The rich culture of Hawaii does not end with the people. It goes deep into the sea with beautiful and shimmering Hawaiian species. Do you have some Hawaiian species in your aquarium and wonder what name suits them best? Are you just a lover of Hawaiian culture and want to name your pet fish after them?
This article provides the best and most interesting Hawaiian fish names. Here, you will find relatable Hawaiian fish names translated for you. The names reflect Hawaii’s rich islands, unique culture, serenity, and myths.
So put on your wetsuit, ensure your face mask is in place, and tighten your weight belt as we dive deep into the azure waters of the Pacific to find the best Hawaiian names for your finned friend.
Check out these other fascinating fish names for your aquatic companions:
Contents
Hawaiian Fish Names For Girls
Hawaiian names for female fish often embody grace and the island’s natural beauty. The names come from popular shows and landmarks of the Hawaii people.
Here are 50 of the best Hawaiian female fish names, along with their meanings:
1. Alamea: Precious, whole
2. Anela: Angel
3. Halia: Remembrance of a loved one
4. Kailani: Sea and sky
5. Lani: Sky, heaven
6. Leilani: Heavenly flowers
7. Moana: Ocean
8. Nalani: Calm skies
9. Noelani: Mist of heaven
10. Aolani: Heavenly cloud
11. Hiʻilani: Held in the arms of heaven
12. Kalea: Bright, clear
13. Kiani: Diadem
14. Luana: Content, happy
15. Mahina: Moon
16. Naia: Dolphin
17. Oliana: Oleander
18. Palila: Bird
19. Roselani: Heavenly rose
20. Wailani: Heavenly water
21. Alohi: Brilliant, shining
22. Hoku: Star
23. Iolana: To soar like a hawk
24. Kaia: The sea
25. Kalama: The torch
26. Lokelani: Small red rose
27. Makana: Gift
28. Nani: Beautiful
29. Olina: Joyous
30. Pualani: Heavenly flower
31. Uilani: Great beauty
32. Wehilani: Adornment from heaven
33. Aulani: King’s messenger
34. Hina: Moon goddess
35. Kaiulani: Royal sacredness
36. Lanikai: Heavenly sea
37. Malana: Calming, soothing
38. Nohea: Lovely
39. Pele: Goddess of fire and volcano
40. Ulani: Cheerful
41. Anuhea: Cool fragrance
42. Hiwa: Jet black
43. Kalei: Beloved
44. Keilani: Glorious chief
45. Lokomaikaʻi: Generous, good-hearted
46. Miliani: Gentle caress
47. Noelani: Girl from heaven
48. Polinahe: Softly blowing breeze
49. Waiola: Water of life
50. Akela: Wisdom
Hawaiian Fish Names For Boys
Hawaiian male fish names often capture the strength and spirit of the sea. They are lovely names that will suit the personality of your fish species.
Here are 50 Hawaiian names for male fish, along with their meanings:
1. Ailani: High chief
2. Akamu: Red earth
3. Haku: Master, overseer
4. Ikaika: Strong, powerful
5. Kai: Ocean, sea
6. Keanu: Cool mountain breeze
7. Liko: Bud, as of a plant
8. Makai: Towards the sea
9. Nalu: Wave, surf
10. Pono: Righteousness
11. Akela: Wisdom
12. Hilo: First night after the new moon
13. Kaimana: Power of the ocean
14. Keahi: Flames
15. Koa: Brave, fearless
16. Lono: God of fertility and music
17. Mana: Spiritual power
18. Palani: Free man
19. Kaleo: Voice, sound
20. Maui: Demigod of Polynesian mythology
21. Ano: Immeasurable
22. Hiapo: Firstborn
23. Kanaloa: God of the ocean
24. Keola: The life
25. Kikokiko: Speckled, spotted
26. Manu: Bird
27. Nui: Important, great
28. Polunu: Chubby, plump
29. Uluwehi: Lush, verdant
30. Wahine: Woman, lady
31. Alika: Protector
32. Hanale: Lord of the Manor
33. Iokua: God rescues
34. Kapena: Captain
35. Kekoa: The warrior
36. Lopaka: Brilliant fame
37. Makoa: Bold man
38. Pika: Rock
39. Keani: The wave
40. Malo: Winner, conqueror
41. Analu: Manly
42. Haukea: White snow
43. Kaipo: Sweetheart
44. Kekona: Second-born
45. Kimo: Supplanter
46. Makani: Wind
47. Nakoa: Warrior, fighter
48. Pilipo: Lover of horses
49. Waiola: Water of life
50. Alakaʻi: Leader, guide
Popular Names for Hawaiian Fish
Some fish names are pretty popular, even among the Hawaiian tribe. These fish names have gained popularity, reflecting the region’s beauty and folklore.
Here are 20 of the most popular and fascinating Hawaiian fish names:
1. Kaleo: Voice, sound
2. Lea: Joy, pleasure
3. Mano: Shark
4. Naiʻa: Dolphin
5. Honu: Turtle
6. Kai: Sea
7. Lani: Sky, heaven
8. Makai: Towards the sea
9. Hoku: Star
10. Moana: Ocean
11. Kona: Lady
12. Malo: Conqueror
13. Keiki: Child, boy, youngster
14. Akamai: Clever, smart
15. Hale: House, home
16. Ipo: Sweetheart
17. Kapu: Sacred, forbidden
18. Mana: Spiritual energy
19. Pua: Flower
20. Wai: Water
Funny Hawaiian Fish Names
Your pet fish exhibit some features and characteristics that are funny. Hence, a bit of humor can make fish names more memorable and fun. Here are 20 funny Hawaiian fish names:
1. Flipperaloa: A playful twist on ‘Flipper’
2. Swimmy Kaimana: Combining ‘swim’ with the Hawaiian word for ocean power
3. Bubbly Lani: Inspired by the Hawaiian word for sky and bubbles
4. Giggly Moana: A light-hearted take on the Hawaiian word for ocean
5. Chubby Nalu: Reflecting a wave’s playful nature
6. Wiggly Honu: After the Hawaiian word for turtle, with a wiggle
7. Squishy Mano: A humorous take on the Hawaiian word for shark
8. Dancy Hoku: Inspired by the Hawaiian word for star
9. Splashy Kona: Reflecting the splash of water and Hawaiian lady
10. Snappy Ipo: Combining snappy with the Hawaiian word for sweetheart
11. Blinky Makai: Inspired by the word towards the sea
12. Zippy Kai: Combining zippy with the Hawaiian word for sea
13. Jumpy Liko: After the Hawaiian word for bud, implying jumpiness
14. Fizzy Pua: A bubbly take on the Hawaiian word for flower
15. Twirly Anela: A fun twist on the Hawaiian word for angel
16. Silly Lea: A humorous take on the Hawaiian word for joy
17. Floaty Hale: Combining floaty with the Hawaiian word for house
18. Speedy Kekoa: Reflecting the warrior spirit in a playful way
19. Sneaky Pono: A funny spin on the Hawaiian word for righteousness
20. Wavy Haku: After the Hawaiian word for master, with a wavy twist
Unique Hawaiian Fish Names
You may decide to name your scaly friends based on a particular event or specific characters. If you are seeking more distinctive names, check out these 20 unique Hawaiian fish names:
1. Haleakala: After the famous Hawaiian volcano
2. Kaikane: Strong sea
3. Lokelani: Small red rose
4. Maluhia: Peace, tranquility
5. Ohanalani: Heavenly family
6. Pilikia: Trouble, in a playful sense
7. Uilani: Great beauty, heavenly
8. Wehilani: Adornment from heaven
9. Kailua: Two seas
10. Kauaʻi: Place of the yawn
11. Maunakea: White mountain
12. Napua: The flowers
13. Ohia: Named after the Ohia tree
14. Polihale: House bosom
15. Ululani: Inspired from heaven
16. Wainani: Beautiful water
17. Aulii: Delicious, dainty
18. Heʻenalu: Wave sliding (surfing)
19. Kapalili: Fluttering, quivering
20. Moku: Island
Fictional Hawaiian Fish Names
You can add a touch of whimsicalness and imagination when naming your fish. Here are 20 fictional Hawaiian fish names:
1. Naluiki: Little wave
2. Hokuʻaola: Living star
3. Kaimalu: Protected sea
4. Moanakeiki: Ocean child
5. Lanipō: Dark sky
6. Pualokelani: Heavenly bouquet
7. Waimakua: Ancestor water
8. Hikialani: Stargazing
9. Kaiulu: Gentle sea
10. Laniloa: Long heaven
11. Manukai: Bird of the sea
12. Oluwalu: Pleasing sound
13. Puanani: Beautiful flower
14. Ulukai: Sea warrior
15. Wailele: Waterfall
16. Anuenue: Rainbow
17. Hoaloha: Friend
18. Kapukai: Sea spray
19. Lanakila: Victory
20. Makalapua: Blossoming eyes
Famous Hawaiian Fish Names
Giving your finned friends Hawaiian names can be exciting; you can get inspired by the rich culture and people. Drawing inspiration from renowned Hawaiian figures and places, here are 20 famous Hawaiian fish names:
1. Kamehameha: After King Kamehameha the Great
2. Liliʻuokalani: The last reigning monarch of Hawaii
3. Hōkūleʻa: The famed Polynesian voyaging canoe
4. Māui: After the demigod from Polynesian mythology
5. Peʻapeʻa: Hawaiian word for bat
6. Kapena: Captain, in a traditional sense
7. Iolani: Royal hawk
8. Kahuna: Expert, priest
9. Kalākaua: The Merrie Monarch, a Hawaiian king
10. Lokomaikaʻi: Good-hearted, generous
11. Manoa: Thick, solid, vast
12. Nāmaka: Sea goddess
13. Wahineokai: Woman of the sea
14. Alaula: Light of dawn
15. Halia: Memorial
16. Kealoha: The loved one
17. Makapuʻu: Bulging eyes
18. Palila: Bird
19. Ulukau: Energetic
20. Waimea: Red water
Creative Hawaiian Fish Names
How about you get creative by coining two Hawaiian words? If you are seeking a unique and artistic touch, here are 20 creative Hawaiian fish names:
1. Lanikū: Heavenly sky
2. Moanapili: Ocean lover
3. Kaieie: Swiftness, agility
4. Polū: Blue
5. Anakū: Sharp, smart
6. Hiwaʻi: Dark, mysterious
7. Kainalu: Billowing sea
8. Lanipōpō: Rounded sky
9. Mālolo: Flying fish
10. Pūnono: Dizzy
11. Ulunui: Large inspiration
12. Waiākea: Broad water
13. Alakū: Standing alone
14. Hulihee: Turn and look
15. Keikilani: Child of heaven
16. Maluahi: Restful shade
17. Nāhiku: The sevens
18. Pōmahina: Moonlit night
19. Uluhaimalama: Bright breadfruit
20. Waipuhia: Water blown by the wind
These names not only reflect the diverse and vibrant Hawaiian culture but also offer a wide range of choices for naming your aquatic pets. Whether it’s for their meanings, sounds, or the sheer joy of naming, these Hawaiian fish names provide a unique way to connect with the rich heritage of Hawaii and the wonderful world of fishkeeping.
How To Name Your Fish
Choosing the perfect name for your blue companion from the aquatic world can be fun and daunting. If you’re seeking a splash of inspiration, consider names derived from their physical attributes, such as Gill or Finn, which refer to parts of fish anatomy. Look to the specific species of your fish for a name that speaks to its unique identity.
Expand your horizon by considering your fish’s color, patterns, and unique characteristics. Names highlighting these aspects can add a personal touch and make your fish’s name special. Whether funny names, creative, or cute, always go for an attractive name that can quickly grab attention.
Navigating the Sea of Names
You can get drawn in the sea of Hawaiian fish names, especially with the number of names you have to choose from. Embarking on the journey of pet ownership brings joy and the exciting challenge of naming. Here are some buoys to help you navigate through:
1. Simplicity is Key:
The simpler names are easier to pronounce and are not easily forgotten. Opt for a name that flows off the tongue, preferably with one or two syllables. It should be memorable and easy for you to use comfortably.
2. Seek Far and Wide for Inspiration:
Your inspiration can come from anywhere – from baby name books to the unique personality traits of your fish. Explore literature books, popular names, and myths to find your fish’s perfect name. Is your fish an eager eater, or does it have a quirky swimming pattern? Naming them after these traits can be both meaningful and fun.
3. Unique Stories Lead to Unique Names:
Has your fish’s arrival into your life been nothing short of a storybook tale? Consider names that reflect this special journey. Names inspired by favorite movies or books, such as Dora, meaning “God’s gift,” or the beloved Nemo, can add a narrative touch to your fish’s identity. You can get a perfect name from a significant event surrounding the adoption of that particular fish species.
4. The Charm Factor:
Let the name reflect the cuteness and playfulness of your aquatic friend. Look at one attractive feature of your pet fish and draw inspiration from it. However, don’t feel pressured to follow trends. A name with positive associations in literature or with a personal connection can be just as delightful.
5. The Name Trial:
If you have so many names cluttering your mind, test them one after the other. Test out your favorite names to see how they sound when called out loud. Feedback from friends and family can be invaluable in gauging a name’s fit.
6. A Collective Brainstorm:
If you’re stuck in a naming whirlpool, turn to your social circle or dive into online communities and forums for a sea of ideas. Explore various fishkeeping platforms, podcasts, and social media to get an idea. Collaboration can spark the perfect name.
7. Revitalize Common Names:
Give a twist to a common name by adding a title or modifying it slightly to refresh its appeal. You can also create an entirely new name by combining some trendy words. “Ms. Nemo” can offer a new take on a classic name.
8. For the School of Fish:
When naming multiple fish, consider themes, pairings, or group names that reflect their collective identity. You can scour the internet for Hawaiian names that’ll match your school of fish. Drawing inspiration from previous pets can also connect generations of your aquatic family.
Final Thoughts
Hawaiian names are spectacular and tell a story about the Hawaiians’ rich culture or the place’s natural endowments. Choosing a Hawaiian name may be daunting for various reasons. But if you heed the above guidelines, you will find it exciting to choose a name that best describes your pet fish.
You don’t have to do this hastily, so take your time and find what best resonates with your pet’s personality or the story you are trying to tell. When you see that reason to name your pet, go through the list above and find the name that best suits it and give your finned friend that unique name.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about giving your pet fish a Hawaiian name, here are answers to some of the commonly asked questions we could find.
What Is the Most Famous Hawaiian Fish?
With its vibrant color and attractive long name, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa is Hawaii’s official state fish and the most famous Hawaii fish. However, this fish is not unique to Hawaii; it is found in the waters surrounding the Pacific Islands. Its long, snout-like nose mainly recognizes it.
What Is the Most Common Reef Fish in Hawaii?
The saddle Wrasse is the most common reef you can find in the Pacific waters of Hawaii. It gets its name from the visible red saddle behind its pectoral fin. It is the most abundant reef fish in the Hawaiian Islands.
What Kind of Fresh Fish Is in Hawaii?
Although abundant fresh water exists in countless streams, the gobies, Flagtails, Mullet Mugil, and Eleotrids are the major freshwater fishes native to Hawaiian waters.
Ian Sterling, founder of Fishlab.com, began his aquarium journey over 30 years ago, driven by a deep fascination for fish and their diverse personalities. His website, Fishlab.com, is dedicated to making fishkeeping accessible and enjoyable, offering beginner-friendly guidance, expert insights, and a community for aquarists to connect and share experiences.