Are you looking for a fun and unique name for your dog? Consider a Hawaiian-inspired name. There are so many unique and beautiful Hawaiian words that either signify a place, geographic area, or sound that would also make a wonderful dog name.
What makes it even better is when you know the meaning of the Hawaiian word making it a special and sweet name, especially if the word you choose is the perfect description of your dog. If you’re wondering what you should name your dog, here are a few lists of Hawaiian words and their meanings to see if any of them can inspire a name for your new pup.
Article Summary
Hawaiian Dog Names that are Based on Locations
Featuring breathtakingly beautiful beaches, lush greens, and crisp, clear water. Hawaii is made up of 6 main islands that each include many interesting landmarks and cities, which provide a lot of great ideas for hawaiian dog names.
- Honolulu – The largest Hawaiian city, Honolulu is also the capital of Hawaii.
- Lanai – Also known as Pineapple Island, Lanai is the smallest island as far as population.
- Hilo – Hilo is the largest city in the county of Hawaii.
- Molokai – Known as “the friendly island,” Molokai is the 5th largest Hawaiian island.
- Pearl – Pearl is named after Pearl City, which is also near Pearl Harbor.
- Kailua – Kailua serves as a city that is the center of commerce and tourism.
- Waipahu – Located near Honolulu, Waipahu is a former sugarcane plantation town.
- Kauai – The 4th largest Hawaiian island, Kauai is also the oldest.
- Maui – A popular tourist spot, Maui is the second-largest Hawaiian island.
- Oahu – Home to 2/3 of the population of Hawaii, it is also the 3rd largest Hawaiian island.
Hawaiian Dog Names That are Based on Gods and Goddesses
When naming your new pup, what better way to show your love than name him after a Hawaiian god and goddess.
- Lono – The God of agriculture
- Pele – The Goddess of volcanoes
- Hina – The Goddess of the moon
- Akua – God
- Maui – The trickster
- Laka – The Goddess of hula
- Kuula – The God of all fishermen
- Papa – The Fertility Goddess and Earth mother
- Kapo- The Fertility Goddess
- Namaka – The Sea Goddess
- Poliahu- The Snow Goddess
- Kane – Father of all living creatures
- Ku – The God of war
- Kanaloa – The God of the underworld
Hawaiian Dog Names That are Based on Legend and Myth
Naming your new dog after a character in one of Hawaii’s many ancient legends and myths is a fun way to honor Hawaiian traditions.
- Haupu – A powerful and special child
- Puna – The Oahu Chief
- Haumea – The Dragon goddess
- Menehune – Means mischievous dwarfs
- Kamohoalii – The Shark King
- Kupa – Means the high chief
- Kamalo – Refers to Kupa’s priests
- Kihawahine- The Dragon goddess
- Kaha’akea – A great chief
- Namakalele – Flying eyes
- Kama Puaa – The Pig God
- Mo’o – The Protector of streams and ponds
Hawaiian Dog Names That are Based on Natural Wonders
Known as a paradise filled with natural wonders, these Hawaiian names are perfect for nature lovers.
- Hau – Snow
- Hoku – A star
- Honu – A Green turtle
- Keanu – A cool breeze from the mountains
- Wai Halana – A flood
- Wailele – A waterfall
- Nanu – A wave
- Momi – A pearl
- Nalani – The heavens
- Hilo – A new moon
- Mahina – The moon
- Kai – The Sea
- Loni – The Sky
- Kailani The sky and sea
- Naia – A dolphin
- Nana – The spring
- Noe – The mist or rain
- Makani – The wind
- Hibiscus – The state flower of Hawaii
- Kohala – A whale
- Ke ao – The cloud
- Honua – The earth
- Lua Pele – A volcano
- Io – The native hawk of Hawaii
- Kukui – The state tree of Hawaii
- Naupaka – An ocean plant native to Hawaii
- Nene – The state bird of Hawaii
- Pikake – The flowers that are often used in a lei
- Kapua – A flower
- Kapueo – An owl
- Anuenue – A rainbow
We also have a thorough list of nature names for dogs if you’re looking for more inspiration in this light.
Hawaiian Dog Names That are Inspired by the Diverse Topography of the Islands
Even people who have never visited Hawaii are aware of its very diverse topography, which can be a fun inspiration when naming your new dog.
- Kahawai – A river
- Moana – An Ocean
- Kahakai – A beach
- Ana – A cave
- Nahele – A forest
- Awa – A harbor
- Mokupuni – An Island
- Loko – A lake
- Mauna – A mountain
- Kapa Kai – A shore
- Awaawa – A valley
Hawaiian Dog Names that are Inspired by Food
Dogs love to eat, whether it’s dog food or human food. What better Hawaiian name than a type of Hawaiian food?
- Coco – A coconut
- Keli – A cherry
- Luau – A feast in Hawaii
- Uala – A sweet potato
- Opah – A moonfish
- Macadamia – A Hawaiian nut
- Pineapple – A Hawaiian fruit
- Ahi – A Hawaiian tuna
- Pupu – An appetizer in Hawaiian
- Poi A food staple in Hawaii
- Laiki – Rice
Fun Hawaiian Words that Make Great Dog Names
- Ukulele – A small Hawaiian guitar
- Milo – Spin, Curl, or Twist
- Pa’ina – A party
- Puhi Au – Means “I blow”
- Hau’oli – To be happy
- Mino’aka – A smile
- Mankana – A gift
- Mele- A song
- Kapu – Something taboo
- Pukalani – A heavenly gate
- Honolulu – A protected bay
- Honi – To be amiable
- Hula – A Hawaiian dance
- Lei – A wreath of flowers
- Mele – Hawaiian poems and songs
- Inoki – To be devoted
- Haku nui – A manager
- Kahoni – A kiss
- Kapu – Refers to ancient laws in Hawaii
- Iolana – A soaring bird
- Kahili – A feather
- Kahula – To dance
- Kai – the seaside
- Kaipo – Darling
- Kalama – Light
- Kapuni – The favorite
- Kawena – To shine
- Keahi – A flame
- Keiki – A child
- Keola – To be alive
- Keone – The sand
- Meli – Honey
- Melina meli – A honeymoon
- Ki – tea
- Kiki – A kiss
- Kiko – A spot
- Kolohe – A rascal
- Ku’uipo – A sweetheart
- Kumu – A teacher
- Laka – To be gentle
- Kaimana – A diamond
- Ipo – A friend
- Ulikeke – A baby rattle
- Momone – Fat
- Kopaa – Sugar
- Ele’ele – Black
- Ke’oke’o – White
- Maka’e – Brown
- Lanai – A balcony
- Malihini – A newcomer
Hawaiian Dog Names Inspired by Words for Appearance or Temperament
A dog’s DNA lends them their very own special identifying marks, characteristics, and quirks depending on its breed. If you’re unsure of their lineage, you can always opt for an at-home dog DNA test to find out more. It can be fun to use Hawaiian terms for temperament and appearance, especially as you train them as a puppy.
- Kawai – A great choice for a water-loving dog since it means coming from the water
- Nohea – Handsome or beautiful
- Ulani – Cheerful
- Haukea – Ideal for a white dog since it means snow
- Kiko – Spot ·
- Laka – Gentle
- Kolohe – Mischief-maker
- Weu Weu – Ideal for a fluffy dog since it means fuzzy
- Eleu – Energetic, Lively, Alert
- Ku`u Maka – Apple of My Eye
- Hae – To bark or growl
- Nani – Pretty or beautiful
- Maka – The beloved one
- Nui – Important, Great, Big
- Manu – A bird
- Maka Koa – Fierce or bold
- Koa – Fearless, Brave, Bold
- Kekoa – Courageous or brave
- Hinuhinu – Splendid, Shining, Bright
- Pilialoha – My buddy
- Lulu – Peace or calm
- Po`okela – Superior, Best, Champion
- Ali`I – Queen, King, Chief
- Pôlunu – chubby
- Lae`ula – Well-trained or clever
- Auli`I – Perfect, Cute, Dainty
- Lâlama – Clever, Fearless, Daring
- Nahoa – Bold or defiant
- Kei – One’s Pride, Glorious, Dignified
- `Îlio – Dog
- Holo Nui – Galloper or fast runner
- Polo – Plump, Thick, Large
- Punahele – The favorite
- Maka – The favorite One
- Mâkaha – Ferocious or fierce
- Polupolu – Fat or flabby
- Pua – A flower
- Luluâ`ina – Freckles
- Noa – Freedom or free
- Aikâne – A friend
- Maka Launa – Friendly
- Lelele – Frisky
- Laka – Tame or gentle
- Makana – Reward, Prize, Gift
- Puahina – Gray
- Hina – Gray
- Hau`oli – Happy
- Lani – Heaven
- Meli – Honey
- Hiwa – Jet Black
- Le`a – Happiness or joy
- Poki – Kamehameha the Great’s dog
- Lale – A legendary bird
- Mo`o – A lizard
- Manu Aloha – A lovebird
- Kûpa`a – Loyal
- Laki – Lucky
- Maka Le`a – Mischievous
- Kanoe – A mist
- Uakea – Misty
- Pôhina – Gray, Hazy, Misty
- Hapa – Mutt or mixed breed
- Mahina – The moon
- Mâpina – A muffin
- Nîele – Busybody, Inquisitive, Nosey
- Pâ`ani – Playful
- Hiwahiwa – Darling, Beloved, Precious
- Makamae – Cherished or precious
- Pûkini – Pudding
- Koke – Quick runner
- Miki – Active, Alert, Quick
- Kolohe – Naughty or rascal
- Kekipi – Rebel
- `Ula – Scarlet or red
- Kama Hele – Traveler or rover
- `Ehu – Red or ruddy
- Kai – The sea
- Makai – The seaside
- Ka`imi – The seeker
- Aka – A shadow
- `Alohi – Sparkle, Glitter, Shine
- Lelemu – Lazy or slowpoke
- Li`I – Tiny or small
- Akamai – Smart
- Hau – Snow
- Koki – Snub-nosed
- Kikokiko – Spotted or speckled
- Kiko – Spot
- Pôhaka – Spot
- Hôkû – A star
- Pu`ipu`I – Stout, Short, Stocky
- Ikaika – Powerful or strong
- Po`o Pa`a – Hard-headed or stubborn
- Ipo – Lover or sweetheart
- Kalâ – Sunny or the sun
- Kahekili – Thunder
- Pilikia – Trouble
- Nalu – The surf or waves
- `Umi`umi – Whiskers
- Puakea – Pale or a white flower
- Lupo – A wolf
- Melemele – Yellow
