Aloha! Choose one of these unique Hawaiian dog names for your new puppy. It’s a terrific way to remember your favorite Hawaiian island or honor your heritage.
ISLAND LIFE
More than 1000 years ago, traveling Polynesians brought the first dogs to Hawaii. In their new home, these dogs fell easily into the slow, mellow pace much enjoyed by Hawaiians and tourists today. However, Polynesians didn’t differentiate between the pleasure gained from a dog’s companionship or consuming the dogs as a delicacy. Fed a diet rich in poi, these dogs were often fed to visiting chieftains and royalty.
As more dogs were brought to Hawaii, these original ancestors became extinct, existing only as a part of the many mixed breed pups (also known as poi dogs) wandering the islands today.
- Ailani : high chief
- Akamai : smart
- Akela : noble
- Alamea : ripe; precious
- Alana : awakening
- Alani : orange tree
- Alaula : light of daybreak
- Aliikai : queen of the sea
- Alowha : hello
- Aolani : heavenly cloud
- Auli’i : cute, dainty
- Bane : long awaited child
- Halia : remembrance of a loved one
- Hanai : adopt
- Hula : dance
- Iniki : famous hurricane
- Iolana : soar like an eagle
- Ipo : darling
- Kahili : Feather
- Kai : the sea
- Kaikala : the sea and the sun
- Kaila : style
- Kailani : sea and sky
- Kaimana : divine power of the sea
- Kaimi : the seeker
- Kaiolohia : calm sea
- Kalama : flaming torch
- Kalani : the sky
- Kale : strong, manly
- Kalea : bright
- Kalena : form of Karen
- Kali : hesitation
- Kamali’ : small boy
- Kamea, Kameo : the one and only
- Kana : Maui demigod
- Kanoa : the free one
- Kapono : righteous
- Keahi : flames
- Keala : the pathway
- Keanu : cool mountain breeze
- Keiki : child
- Kekipu : rebel
- Kekona : second born
- Keoki : form of George
- Keona : God’s gracious gift
- Keoni : form of John
- Kiele : gardenia
- Kiki : Kris
- Kimo : form of James
- Kina : China
- Koa : indigenous tree
- Koi : urge, implore
- Kona : gold coast
- Konane : bright moon
- Laban : white
- Lahela : form of Rachel; a ewe
- Lala : form of Lara
- Lana : afloat; calm
- Lani, Loni : Heavenly
- Lani Moo : famous cow
- Lea : mythological goddess
- Leia : child of heaven
- Leilani : flowers of Heaven
- Liko : bud
- Lilo : generous one
- Lokelani : small red rose
- Lono : God of peace and farming
- Luana : content
- Mahina : moon
- Makala : myrtle
- Makani : wind
- Malana : buoyant
- Malia : form of Mary; the perfect one
- Malina : calming; soothing
- Mana : psychic gifts
- Mano : shark; passionate lover
- Maylea : wildflower
- Meka : eyes
- Melia : plumeria
- Mikil : quick; nimble
- Miliana : gentle caress
- Moana : ocean
- Moke : form of Moses
- Nahele : forest
- Nalani : calmness of the skies
- Nalu : ocean wave
- Nana : name of a spring month
- Nani : beautiful
- Noe : mist; misty rain
- Noelani : mist of Heaven
- Oke : form of Oscar; divine strength
- Okelani : from heaven
- Ola : life; well-being
- Oliana : oleander
- Olina : joyous
- Po : night
- Puka : little hole
- Sula : little bear by the water
- Sunny : golden and happy
- Wahine : girl