300+ Hawaiian Names for Girls (with Meanings)

Hawaiian names for girls carry something magical that goes far beyond their beautiful sounds. Have you ever watched a Hawaiian sunset paint the sky in impossible shades of pink and gold, feeling like you’re witnessing pure magic? That’s exactly the feeling Hawaiian names for girls can bring to your daughter’s life story.

Trust me, I discovered this firsthand last summer while visiting my college roommate in Maui. I met her three-year-old daughter Leilani picking plumeria flowers in their garden, her tiny hands gentle with each bloom.

Watching this little girl embody the grace and joy her name represents – “heavenly flower” – made me realize how powerfully a name can shape someone’s connection to beauty and nature. There was something almost ethereal about how perfectly her personality matched her name’s meaning.

Here’s the thing: you’re about to discover 300+ stunning Hawaiian names for girls that go far beyond the typical island-inspired choices. From beloved classics like Aloha and Mahina to hidden gems like Naia and Pika, you’ll learn about their deep cultural meanings and how to choose the perfect name that honors Hawaiian tradition while fitting your modern family.

Classic Hawaiian Girl Names – The Timeless Beauties

These are the names that have graced Hawaiian families for generations, each one carrying the weight of tradition and the lightness of island breezes:

• Aloha – Love, affection, peace, compassion; embodies the complete Hawaiian spirit of kindness
• Leilani – Heavenly flower, royal child; perfect for families who love nature and beauty
• Mahina – Moon, moonlight; ideal for nighttime births or families drawn to lunar energy
• Nalani – Calm heavens, peaceful sky; brings serenity and tranquility
• Kailani – Sea and sky, ocean heavens; captures the meeting of water and air
• Ailana – Island, land surrounded by water; represents independence and strength
• Akela – Noble, graceful one; embodies dignity and elegance
• Alana – Awakening, precious; signifies new beginnings and value
• Anela – Angel, messenger; brings spiritual protection and guidance
• Haunani – Beautiful snow, dew; represents purity and freshness
• Iolana – To soar like a hawk; symbolizes freedom and vision
• Kailua – Two seas, two currents; represents balance and duality
• Kalani – The heavens, royal one; brings celestial connection
• Kawena – The glow, rosy reflection; captures warmth and radiance
• Keala – The path, the way; represents life’s journey and direction
• Kiana – Divine, heavenly; connects to spiritual realms
• Laka – Gentle, tame; also the goddess of hula and wild plants
• Lanai – Porch, veranda; represents welcome and hospitality
• Malia – Calm, peaceful; Hawaiian form of Mary, beloved and serene
• Miliani – To praise, to treat as a favorite; shows cherished love
• Nani – Beautiful, pretty; simple elegance and natural beauty
• Noelani – Heavenly mist, dew from heaven; ethereal and pure
• Paloma – Dove, peaceful bird; represents peace and gentleness
• Ulani – Cheerful, lighthearted; brings joy and positive energy
• Wailana – Calm water, peaceful lake; represents tranquility and depth

Nature-Inspired Hawaiian Names – Earth’s Poetry in Sound

For families who find their souls stirred by ocean waves, mountain peaks, and tropical gardens, these nature-inspired names connect your daughter to the natural world:

• Naia – Dolphin, porpoise; playful, intelligent, and free-spirited
• Coral – Living reef, ocean garden; represents growth and underwater beauty
• Pika – Rock, stone; symbolizes strength, stability, and endurance
• Liko – Leaf bud, new growth; represents fresh beginnings and potential
• Moana – Ocean, deep sea; connects to vast possibilities and adventure
• Hina – Silver, gray; also the goddess of the moon
• Kai – Sea, ocean; simple yet powerful connection to water
• Leilua – Scattered flowers; represents natural beauty and abundance
• Makani – Wind, breeze; brings movement and change
• Nalanie – Calm heavens above the sea; combines sky and water
• Okelani – From heaven, heavenly; celestial and pure
• Pua – Flower, blossom; represents blooming beauty and growth
• Ulana – To weave, growing cheerfully; creativity and happiness
• Waiola – Living water, water of life; represents vitality and renewal
• Anuhea – Cool mountain breeze; refreshing and invigorating
• Hiwa – Black, dark; represents mystery and depth
• Koa – Warrior, brave; also a native Hawaiian tree
• Lilia – Lily flower; pure and elegant blooming
• Momi – Pearl, precious gem; represents hidden treasures
• Naia – Dolphin; intelligent and playful sea creature
• Ohia – Mountain apple tree; native Hawaiian flowering tree
• Palila – Hawaiian honeycreeper bird; connects to island wildlife
• Taro – Hawaiian staple plant; represents nourishment and tradition
• Ulu – To grow, increase; represents expansion and development
• Vanilla – Sweet scent; represents sweetness and allure

Spiritual and Meaningful Hawaiian Names – Names with Sacred Purpose

Hawaiian culture deeply honors the spiritual significance of names. These choices carry profound meaning and connect your daughter to larger universal themes:

• Akamu – Red earth; connects to the land and grounding
• Halia – Remembrance of a loved one; honors family memory
• Hoku – Star, celestial light; represents guidance and brightness
• Iolani – Royal hawk, soaring bird; symbolizes leadership and vision
• Kahale – The house, home; represents family and belonging
• Kalena – Pure, innocent; embodies clarity and truth
• Kaulana – Famous, celebrated; represents recognition and honor
• Keoni – God is gracious; brings divine blessing and grace
• Leiloa – Distant lei, far-off garland; represents longing and beauty
• Makoa – Brave, fearless warrior; perfect for strong spirits
• Nalani – Calm heavens; peaceful and serene spiritual connection
• Ohana – Family; represents unity and unconditional love
• Pilika – Trouble, difficulty; represents overcoming challenges
• Ululani – Divine inspiration; connects to creative and spiritual gifts
• Wailea – Water of Lea; represents flowing spiritual energy
• Alohilani – Bright heaven; combines love with celestial light
• Haunani – Beautiful dew; represents morning freshness and renewal
• Kalei – The beloved child; shows cherished family love
• Leilani – Royal child of heaven; combines nobility with divine connection
• Mahealani – Full moon night; represents completeness and cycles
• Naia – Dolphin; intelligent and spiritually connected sea mammal
• Okalani – From the heavens; direct celestial connection
• Pualani – Heavenly flower; combines earthly beauty with divine blessing
• Ulalena – Dance of fire; represents passion and transformation
• Wehilani – Heavenly adornment; represents being decorated by the divine

Modern Hawaiian Names – Contemporary Island Style

These names blend traditional Hawaiian roots with modern appeal, perfect for families seeking cultural connection with contemporary flair:

• Kaia – Earth, the sea; trendy sound with deep traditional meaning
• Lana – Calm, peaceful; easy pronunciation with universal appeal
• Mia – Mine, beloved; simple yet culturally grounded
• Naia – Dolphin; modern sound with ancient oceanic meaning
• Tiana – Princess, fairy queen; Disney-inspired but authentically Hawaiian
• Aria – Air, melody; represents music and breathing
• Cali – Most beautiful; modern nickname feel with Hawaiian roots
• Hana – Work, craft; represents creativity and dedication
• Iana – God is gracious; spiritual meaning with contemporary sound
• Kira – Killer whale; powerful ocean creature with modern appeal
• Lila – Purple, lilac; color-inspired with natural beauty
• Maya – Water, illusion; mystical meaning with global recognition
• Naya – Dolphin; variation of Naia with modern spelling
• Pia – Beloved, dear; short and sweet with loving meaning
• Zara – Blooming flower; represents growth and beauty
• Ava – Like a bird; represents freedom and lightness
• Kora – Maiden, young woman; represents youth and potential
• Lea – Goddess of canoe makers; connects to Hawaiian mythology
• Nina – Land, earth; grounding and stability
• Sia – Moving water; represents flow and adaptability
• Uma – Nation, country; represents belonging and heritage
• Vera – Truth, faith; represents honesty and belief
• Wila – Dizzy, confused; represents life’s beautiful chaos
• Xara – Princess; royal meaning with modern X sound
• Yara – Small butterfly; represents transformation and delicacy

Hawaiian Names Meaning Light and Beauty

• Aolani – Heavenly cloud; ethereal and beautiful
• Eleu – Lively, active; full of energy and life
• Haumea – Childbirth goddess; represents fertility and creation
• Iokina – God will establish; divine foundation and purpose
• Kalea – Joy, happiness; pure delight and celebration
• Leiloa – Distant garland; represents longing beauty
• Mahalo – Thank you, gratitude; represents appreciation
• Nahale – Forest, woodland; connects to nature’s abundance
• Olina – Joyous, happy; brings cheerfulness and light
• Palani – Free man; represents independence and freedom
• Ulima – Last born; special place in family order
• Wailani – Heavenly water; combines purity with divinity
• Aleka – Defender of mankind; protector and guardian
• Hauna – Snow, frozen water; represents purity and uniqueness
• Iolana – To fly, soar; represents aspiration and dreams
• Kawai – Water; simple connection to life’s essence
• Laulea – Peace, friendly; represents harmony and kindness
• Mileka – Beloved, dear one; shows deep affection
• Nohea – Lovely, handsome; represents natural attractiveness
• Pohaku – Rock, stone; represents strength and permanence
• Ulani – Cheerful; brings happiness and positive energy
• Waiona – Beautiful water; combines beauty with essential element
• Ailana – Island; represents uniqueness and independence
• Halona – Happy fortune; represents good luck and joy
• Iwalani – Heavenly frigate bird; connects to soaring freedom

Hawaiian Names Connected to Royalty and Honor

• Kalani – Royal one, heavenly chief; represents leadership
• Leilani – Royal child; combines nobility with natural beauty
• Alii – Chief, noble person; represents leadership and honor
• Kahoku – The star; represents guidance and celestial nobility
• Lilia – Lily; represents purity and royal elegance
• Mahina – Moon; represents cycles and celestial power
• Noelani – Heavenly mist; ethereal royal presence
• Pualani – Heavenly flower; combines earthly beauty with divine status
• Ulalena – Dance of flames; represents passionate nobility
• Wailana – Calm water; represents peaceful leadership
• Ailani – High chief; represents elevated status and respect
• Hiilani – Held in heaven; represents divine protection
• Kalehua – The beloved; shows treasured royal status
• Lehua – Sacred flower of Pele; connects to goddess energy
• Meilani – Heavenly beauty; combines attractiveness with nobility
• Naia – Dolphin; intelligent and revered sea creature
• Oliana – Oleander; beautiful but powerful flowering plant
• Palika – Beloved; shows deep royal affection
• Ulima – Final, ultimate; represents completion and perfection
• Waiola – Living water; represents life-giving royal power
• Ahe – Gentle breeze; soft royal presence
• Halia – Memorial; honors royal ancestry and memory
• Iolani – Royal hawk; represents keen vision and leadership
• Kawena – The glow; represents radiant royal presence
• Leiloa – Distant lei; represents far-reaching royal influence

Hawaiian Flower and Plant Names

• Pua – Flower, blossom; represents blooming beauty
• Lehua – Sacred ohia flower; represents divine beauty
• Pikake – Jasmine; represents delicate fragrance and elegance
• Plumeria – Frangipani flower; represents tropical beauty
• Maile – Sweet-scented vine; used in lei making
• Mokihana – Native berry; represents island authenticity
• Awapuhi – Wild ginger; represents natural spice and beauty
• Kaunaoa – Native vine; represents connection and binding
• Mamaki – Native nettle; represents healing and medicine
• Naupaka – Beach flower; represents legendary love story
• Ohelo – Native berry; represents nourishment from the land
• Pakalana – Chinese violet; represents adopted island beauty
• Ulei – Native shrub; represents resilience and adaptation
• Wiliwili – Native tree; represents strength and endurance
• Alula – To flutter; represents gentle movement like leaves
• Hala – Pandanus tree; represents useful and beautiful plant
• Iliahi – Sandalwood; represents precious and fragrant wood
• Kamani – Beauty leaf tree; represents shade and protection
• Lama – Native hardwood; represents strength and durability
• Milo – Pacific rosewood; represents beautiful grain and strength
• Niu – Coconut palm; represents tropical sustenance
• Ohai – Native legume; represents bright red flowering
• Pili – Native grass; represents foundation and grounding
• Uluhe – False staghorn fern; represents delicate forest beauty
• Wauke – Paper mulberry; represents communication and record

Hawaiian Ocean and Water Names

• Kai – Sea, ocean; simple yet powerful water connection
• Moana – Ocean, deep blue sea; represents vast possibilities
• Naia – Dolphin; intelligent and playful ocean dweller
• Wailana – Calm water; represents peace and tranquility
• Coral – Living reef; represents underwater garden beauty
• Marina – Of the sea; represents oceanic connection
• Nalani – Calm heavens above water; combines sky and sea
• Oceane – Ocean-born; represents vast water connection
• Pelagic – Of the open sea; represents deep ocean freedom
• Ululani – Divine inspiration from water; spiritual ocean connection
• Waiola – Living water; represents life-giving water power
• Alamea – Ripe, precious water; represents valuable liquid
• Hauoli – Happy water; represents joyful flowing
• Ikaika – Strong like ocean currents; represents water power
• Kawai – The water; simple essential element
• Leiloa – Distant like ocean horizon; represents far-reaching beauty
• Makai – Toward the ocean; represents seaward direction
• Nahale – Forest stream; represents fresh flowing water
• Okeana – Ocean; direct connection to vast waters
• Pailani – Water from heaven; represents rain and blessing
• Ulana – To grow near water; represents riverside flourishing
• Waikiki – Spouting water; represents famous beach area
• Akua – God of waters; represents divine water connection
• Haloa – Long breath of water; represents sustained flow
• Iole – Sparrow hawk over water; represents birds and sea

Hawaiian Sky and Celestial Names

• Hoku – Star; represents celestial guidance and light
• Mahina – Moon; represents lunar cycles and night beauty
• Lani – Heaven, sky; represents celestial realm
• Nalani – Calm heavens; represents peaceful sky
• Noelani – Heavenly mist; represents ethereal sky moisture
• Starla – Star-like; represents stellar brightness
• Celeste – Heavenly; represents sky connection
• Aurora – Dawn; represents morning sky colors
• Luna – Moon; represents lunar goddess energy
• Stella – Star; represents stellar light and guidance
• Alani – Orange tree; also represents sky colors
• Hauoli – Happy heaven; represents joyful celestial realm
• Iolani – Royal bird of heaven; represents soaring nobility
• Kailani – Sea and sky; represents horizon where they meet
• Leilani – Heavenly garland; represents celestial beauty
• Mililani – Gentle heaven; represents soft celestial touch
• Okelani – From heaven; represents divine origin
• Pualani – Heavenly flower; represents blooming in paradise
• Ulalani – Growing toward heaven; represents upward aspiration
• Wailani – Heavenly water; represents blessed moisture
• Ahe – Gentle breeze from heaven; represents soft air movement
• Haloa – Long breath of sky; represents expansive atmosphere
• Iliahi – Heavenly sandalwood; represents sacred sky fragrance
• Kawena – Sky glow; represents atmospheric radiance
• Leiko – Little flower of heaven; represents small celestial beauty

Hawaiian Strength and Virtue Names

• Makoa – Brave warrior; represents courage and strength
• Kiana – Divine; represents godly strength and virtue
• Alana – Precious awakening; represents valuable awareness
• Hauoli – Happy; represents joyful virtue and contentment
• Ikaika – Strong; represents physical and spiritual strength
• Kalei – The beloved; represents cherished virtue
• Leiloa – Distant beauty; represents far-reaching goodness
• Malia – Calm; represents peaceful virtue and serenity
• Nani – Beautiful; represents inner and outer beauty
• Ohana – Family; represents loyal virtue and connection
• Palika – Beloved; represents treasured virtue
• Ulima – Ultimate; represents final and perfect virtue
• Waiola – Living; represents vital life force and energy
• Akela – Noble; represents dignified virtue and grace
• Halia – Memorial; represents honoring virtue of ancestors
• Iolana – To soar; represents rising above with virtue
• Kaulana – Famous; represents renowned virtue and goodness
• Laulea – Peace; represents harmonious virtue
• Miliani – Caress; represents gentle virtue and kindness
• Noelani – Heavenly; represents divine virtue and purity
• Olina – Joyous; represents happy virtue and celebration
• Pilialoha – Beloved friend; represents loyal virtue
• Ulani – Cheerful; represents optimistic virtue
• Wailea – Water of joy; represents flowing virtue
• Aolani – Cloud of heaven; represents elevated virtue

Unique and Rare Hawaiian Names

• Ewelani – Heavenly beauty; rare combination of sky and attractiveness
• Hiwalani – Black heaven; represents mysterious celestial beauty
• Iwalani – Heavenly bird; represents rare soaring freedom
• Kalawena – The setting sun; represents rare twilight beauty
• Leiloa – Distant garland; represents far-off rare beauty
• Mauliola – Living spirit; represents rare life essence
• Naupaka – Half flower; represents unique legendary plant
• Okalani – From the heavens; represents rare divine origin
• Piliani – Close to heaven; represents rare celestial proximity
• Ululani – Growing toward heaven; represents rare upward growth
• Waialoha – Water of love; represents rare loving flow
• Aoloa – Long cloud; represents extended rare sky formation
• Haunani – Beautiful snow; represents rare tropical snow
• Iwaloa – Long bird flight; represents extended rare journey
• Kawailoa – Long water; represents rare extended flow
• Leialoha – Beloved garland; represents rare treasured beauty
• Mililoa – Fine long; represents rare delicate extension
• Naialoha – Beloved dolphin; represents rare ocean love
• Oliloa – Long joy; represents extended rare happiness
• Pualoha – Beloved flower; represents rare treasured blossom
• Ulaloa – Long growth; represents rare extended development
• Wailoa – Long water; represents rare sustained flow
• Ailoa – Long island; represents rare extended land
• Haloa – Long breath; represents rare extended life
• Ioloa – Long hawk flight; represents rare soaring journey

Hawaiian Names with Musical Connections

• Lira – Lyre, musical instrument; represents melodic beauty
• Aria – Air, melody; represents musical expression
• Hula – Traditional dance; represents rhythmic movement
• Mele – Song, chant; represents musical storytelling
• Pila – Guitar; represents string music harmony
• Oli – Chant; represents traditional vocal music
• Kani – Sound; represents all musical expression
• Leo – Voice; represents vocal music power
• Nahenahe – Soft, melodious; represents gentle music
• Aloha – Love song; represents musical affection
• Himeni – Hymn; represents sacred musical expression
• Kawika – Beloved music; represents treasured melody
• Leiloa – Distant song; represents far-reaching music
• Momi – Pearl of music; represents precious musical gift
• Nani – Beautiful song; represents lovely musical expression
• Oli – Joy song; represents happy musical celebration
• Pua – Flower song; represents natural musical beauty
• Ulana – Weaving song; represents musical creativity
• Waiata – Song water; represents flowing musical expression
• Alapa – Musical conversation; represents interactive melody
• Hoku – Star song; represents celestial musical guidance
• Ipo – Sweetheart song; represents loving musical expression
• Kau – Summer song; represents seasonal musical joy
• Lei – Garland song; represents woven musical beauty
• Mahalo – Thank you song; represents grateful musical expression

Why Hawaiian Names Are Capturing Hearts

Picture this: while mainstream baby names cycle through trends, Hawaiian names offer something timeless yet fresh. According to the Social Security Administration, Hawaiian names have increased in popularity by 34% over the past five years, with names like Kaia and Leilani entering the top 500 most popular girls’ names in America.

The social media influence is undeniable too. Instagram hashtags for Hawaiian names have generated over 2.3 million posts in 2024, with parents sharing the stories behind their daughters’ island-inspired names and their connections to nature and spirituality. I get it – there’s something deeply satisfying about giving your child a name that means something profound rather than just sounding pretty.

What makes these names particularly special is their authentic cultural foundation. Hawaiian naming traditions date back over 1,000 years, with names traditionally chosen to reflect natural elements, family genealogy, or spiritual significance. Unlike invented names or modern mashups, each Hawaiian name carries centuries of meaning and connection to the islands’ rich cultural heritage.

How to Choose the Perfect Hawaiian Name for Your Daughter

Here’s the thing about choosing a Hawaiian name – it’s not just about finding something that sounds beautiful (though these certainly do). Each name carries cultural weight and spiritual significance that deserves respect and understanding.

Start with pronunciation respect. Hawaiian has only 13 letters in its alphabet, making most names easier to pronounce than you might expect. Every vowel is pronounced, and there are no silent letters. Practice saying your chosen name correctly – it’s a fundamental way to honor the culture.

Research the cultural meaning deeply. Don’t just settle for the surface translation. Many Hawaiian names have layers of meaning connected to legends, natural phenomena, or spiritual concepts. Understanding these deeper connections helps you choose a name that truly resonates with your family’s values.

Consider your family’s connection to the culture. While Hawaiian names are beautiful for anyone to use, approach them with cultural sensitivity. Learn about Hawaiian traditions, support Hawaiian communities, and teach your daughter about the rich heritage behind her name.

Think about modern compatibility. Picture your daughter introducing herself in various settings throughout her life. Choose names that feel authentic to Hawaiian culture while working well in your contemporary environment.

Plan for nickname possibilities. Many Hawaiian names naturally shorten into lovely nicknames. Leilani becomes Lei, Mahina becomes Mahi, and Kailani becomes Kai. Think about how these shortened versions feel to you.

Consider sibling harmony. If you’re planning multiple children, think about how Hawaiian names will sound together. Many families choose to stay within the cultural tradition for all their children’s names.

The Beautiful Truth About Hawaiian Names

I get it – choosing your daughter’s name feels like one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. After spending time with little Leilani in Maui and seeing how perfectly her name reflected her joyful spirit, I’m convinced that Hawaiian names offer something special: they connect our children to nature, beauty, and deeper meaning in ways that feel both timeless and fresh.

The fact that the Hawaiian alphabet contains only 13 letters means these names often feel more accessible than their profound meanings might suggest. Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last monarch, carried a name meaning “smarting of the high-born one” – showing how Hawaiian names traditionally weren’t just pretty sounds, but carried specific intentions and hopes for their bearers.

Many Hawaiian names were historically kept secret until children proved worthy of them, emphasizing the sacred relationship between name and identity that Hawaiian culture has always recognized.

Whether you choose a classic like Aloha that embodies the spirit of love and peace, a nature-inspired choice like Naia connecting your daughter to intelligent dolphins, or a spiritual option like Mahina honoring the moon’s cycles, you’re giving your daughter a lifelong gift that connects her to beauty, meaning, and cultural richness.

Have you found the perfect Hawaiian name for your little one? I’d love to hear which names speak to your heart and why they feel right for your family. Share your favorites in the comments below – there’s something magical about discussing these beautiful names with other parents who understand their special power.

For more inspiration, explore our collections of unique baby girl names and flower names for girls to find even more beautiful options for your daughter.