The Hawaiian Islands are a source of dreams and paradise fantasies for many. If you want to bring a little island inspiration into your home, why not name your cat after the rich and vibrant culture?
From local names and destinations to the gods of Hawaiian lore, you’ll find a treasure trove of possible cat names to show your love of island life and appreciation for Polynesian culture.
Names Inspired by Hawaiian Destinations
Hawaii is filled with gorgeous beaches, lush jungles, and crystal-clear waters, giving you a wealth of options for your cat’s name.
Kauai: The oldest of the Hawaiian Islands
Maui: The second-largest island and surf hotspot
Oahu: The third-largest island
Honolulu: The largest city and capital of Hawaii
Molokai: “The Friendly Island”
Lanai: “The Pineapple Island”
Kailua: A vibrant city and center of commerce on the islands
Waipahu: A former sugarcane plantation
Haleakala: Volcano and national park
Na Pali: A state wilderness park with sea cliffs
Iolani: Name for the palace of Hawaii’s final monarchs
Byodo-In: An elaborate Buddhist temple
Manoa: A waterfall with popular hiking areas
Names Inspired by Hawaiian Phrases
If you want something unique, choose a fun Hawaiian phrase as your cat’s name.
Aloha: Hello and goodbye
Hoku: Star
Honi: Kiss
Anuenue: Rainbow
Keiki: Child
Kahuna: Priest
Mahalo: Thank you
Mau Loa: Forever
Pupule: Crazy
Ohana: Family
Makana: Gift
Female Hawaiian Cat Names
These beautiful and unique names are traditional names for baby girls in Hawaii and perfect for your female cat. Several names relate to heaven, flowers, and other nature themes, celebrating mother earth.
Akela: Wisdom
Alana: Awakening
Alamea: Precious child
Alaula: Light of daybreak
Aliikai: Queen of the sea
Aolani: Heavenly cloud
Ewalani: Heavenly woman
Eleu: Agile
Halia: Remembrance
Haimi: Seeker
Hanai: Lucky
Hoala: Agitate
Iniki: Name for a famous hurricane
Hula: Dance
Iokina: God will develop
Inoki: Devoted
Ipo: Sweetheart
Kahili: Feather
Iolana: Soaring
Kaia: The sea
Kaikala: Sun and sea
Kaila: Stylish
Kailani: Sea and sky
Kalama: The light
Kaiolohia: Calm of the sea
Kalei: Beloved
Kalena: Brightest star
Kamea: One and only
Kapua: Flower
Keala: Pathway
Keilani: Glorious chief
Keona: God’s gift
Kona: Lady
Kiele: Precious blossom
Laka: Gentle
Lalama: Daring
Lanikai: Heavenly sea
Leilani: Royal child
Lilo: Generous one
Loni: Heaven
Lokelani: Red small rose
Luana: Happy
Malana: Light
Mahina: Moonlight
Mana: Power
Meli: Honey
Miki: Quick
Mirena: Beloved
Moana: Ocean
Nani: Great beauty
Noe: Rainy
Nalani: Calm skies
Nohea: Lovely
Okalani: Heaven
Palila: Bird
Pualani: Heavnely flower
Puanani: Beautiful flower
Roselani: Rose
Ululani: Inspiration
Male Hawaiian Cat Names
These male Hawaiian cat names are traditional names for baby boys and unique for your male cat. Many of these names imbue their boys with the power of nature or the earth, and you could do the same for your cat.
Aka: Shadow
Ailani: High chief
Amoka: Strong
Akamu: Red earth
Alemana: Warrior
Analu: Masculine
Asera: Lucky
Etana: Strong
Ezera: Help
Hiwa: Jet black
Kaipo: Sweetheart
Kahoku: Star
Kalani: Royalty
Kanuha: Sullen
Kapono: Goodness
Kapena: Captain
Kealii: Chief
Kei: Dignity
Keanu: Cool breeze
Kekipi: Rebel
Keiki: Boy
Kekoa: Brave
Keoki: George
Kimo: James
Kikokiko: Speckled
Kolohe: Little reascal
Malo: Winner
Meka: Eyes
Nahoa: Bold
Oke: Oscar
Palani: Free
Pekelo: Stone
Polo: Large and plump
Pilikea: Trouble
Waha Nui: Big mouth
Weuweu: Fluffy
Names Inspired by Hawaiian Gods and Goddesses
If your cat needs something a little extra, Hawaiian lore is filled with powerful and mystical gods and goddesses. These deities are prominent in Hawaiian mythology and relate to nature and life.
Pele: Goddess of fire and volcanoes
Na-maka-o-Kaha’i: Goddess of water and sea
Lilinoe: Goddess of mist
Poli’ahu: Goddess of snow
Laka: Goddess of beauty, love, and fertility
Kane: God of forests and wild foods
Lono: God of peace and music
Ku: God of war
Kamapua’a: God of boars
Aumakua: Spirit of ancestors
Kanehekili: God of thunder
Elepaio: Monarch flycatcher
Kaho-ali’i: God of the underworld
Kapu: God of laws and regulation
Lohiau: Chief of Kauai
Mana: Impersonal force
Nu’u: Hawaiian Noah
Papa: Goddess of nature
Paka’a: God of wind and gatekeeper of the underworld
Ukupanipo: Shark god
Give Your Cat Some Polynesian Flair
Between its fascinating mythology and its utopian landscape, Hawaii captivates the minds and imaginations of many people. If you want a touch of the island life, name your cat after one of Hawaii’s stunning destinations, popular phrases, traditional baby names, or gods and goddess. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect name to reflect the personality that makes your cat unique.
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe....Read more