word Akeakamai, which means someone who is clever and intelligent.
- Akamu
This surname is the Hawaiian equivalent of the name ‘Adam’ from the Bible, who was the first human created by God. It also signifies being ‘of the Earth.’
- Akana
In Japanese culture, the surname Akana signifies brightness and the joy of playing music.
- Akina
This surname has Japanese roots and symbolizes the season of fall or a cheerful, positive quality that can make you feel happy.
- Ailana
Ailana is a fitting surname for a lovely child and it signifies the strength of God.
- Alama
This surname comes from Swahili and it means ‘sign’ or ‘symbol.’
- Alana
In German, this surname translates to ‘precious.’ However, in Hawaiian, it signifies ‘beautiful gift’ or ‘awakening.’
- Alika
This Hawaiian surname probably comes from Nigeria and translates to ‘the most beautiful’ in both languages.
- Alohi
This surname is translated as ‘brilliant’ in Hawaiian and can also mean ‘shining.’
- Anakoni
A lovely surname to hold dear, as it signifies being valuable and irreplaceable.
- Anela
Anela is a last name from Hawaii with its roots in Greece. This surname is closely related to the name Angela in English and was taken on by Christian Hawaiians in the past.
- Ano
The surname Ano comes from German and it means ‘pure.’
- Aolani
This surname reminds you of the sky because it translates to ‘beautiful clouds.’
- Aouli
This surname means a beautiful day because it translates to ‘clear blue sky.’
- Aria
In Hawaii, the surname is well-known and it translates to ‘solo melody.’ This surname comes from Italian origins.
- Aukai
This surname symbolizes a connection to the sea, meaning ‘someone who travels by sea’ or ‘someone who sails.’
- Etana
If you want your daughter to show qualities of being strong, you can name her Etana, which also means dedication and strong. This surname comes from Hebrew and is the feminine form of the name Ethan.
- Haku
Haku is a surname that means ‘supervisor’ and signifies power and responsibility.
- Hale
This surname is the Hawaiian equivalent of the English name Harry. It also symbolizes the comforting and uncomplicated concept of ‘home’.
- Halia
Halia is a Hawaiian surname that means ‘reminiscence,’ reminding you of someone you hold dear.
- Haoa
It is a Hawaiian surname that is derived from the English name ‘Howard.’ This last name is frequently used and signifies ‘army guard’ or ‘chief.’
- Haukea
The surname Haukea means ‘white snow,’ symbolizes a gentle personality.
- Havika
The surname represents love and translates to ‘beloved’ or ‘dearest.’ This surname comes from Hebrew roots and is a common way of saying ‘David.’
- Hekekia
Hekekia is the surname commonly used to refer to the king of Judah in the Bible.
- Hikialani
A surname that helps you feel closer to spiritual enlightenment as it signifies gazing towards the sky.
- Ikaika
Derived from the Hawaiian language, the surname Ikaika translates to ‘a powerful man.’
- Inoa
This surname can be understood in two ways. It can either mean ‘name chants’ or be considered the Hawaiian equivalent of ‘the virgin Mary.’
- Iona
The surname is shortened from ‘Ionakana’, which translates to ‘gift from God’. It is the Hawaiian equivalent of ‘Jonah’ and the popular Hebrew name ‘Jonathan’.
- Ionakana
The Hawaiian version of the Hebrew surname Jonathan means ‘a gift from God.’
- Iosua
This surname comes from the Bible, specifically from the name ‘Joshua.’
- Isaiah
The Hawaiian surname for ‘Isaiah’ means ‘the God of salvation.’
- Kahale
The last name is Hawaiian and refers to the place where we often find comfort, which is home.
- Kamakahonu
Kamakahonu is a Hawaiian last name that means home, the place where we often feel safe and comfortable.
- Kahele
Kahele can be translated as ‘walk’ or ‘journey’ in English. It is a popular last name in Hawaii and translates to ‘to go.’
- Kahie
It is a rare last name that comes from two Hawaiian words, ‘ka’ which translates to ‘the,’ and ‘hue,’ which means ‘gourd.’
- Kai
The surname is closely associated with Hawaii because it translates to ‘ocean.’ Its origins can be traced back to a Japanese word that also means ‘ocean.’
- Kainoa
Kainoa is a surname that means ‘the sea of freedom’ in Hawaiian. If you want your baby to always make you think of the ocean, you can name her Kainoa, which means ‘child of the sea’ or ‘free-flowing ocean.’
- Kaiwi
In Hawaiian, this surname means ‘the bone,’ highlighting its importance in life.
- Kalama
Kalama is a Hawaiian surname that translates to ‘the torch.’ It was also the name of the queen consort of Hawaii from 1837 to 1854.
- Kalani
It’s a great surname for your beloved child because it means ‘heaven’ or ‘royalty’.
- Kalawai
The surname ‘Ka LawaiÊ»a’ comes from Hawaiian and combines ‘ka,’ which means ‘the,’ with ‘lawaiÊ»a,’ meaning ‘fisherman.’
- Kaleo
The surname Kaleo means ‘one voice’ or ‘one sound,’ a name that evokes the music of the oceans.
- Kalua
The surname Kalua can be expressed as smoked and shredded meat, usually made from pork. It is also a great choice for a first name and it means ‘friend.’
- Kama
It’s a basic Hawaiian last name that translates to ‘child.’
- Kamaka
The surname Kamaka has different meanings in various languages. In Hawaiian, it signifies ‘the eye,’ while in Maori, the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand, it conveys ‘rock.’
- Kamealoha
It’s a surname that shows how much you love your child, because it means ‘the beloved one.’
- Kana
In Hawaiian mythology, it is believed that Kana was a demigod with the ability to stretch very far.
- Kane
Kane is known as the God of procreation in Hawaiian mythology and is considered the most important of the four Gods. He is also referred to as the creator of all living beings.
- Kapule
The Hawaiian last name comes from a strong faith in God and it translates to ‘magic’ or ‘prayer.’
- Kauhane
The last name comes from the Hawaiian term Uhane, which translates to ‘spirit’ or ‘soul.’
- Kawai
The surname is associated with Hawaii and signifies ‘coming from water’ or ‘the water.’
55 Kayl
Originating from Hawaii, this last name means ‘free man.’
- Keahi
In Hawaiian, the surname means ‘flames’ and is a name that connects with the strong force of fire in nature.
- Keaka
This last name translates to ‘the reflection’ in the Hawaiian language.
- Kealani
The surname ‘Lani Kea’ in Hawaiian means ‘white heaven’ or ‘clear sky’, with ‘Lani’ meaning ‘heaven’ and ‘kea’ meaning ‘white’.
- Kealoha
The last name probably comes from Maori and translates to ‘the love.’
- Kealohilani
The surname Kealohilani can be translated as ‘The shining heavens’ in English. The name signifies hope because it translates to ‘bright heaven.’
- Keanu
The surname ‘Keanu’ is quite appropriate for a location with lots of trees and oceans because it means ‘cool’ or ‘breeze.’ It is also the name of the well-known actor Keanu Reeves.
- Keawe
Keawe is a special Hawaiian last name that comes from Hawaiian roots and means ‘thread.’
- Kehaulani
It’s a common Hawaiian surname that translates to ‘heavenly moisture from above.’
- Kekepania
The Hawaiian surname for ‘Stephanie’ means ‘woman with a crown’ in Greek.
- Kekoa
This surname refers to someone who is strong and resilient like a warrior or a koa tree, and represents both power and grace as a surname.
- Kelekolio
The Hawaiian version of the surname ‘Gregory’ comes from the English name, which has roots in Ancient Greek.
- Keli’i
It’s a special Hawaiian last name that signifies someone in a leadership role.
- Keona
It comes from Polynesian and Hawaiian languages and translates to ‘a gift from God.’
- Kiana
Kiana is a Hawaiian last name that means ‘Goddess of the moon.’ This surname has divine origins.
- Konani
This surname can bring a bit of sparkle to your name because it signifies ‘bright.’
- Kulani
In Hawaiian, the surname Kulani means ‘a glimpse of heaven’ and is a special surname in Hawaii.
- Lani
The surname Lani comes from Hawaii and means ‘blue sky’ or ‘heaven.’
- Lee
The surname is based on a Korean word and means ‘plum tree.’
- Leilani
The Hawaiian last name comes from the words ‘Lei,’ which means ‘flower,’ and ‘Lani,’ which means ‘heaven.’ So, Leilani translates to the lovely ‘heavenly flower.’
- Leimomi
Leimomi, another name associated with the ocean, translates to ‘wreath of pearls.’
- Likeke
Likeke is a last name that represents bravery because it means ‘powerful’ or ‘brave.’ It is also the local variation of the English name ‘Richard.’
- Luda
This last name from Hawaii is the everyday way to say the name Jude.
- Lui
It is a last name that comes from Germany and France and is a casual version of the first name Louis.
- Mahelona
The name comes from Mahlon, who was Ruth’s husband in the Bible.
- Mahi’ai
This surname originates from Hawaiian and originally meant ‘farmer.’
- Mahoe
This surname is uncommon in Hawaii and means ‘twins.’ It also refers to a small tree with a bushy appearance.
- Makali
Makali is a Hawaiian last name that can mean ‘myrtle tree’ or ‘small eyes.’
- Makaio
This special Hawaiian last name means a ‘gift from God.’
- Maliah
The Hawaiian surname for Maliah is based on the English name, which has its roots in the Hebrew language.
- Mana
In Hawaiian culture, the word ‘mana’ is highly respected and it has Japanese origins. Mana is believed to represent a form of spiritual energy.
- Manu
It’s a pretty surname that connects to the natural world. In Hawaiian, Manu translates to ‘bird’.
- Maui
This surname comes from Hawaii and Polynesia and signifies ‘God of fire.’ It is commonly used as a first name and has gained popularity after the Disney movie, Moana, was released.
- Mililani
Mililani, a lovely surname, translates to ‘love from heaven’ in Hawaiian.
- Moana
The surname Moana comes from Hawaiian and Polynesian roots and means ‘sea’ or ‘ocean.’ It is also a common first name.
- Nakamura
The surname ‘Nakamura’ is originally from Japan and was used by Hawaiians to mean ‘middle village.’
- Nani
The last name from Hawaii can mean different things, like ‘pretty,’ ‘beautiful,’ or ‘attractive flower.’
- Noelani
Noelani is a nice last name that comes from Hawaii and it means ‘dew’ or ‘heavenly mist’.
- Palakiko
The Hawaiian last name comes from the Spanish name Francisco, which originated from the English first name Francis.
- Pele
According to Hawaiian mythology, Pele is known as the ‘God of volcano’ and is believed to have created the Hawaiian islands.
- Peleke
The Hawaiian version of the surname Frederick is similar to the German name, meaning ‘peaceful ruler’ in German.
- Pualani
This beautiful last name from Hawaii translates to ‘heavenly child.’
- Sophia
The surname Sophia originated from the English first name Sophia, which is of Greek origin and means ‘wisdom.’
- Urima
This surname comes from Hawaiian and Polynesian roots and represents the meaning ‘Fruit of the Earth.’
- Wailani
The last name is associated with the waters of Hawaii and translates to ‘heavenly water.’
- Wong
The surname Wang originally means ‘king’ or ‘monarch’ in Chinese. It came to Hawaii with Cantonese immigrants in the 18th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
For generations, Hawaiian surnames were not part of the culture until immigrants arrived on the island and brought their own names with them. As a result, the roots of Hawaiian surnames come from the languages of these immigrants, reflecting a mix of different cultures. The unique Hawaiian last names, like Akamu, Haku, and Kai, offer a glimpse into the island’s mythology and history. Whether you are native to Hawaii or just have a love for the culture, these beautiful Hawaiian surnames can give your baby a meaningful last name.
