If you are tracing your family tree or looking for character inspiration, Hawaiian last names carry incredible history. Traditional native Hawaiians actually did not use surnames at all. It was not until the 1860 Act to Regulate Names that Western-style family names became required by law.
Because of this shift, many modern Hawaiian surnames started as given names. You will also see a massive influence from immigrant populations. Workers from Japan, China, Portugal, and the Philippines arrived in the 19th century to work on sugar plantations. This created a unique melting pot of last names across the islands.
Let’s explore some of the most beautiful Hawaiian family names, from popular immigrant surnames to poetic native titles.
81 Beautiful Hawaiian Last Names
Discover some of the richest Hawaiian family names and the stories behind them.
- Abela: A rare but romantic choice, meaning “breath” or “breathing spirit.”
- ‘Ailana: A tender feminine Hawaiian name and surname, meaning “loving.”
- Aiona: This pretty surname has Asian roots and a cute ring to it.
- Akiona: Meaning “ancient” or “old,” commonly heard among people of Chinese Hawaiian descent.
- Aka: A radiant surname meaning “noble” or “affectionate.”
- Akana: This surname is of Japanese origins, with various meanings depending on the kanji used.
- ‘Akamu: The Hawaiian form of Adam makes a lovely biblical surname for a child of the Earth.
- Alamai: This Hawaiian word means “clever,” making it great for a family of smart thinkers.
- Alana: Also a unisex given name, Alana means “fair and beautiful.”
- Alika: Interestingly, this is a Hawaiian form of Alexander. It is rooted in Greek and means “defender of mankind.”
- Alohi: A radiant choice meaning “shining” or “brilliant.”
- Anani: Associated with a fragrant citrus tree. It works as both a given name and surname.
- Anela: This feminine Hawaiian name meaning “angel” or “messenger” works beautifully as a heavenly family name.
- ‘Aukai: A powerful, adventure-filled name for a family of seafarers.
- Brown: This color name is very common throughout the United States, with English origins.
- Chang: A common Chinese-rooted surname, perhaps meaning “forever” or “extending.”
- Fuimaono: This American-Samoan surname has an unknown meaning but sounds beautiful.
- García: An internationally common surname of Spanish origin, meaning “young” or “bear.”
- Hale: The Hawaiian word for “house” makes a cozy, familiar surname.
- Hasegawa: A Hawaiian surname from Japanese, meaning “long river valley.”
- Hauata: A great Polynesian surname of unknown meaning.
- Havika: A treasured last name meaning “beloved.”
- Hekekia: Derived from the biblical name Hezekiah, meaning “God strengthens.”
- Hoapili: A noble and historic Hawaiian name for a trustworthy individual, meaning “very close friend.”
- Ioane: Meaning “God’s child,” Ioane makes a handsome pick among Hawaiian surnames for boys.
- Iona: A biblical pick among Hawaiian family names. It is the equivalent of Jonah, meaning “dove.”
- Iosua: A Hawaiian form of Joshua, serving as a beautiful pick among Hawaiian boys’ last names.
- Johnson: With Anglo-Saxon roots, this surname means “son of John.” It is wildly popular across the country.
- Kaʻanāʻanā: Said to mean “black magic,” this name oozes intrigue and allure.
- Kaanga: A very rare Hawaiian surname believed to mean “corn.”
- Ka’aukai: A variant of ‘Aukai using the “ka” article, meaning “the seafarer.”
- Kahale: Similar to Hale, Kahale is a comforting Hawaiian family name meaning “the home.”
- Kahanamoku: A surname for champions, famously belonging to the legendary Hawaiian Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku.
- Kahananui: This noble entry among Hawaiian last names signifies “hard work.”
- Kahele: Meaning “the moving,” this unique surname represents a beautiful journey.
- Kahue: A vegetable-inspired surname, perfect if you appreciate gourds.
- Kai: This Hawaiian word for “ocean” makes a simple yet magical last name.
- Kaiwi: Said to signify life and old age, offering a humble-sounding pick.
- Kalama: A Hawaiian word for “torch,” sure to light the way as a family name.
- Kalani: A noble and heavenly name reserved for a royal one.
- Kalawai’a: One of the few occupational Hawaiian surnames, meaning “fisherman.”
- Kale: This Hawaiian form of Charles makes a great surname, meaning “free man.”
- Kalili: A native type of flower, though it also holds the unexpected meaning of “jealousy.”
- Kamaka: A lovely last name meaning “eye” or “child.”
- Kamakau: Meaning “the hook,” notably carried by a famous 19th-century Hawaiian historian.
- Kameāloha: A radiant and long surname meaning “the beloved one.”
- Kamehameha: One of the most famous Hawaiian last names, belonging to the first ruler of unified Hawaii.
- Kāne: Meaning “male,” making it a strong pick among Hawaiian family names.
- Kaniela: This Hawaiian form of Daniel serves as a gracious and spiritual surname.
- Kapena: A fantastic name meaning “captain.”
- Kapono: Meaning “righteous” and “good” among uplifting Hawaiian surnames.
- Kapule: An enchanting Hawaiian last name meaning “magic” or “prayer.”
- Ka’uhane: Represents the soul or spirit, creating a gorgeously ethereal name.
- Kawai: Meaning “from the water.” Do not confuse this with the Japanese word “kawaii.”
- Keahi: A male given name and surname meaning “fire” or “flames.”
- Kealoha: A beautiful name capturing the Hawaiian spirit of aloha, roughly translating to “the love.”
- Keawe: An ancient and royal Hawaiian surname meaning “the cross.”
- Kekoa: A great surname used to highlight a brave warrior.
- Kelekolio: Derived from Gregory, meaning “watchful” or “alert.”
- Keli’i: A strong name for a leading family, meaning “chief.”
- Kim: A common surname worldwide. It ranks as the third most popular last name in Hawaii.
- Lau: A Chinese-rooted surname, possibly meaning “from the lion.”
- Lee: This massive international surname is actually Hawaii’s most frequently found last name.
- Mahelona: A handsome surname, likely rooted in the Hebrew boy’s name Mahlon.
- Mahi’ai: Meaning “farmer,” representing a humble and honest family background.
- Māhoe: Offering twice the sweetness, this name means “twin.”
- Mānaiakalani: This fantastic Polynesian name relates to the demigod Maui’s fishhook and links to a constellation.
- Mele: A common surname prefix, this Hawaiian word represents a song, dance, or chant.
- Miller: An English surname that found its way to Hawaii, traditionally denoting a mill worker.
- Nahele: Meaning “forest,” Nahele feels full of rustic adventure.
- Nakamura: With Japanese roots, this surname means “middle village.”
- ʻŌpūnui: A cool surname with the hilariously unusual meaning of “big-bellied.”
- Palakiko: A gorgeous form of Francis, wonderful for a family with French and Hawaiian connections.
- Pualani: An affectionate Hawaiian name meaning “heavenly offspring.”
- Smith: One of the most common surnames in the United States, meaning “blacksmith.”
- Teheiura: A Tahitian surname for Pacific Islanders, said to mean “red crown.”
- Tetuanui: A rhythmic Tahitian surname of native Polynesian origin with an unknown meaning.
- Ualoheke: A very rare name, perhaps meaning “he has listened.”
- Wailani: A romantic name meaning “heavenly, royal water.”
- Williams: This common surname in Hawaii has Germanic roots, meaning “warrior” or “protector.”
- Wong: The second most common last name in Hawaii, featuring rich Chinese origins.
Hawaiian Last Names FAQs
What Are the Most Common Surnames in Hawaii?
Interestingly, the most common surnames in Hawaii today are Lee, Wong, and Kim. Hawaii is the only state in the United States where these three Asian surnames rank as the most popular.
Why Do Hawaiian Last Names Have So Many Vowels?
The Hawaiian alphabet, known as the ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, only contains 13 letters. These include five vowels and eight consonants. Because every syllable in the Hawaiian language must end in a vowel, their names naturally feature a high concentration of them.
How Did Native Hawaiians Get Their Last Names?
Before the 1860s, native Hawaiians did not use family surnames. They traditionally received a single given name, often based on dreams, signs, or events at birth. When King Kamehameha IV signed the Act to Regulate Names, families were forced to adopt Western-style surnames. Many simply turned their traditional given name into a family surname.
What Does Kapu Mean in Hawaiian Naming?
In ancient Hawaiian culture, kapu refers to a system of strict rules and taboos. Certain names belonged exclusively to royalty and were considered kapu for commoners. Using a forbidden royal name was a serious offense, which is why some historic names remain rare today.
Why Are Japanese and Chinese Surnames So Common in Hawaii?
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Hawaii experienced a massive boom in the sugar plantation industry. Plantation owners recruited thousands of laborers from Japan, China, Korea, Portugal, and the Philippines. Many of these workers stayed, married, and established families, permanently weaving their surnames into Hawaiian culture.
Do Hawaiian Last Names Have Hidden Meanings?
Yes. In Hawaiian culture, names possess mana, or spiritual power. A name is often thought to shape the destiny of the child. Many surnames reference specific weather patterns, ancestral traits, locations, or even omens recognized by elders at the time of birth.
What Is the Longest Hawaiian Last Name?
While many Hawaiian surnames are lengthy, there is no single official longest name. However, a woman named Janice “Lokelani” Keihanaikukauakahihuliheekahaunaele made headlines in 2013 because her 36-letter surname would not fit on a state driver’s license. The state eventually upgraded its computer systems to accommodate longer names.
What Is the Meaning Behind the Surname Kealoha?
Kealoha is a very popular native Hawaiian surname that translates directly to “the love” or “the beloved.” It perfectly encapsulates the Aloha spirit, which emphasizes compassion, peace, and mutual affection.
