90 Best Hawaiian Names for Dogs

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Learn what these common Hawaiian female and male dog names mean

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: January 6, 2026 Fact Checked

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Popular

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For Males

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For Females

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By Personality & Appearance

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Nature-Inspired

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Unique

Aloha! If you’re Hawaiian or fascinated by Hawaiian culture, you may be interested in giving your dog a traditional Hawaiian name. Luckily, there are plenty of great names to choose from! In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Hawaiian names for dogs, including popular and unique options for males and females. Keep reading to find the perfect name for your pup.

Top Hawaiian Names for Dogs

Popular: Hula, Kona, Le’ia, Lilo, Maui
For males: Akamu, Amana, Kapono, Keanu, Makoa
For females: Keiki, Leilani, Malia, Moana, Momi
Unique: Aka, Honi, Kainoa, Lupo, Polo

Section 1 of 6:

Popular Hawaiian Dog Names

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Choose a common Hawaiian name for your pup. Consider naming your dog after an important part of Hawaiian culture or a famous location. There are also plenty of popular Hawaiian names native Hawaiians give to their dogs that you may not have heard before! Here are some examples:
- Hae (barky)
- Hula (dance)^{[1]
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- Kama Hele (rover, traveler)
- Kiko (spot)
- Kona (place name)
- Le’ia (meadow)
- Leialoha (beloved child)
- Lilo (generous one)
- Lono (news, fame, one of the four great gods of the Hawaiian islands)
- Maka (favorite one)
- Maui (island name)
- Ohana (family)
- Ona (dizzy)
- Pilialoha (buddy)
- Puakea (white flower, pale)

Section 2 of 6:

Hawaiian Names for Male Dogs

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Choose a masculine name for a male dog. If you have a male dog, why not give him a popular Hawaiian boys’ name? Many masculine Hawaiian names have meanings associated with strength or nature. Here are some examples:
- Ahe (soft breeze)
- Akamu (red earth)
- Amana (warrior)
- Eneki (avid, eager)^{[2]
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- Havika (beloved)
- Kahale (home)^{[3]
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- Kainalu (sea wave)
- Kale (strong man)
- Kapono (the good one)
- Kapua (the flowers, the child)
- Keanu (cool breeze)
- Makoa (aggressive, fearless, courageous)
- Mano (shark)
- Rangi (Hawaiian god of the sky)
- Tangaroa (Hawaiian god of the sea)

Section 3 of 6:

Hawaiian Names for Female Dogs

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Pick a feminine name for a female pup. If your dog is a girl, consider giving her a popular Hawaiian girls’ name. Many of these names are inspired by nature or have soft, gentle meanings. Here are some examples:
- Alamea (precious)
- Aolani (heavenly cloud)
- Haukea (white snow)
- Kaimana (diamond)
- Kanani (the beauty)
- Keiki (child)
- Kiki (kiss)
- Leilani (heavenly child, heavenly flowers)^{[4]
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- Lulu (calm, peace)
- Maile (vine)
- Malia (calm, peaceful waters)
- Meli (honey)
- Mikala (who is God)
- Moana (ocean/vast)
- Momi (pearl)

Section 4 of 6:

Names Inspired by Personality & Appearance

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Base your dog’s name on its temperament or looks. There are a ton of Hawaiian names with unique meanings that can describe your dog. Choose one that matches its appearance, like its fur color or texture. Or, pay attention to your dog’s personality for a few days to choose a name that fits. Here are some examples:
- ‘Eleu (alert, lively, energetic)
- Hiwa (jet black)
- Hiwakea (black and white)
- Kaipo (sweetheart)
- Kekipi (rebel)
- Kekoa (brave one)
- Koa (fearless, brave)
- Koki (snub-nosed)
- Kolohe (mischief-maker)
- Laka (gentle)
- Miki (quick)
- Nani (great beauty)
- Nohea (beautiful, handsome)
- Ulani (cheerful)
- Weuweu (fluffy)

Section 5 of 6:

Hawaiian Dog Names Inspired by Nature

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Name your dog after the earth, sky, or sea. Nature plays an important role in Hawaiian culture and society, so many popular names are inspired by the natural world, including the ocean, animals, and the sky. Here are some beautiful options to choose from:
- Anuenue (rainbow)
- Awapuhi (ginger)
- Hau (snow)
- Hoku (star)
- Kai (ocean)
- Kalei (the flowers)
- Kanoe (mist)
- Lani (sky)
- Lilikoi (passionfruit)
- Mahina (moon)
- Makai (seaside)
- Makani (wind)
- Manu (bird)
- Moku (island)
- Pua (flower)

Section 6 of 6:

Unique Hawaiian Dog Names

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Stand out with a unique name. You’ve probably heard some Hawaiian names, like Moana or Leilani, even if you aren’t Hawaiian. However, if you’re looking for something a little different, try one of these more unique options:
- Aka (shadow)^{[5]
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- Akamai (smart)
- Akua (spirit)
- Aloha (love, hello)
- Honi (kiss)
- Ikaika (strong, powerful)^{[6]
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- Kainoa (for the sea)
- Kapena (captain)
- Lehua (Hawaiian state flower)
- Li’i (small, tiny)
- Lupo (wolf)
- Makana (gift)
- Nalani (the heavens, the chiefs)
- Polo (fatso)
- Punahele (favorite)
- What dog names stick out to you? Share some of your favorites in our “What’s the best dog name you’ve ever heard?” forum!