Popular Hawaiian Dog Names: Say Aloha to Your Dog’s New Name

Last Updated on April 20, 2023

Are you on the hunt for the perfect Hawaiian name for your new pup? Then look no further as we have you covered. 

We’ve put together a massive collection of Hawaiian names and their meanings that are good for all dog breeds to help you and your new best friend.

How do you pick the right Hawaiian name for your dog?

There is no perfect way to pick the best name for your dog. A Hawaiian name could be a great way to keep in touch with your culture or even explore a new one.

When it comes to picking a Hawaiian name, we recommend finding one that has meaning for yourself or your dog. Also, work on the proper Hawaiian pronunciation as it is a unique language.

Finally, say the names out loud to see how they sound, and if you’re lucky, your pooch may just perk up to let you know you’ve found a winner.

The Hawaiian language is beautiful, and whether you’re searching for a famous name, a historically significant one, or even one that matches your pup’s personality, we’ve found some excellent selections.

Famous Hawaiian Names for Your Dog

There’s nothing wrong with picking from famous names when it comes to giving your pooch the perfect Hawaiian name.

Famous people, characters, and even the cute dogs of Instagram can serve as inspiration.

Famous Names for Your Dog:

• Lilo – The little girl from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch.
• Mariota – After NFL player, Heisman Trophy winner, and Hawaiian native Marcus Mariota
• Moana – After the character from the Disney film of the same name.
• Momoa – After famous Hawaiian actor Jason Momoa.

Hawaiian Instagram Dog Names:

• Lilo, the adventurous Siberian Husky 
• Hokulani the black Mini Schnauzer
• Kona the Labrador Retriever Poodle mix
• AlohaKiki, the beautiful Cavalier
• Lilikoi the Pomeranian

Best Hawaiian Dog Names Inspired by Hawaii Culture

You won’t find a better selection of names and meanings anywhere else. If you want the best Hawaiian name for your dog, you’ll find it here.

Dog Names Associated with Hawaiian Culture and History

This section has names related to Hawaiian religion, traditions, and words that can all suit your dog.

Dog Names Inspired by Hawaiian Religion & Local Deities

• Ailani – means “high chief”
• Akua – means “god, goddess, or spirit”
• Anela – means “angel”
• Haikili – God of thunder
• Hina – Goddess of the moon
• Inoki – means “devoted”
• Kahuna – means “priest”
• Kane – a major Hawaiian God
• Kapo – Goddess of fertility
• Keilani – means “glorious chief”
• Keona – means “God’s precious gift”
• Leilani – means “heavenly or royal child of heaven”
• Mahina – a lunar deity
• Okalani – means “heaven”
• Pele – God of the elements credited with the creation of the Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Dog Names Inspired by Local Traditions & Words

• Aloha – traditionally used to say “hello” or “goodbye”
• Hula – a traditional Polynesian dance
• Kalani – means “royalty”
• Kamehameha – a historic royal family of Hawaii
• Kealii – means “chief”
• Kona – In ancient Hawaii, each island had a Kona district
• Kono – means “invited”
• Lei – a traditional flower necklace
• Luau – a traditional Hawaiian party
• Mahalo – means “thank you.”
• Mele – songs and poems in the traditional Hawaiian language
• Ohana – means “family”
• Ukulele – a small Hawaiian guitar

Hawaiian Dog Names Inspired by Appearance and Personality

• Aka – means “shadow”
• Anuenue – means “rainbow”
• Eleu – means “lively and agile”
• Etana – means “strong”
• Hae – means “to growl”
• Hiwa – means “jet black”
• Kanuha – means “the sullen”
• Kei – means “dignified”
• Kikokiko – means “speckles”
• Koa – means “brave or fearless”
• Laka – means “gentle”
• Lalama – means “daring”
• Luana – means “happy”
• Malia – means “calm and peaceful”
• Nahoa – means “bold and defiant”
• Nani – means “great beauty”
• Nohea – means “handsome”
• Polo – means “large and plump”
• Pupule – means “crazy”
• Uilani – means “great beauty”
• Waha Nui – means “big mouth”
• Weuweu – means “fluffy”
• Wiwi – means “skinny”

Hawaiian Dog Names Inspired by Locations, Food, and Plants

Here we’ve gathered names of Hawaiian islands, cities, and sites that could be an excellent name for your dog. 

The Aloha state represents sunshine, fun, and happiness. Just watch this pup’s first day in Hawaii:

Dog Names Inspired by the Hawaiian Islands

• Hawaii – The “big island”
• Kahoolawe – A small island used for naval testing
• Kauai – Hawaii’s 4th largest island
• Lanai – The smallest inhabited island of Hawaii
• Lehua – A small crescent-shaped island
• Maui – The 2nd largest Hawaiian island
• Mokulua – After the two small Mokulua islands
• Molokai – Hawaii’s 5th largest island
• Nihoa – An uninhabited island that’s also known as Moku Manu or Bird Island
• Oahu – The 3rd largest Hawaiian island

Dog Names Inspired by Hawaiian Cities and Sites

• Diamond – After the Diamond Head volcano
• Hilo – A large city in Hawaii County
• Honolulu – The capital of Hawaii
• Kailua – A large tourist city
• Koloa – A historical town on Kauai
• Manele – A small town of fewer than 30 people
• Manoa – A suburb of Honolulu
• Maro – After Maro Reef
• Pearl – After Pearl City
• Waikiki – A neighborhood in Honolulu
• Waipahu – An old sugarcane plantation

Hawaiian Dog Names Inspired by Food & Drink

• Ahi – means “tuna”
• Awapuhi – means “ginger”
• Lilikoi – means “passionfruit”
• Meli – means “honey”
• Opah – another name for moonfish
• Poi – A traditional food staple of Hawaii
• Poke – a traditional Hawaiian appetizer
• Pukini – means “pudding”

Hawaiian Dog Names Inspired by Plants, Birds, & Animals

• Alani – orange fruit tree
• Hibiscus – the state flower of Hawaii
• Honu – means “turtle”
• Io – a native hawk of Hawaii
• Iolana – means “soaring like a hawk”
• Kahili – means “feather”
• Kapua – means “flower”
• Kiele – means “precious blossom”
• Kio – means “to chirp”
• Kukui – the state tree of Hawaii
• Liko – means “the bud of the plant”
• Lokelani – means “red small rose”
• Lupo – means “wolf”
• Mano – means “shark”
• Melia – means “plumeria”
• Milo – a common tree in Hawaii that produces beautiful flowers
• Naia – means “dolphin”
• Naupaka – white flowers that are part of Hawaiian tradition
• Nene – the state bird of Hawaii
• Oliana – means “oleander”
• Palila – means “bird”
• Pikake – a common flower used in leis
• Plumeria – A Hawaiian flower that symbolizes birth and love
• Pualani – means “heavenly flower”
• Roselani – means “rose”
• Waiola – means “violet”

Female & Male Hawaiian Dog Names

Below you’ll find a list of both female and male dog names and meanings to inspire you on your search.

Hawaiian Female Dog Names

• Akela – means “wisdom”
• Alana – means “awakening”
• Alaula – means “light of daybreak”
• Aliikai – means “queen of the sea”
• Alika – means “truthful”
• Ewalani – means “heavenly woman”
• Haimi – means “the seeker”
• Halia – means “fond remembrance”
• Hoala – means “agitate”
• Honi – means “kiss”
• Iniki – means “strong and piercing wind”
• Ipo – means “sweetheart”
• Kaia – means “the sea”
• Kaikala – means “sea and the sun”
• Kaila – means “stylish”
• Kailana – means “adored one”
• Kailani – means “sea and sky”
• Kaiolohia – means “calm of the sea”
• Kala – Hawaiian for Sarah
• Kalama – means “the light”
• Kalani – means “the sky”
• Kalea – means “bright”
• Kalei – means “lovely”
• Kalena – means “brightest star”
• Kaloni – means “sky”
• Kamea – means “the one and only”
• Kani – means “sound”
• Keala – means “pathway”
• Lahela – means “innocent lamb”
• Laki – means “lucky”
• Loni – means “heaven”
• Lune – Hawaiian for June
• Mahina – means “moonlight”
• Makani – means “the wind”
• Malana – means “light”
• Malina – means “calm and soothing”
• Mau Loa – means “forever”
• Mei – Hawaiian for May
• Noelani – means “girl from heaven”
• Okina – means “God will develop”

Hawaiian Male Dog Names

• Akamu – means “red earth”
• Amana – means “warrior.”
• Anakoni – means “valuable.”
• Analu – means “manly.”
• Aouli – means “blue sky.”
• Bane – means “long-awaited child.”
• Ezera – means “help.”
• Hanale – means “lord of the manor.”
• Kahoku – means “star.”
• Kaimana – means “man of the sea.”
• Kale – means “strong and manly.”
• Kaleo – means “the sound.”
• Kanoa – means “the free one.”
• Kapena – means “captain.”
• Kekona – means “second.”
• Keo – Hawaiian for Joe.
• Keoki – Hawaiian for George.
• Keoni – Hawaiian for John.
• Kilo – means “daydreamer.”
• Kimo – Hawaiian for James.
• Liko – means “bud.”
• Malo – means “winner.”
• Meka – means “eyes.”
• Nui – means “important.”
• Oke – Hawaiian for Oscar.
• Paul – means “the day is done.”
• Palani – means “free man.”
• Pekelo – means “stone.”
• Pika – Hawaiian for Peter.
• Tua – means “behind.”

Other Unique Hawaiian Dog Names

Didn’t find the perfect Hawaiian name for your pup above? Here are more Hawaiian names you can choose from:

Cool Hawaiian Dog Names

• Asera – means “lucky.”
• Kai – means “ocean.”
• Keanu – means “cool mountain breeze.”
• Lanikai – means “heavenly sea.”
• Lomi – means “to rub, press, or squeeze.”
• Makani – means “wind.”
• Nalani – means “calm skies.”
• Olina – means “joyous.”
• Ululani – means “inspiration.”

Cute Hawaiian Dog Names

• Alamea – means “precious.”
• Aolani – means “heavenly cloud.”
• Kaipo – means “sweetheart.”
• Kapono – means “goodness.”
• Keiki – means “child.”
• Makana – means “gift.”
• Mirena – means “beloved.”
• Noe – means “rainy.”
• Poluna – means “chubby.”
• Puanani – means “beautiful flower.”

Funny Hawaiian Dog Names

• Ilio – means “dog.”
• Kanaka – means “human.”
• Kane – means “man.”
• Kina – means “a blemish.”
• Kolohe – means “little rascal.”
• Lolo – means “crazy.”
• Pilikea – means “trouble.”
• Polupolu – means “flabby.”
• Wahine – means “woman.”

Tough Hawaiian Dog Names

• Alemana – means “warrior.”
• Amoka – means “strong.”
• Kekipi – means “the rebel.”
• Kekoa – means “the brave one.”
• Mana – means “power.”
• Ole – means “fang.”
• Paniolo – means “cowboy.”

Unique Hawaiian Dog Names

• Edega – means “wealthy.”
• Hanai – A Hawaiian word that loosely means “adoption.”
• Hoku – means “night of the full moon.”
• Kina – means “China.”
• Lani – can mean “sky.”
• Miki – means “quick.”
• Miliani – means “gentle caress.”
• Nalu – means “surging surf.”
• Pualena – means “yellow.”

What is the perfect Hawaiian name for my dog?

Only you will know the perfect name for your dog, but at the very least, you now have an impressive selection at your disposal. 

When that right name hits, you’ll know, and your four-legged friend will light up every time they hear it. So choose wisely, keep an open mind, and the perfect name will find you.

Found the name you’ve been searching for on this list? We’d love to know the name you chose; leave a comment below to share it with us!

Further Reading: Check out our other articles and lists of names for more ideas

• Best Hunting Dog Names
• Best Japanese Inspired Dog Names
• Best Native American Dog Names
• Best Alcohol Dog Names