How the Hawaiian Islands were Named

Naming of Na Moku Hawai'i

Some stories share that the names of the larger Hawaiian Islands came about from a battle between two of the main Hawaiian gods.

The deity which is said to have started the argument is known as Kanaloa.

He is the god of the ocean and ocean animals.

The other deity, Kāne, is known as the god of creation and fresh water.

He also goes by other names, including ʻĪ and ʻŌ.

Their argument is said to have started on Oʻahu at a place known as Mōkapu.

Today, this is the home to the Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi.

The names of Hawaiʻi’s islands capture the story of their continued battle.

Here on Oʻahu, O refers to the god Kāne and ahu means “alter.”

Therefore, Oʻahu means “the altar of Kāne.”

The name Kauaʻi shares that Kāne fought a battle.

Kāua means “battle” and ʻI refers to the god Kāne.

So, Kauaʻi means “Kāne’s battle.”

The name Molokaʻi says that Kāne was entangled in battle.

Molo can mean “to entangle or interweave” and ʻI refers to Kāne.

Lānaʻi is said to be where Kāne was restful and at peace.

The word lana means “restful” and ʻI refers to Kāne.

The name Maui speaks of Kāne’s persistence.

The word mau means “persistent or always” and ʻI refers to Kāne.

And it was at Hawaiʻi island where it’s said that the battle finished and Kāne remained powerful forever.

Hā wai, meaning “water aqueduct,” refers to the consistent flowing of fresh water, the most valuable resource in life, while ʻI refers to Kāne.