The Hawaiian Islands truly embody a tropical paradise, brimming with rich culture and stunning natural beauty. While you might not get to spend each day basking on the islands’ sun-kissed shores, why not consider a beautiful and unique Hawaiian name for your feline companion? That way, you can enjoy a little taste of paradise within the comfort of your own home. Let’s look at 200+ cool-sounding Hawaiian cat names and their meanings!
How to Pronounce Hawaiian Cat Names
A treasure trove of cultural heritage, identity, and history, the Hawaiian language — ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i — provides a plethora of cool-sounding names for your cat. The Hawaiian alphabet is made up of just 13 letters, including eight consonants and five vowels. It also has two additional unique features: the Okina and the kahakō. The Okina, or glottal stop, is treated like an apostrophe. The kahakō looks like a straight line over a vowel and signals that the vowel is pronounced with a longer sound.
Letter | Pronunciation |
---|---|
A | “Ah” like in “father” |
E | “Eh” like in “bet” |
I | “Ee” like in “see” |
O | “Oh” like in “cone” |
U | “Oo” like in “boot” |
W | “V” like in “van” |
‘ | Glottal stop, similar to the break in “uh-oh” |
ā, ē, ī, ō, ū | Macron (long vowel) āe |
Cool-Sounding Hawaiian Cat Names Inspired by the Animal Kingdom
- ‘Īlio: This Hawaiian name is a fun twist for a cat with a loyal personality — it actually means “dog”!
- Pōpoki: If you’re looking for a clever name for your cat, why not consider the Hawaiian word for “cat”?
- Hipa: This playful name means “sheep” in Hawaiian.
- Honu: If your cat enjoys basking in the sun or curling up and cozy corners, then the Hawaiian name for “turtle” is a fun choice.
- Naiʻa: Meaning “dolphin”, this cute name captures your cat’s lively and playful nature.
- Moa: This quirky name means “chicken”.
- Manu: Meaning “bird”, Manu is a good fit for an elegant and graceful cat.
- Pelehū: If you have a cat that is always making you smile, then this light-hearted name, which means “turkey”, would be a fun choice.
- Kakā: This fun name means “duck” in Hawaiian.
- Kao: Meaning “goat”, Kao is a cute name for a cute kitty.
- Keko: For a cheeky cat, this name means “monkey”.
- Lāpaki: This cute name means “rabbit”.
- Poloka: This is a playful and unique name that means “frog”.
- Koholā: This name, meaning “whale”, is a lovely choice for a cat with a commanding presence and gentle nature.
- Lio: Meaning “horse”, Lio is a strong name for a bold and regal cat.
- Meli: This sweet name means “honey bee”.
- Nēnē: The official state bird of Hawaii is the Hawaiian goose or Nēnē.
- Pea: This cute name means “bear”.
- Pipi: Pipi is a whimsical name that means “cow”.
- Wana: Pronounced “vah-na”, this name means “sea urchin”.
- ‘Elepaio: The ‘Elepaio is a beautiful songbird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands.
- Pololia: This name, meaning “jellyfish”, would be fitting for an elegant and mysterious cat.
- Mano: This awesome name means “shark”.
Hawaiian Cat Names Inspired by Nature
- Alaula: This name means “light of dawn”.
- Hau: Perfect for a cat that is as soft as a snowflake, Hau means “snow”.
- Haunani: If you have a white or fluffy feline companion, Haunani is a fun name that means “beautiful snow”.
- Hōkū: This is a stellar name for your cat that means “star”.
- Hōkūlani: Combining the words for “heavenly” and “star,” Hōkūlani is an enchanting name for a cat.
- Kāhili: A musical name, Kāhili refers to the feathered standards of Hawaiian chiefs and nobility.
- Noe: Noe means “misty rain” or “mist of heaven” and is perfect for a gentle and calm cat who brings a soothing presence to your home.
- Kaloni: This captivating name means “the heavens” or “the sky”.
- lani: With a name meaning “heaven” or “sky”, your feline companion will captivate anyone in their presence.
- Iolana: A perfect name for a fearless and adventurous cat, Iolana means “to soar”.
- Keahi: Translating to “the fire”, Keahi is the perfect name for a fierce and fiery kitty.
- Keanu: Popularized by the iconic actor Keanu Reeves, this name means “cool mountain breeze”.
- Loni: Sweet and simple, Loni means “sky”.
- Makani: Swift and playful, this name means “the wind”.
- Mahina: Meaning “moon”, this name is fitting for a graceful and mysterious cat.
- Puhi: This cute name means “smoke” and would suit a beautiful and enigmatic feline.
- Welehu: This charming name means “foggy” or “misty”.
- Noelani: Like a “heavenly mist”, Noelani is an apt name for a graceful yet playful kitty.
Cool-Sounding Hawaiian Cat Names Inspired by the Ocean
- Kai: One of the most popular Hawaiian names, Kai means “sea”.
- Kaia: A variation on the name Kai, Kaia also means “sea”.
- Wai: If you have an adventurous cat who loves to play in the water, then this name is a great choice, as it means “water”.
- Waiola: Meaning “water of life”, this name captures the joy and happiness that our feline companions provide us.
- Momi: This adorable name means “pearl”.
- Kaikala: Combining “sea” and “sun”, this name is well-suited for a kitty who loves basking in the warm sunshine.
- Kailani: Kailani is a beautiful name that symbolizes harmony between “sea” and “sky”.
- Kaimana: Combining “sea” and “power”, this beautiful name represents the strength and force of the ocean.
- Moana: Like the beloved Disney film, the name Moana means “ocean”.
- Nalu: Meaning “wave”, Nalu is a beautiful name for a graceful and agile cat.
- Kalani: Regal yet delicate, this name means “the heavens”.
- Lanikai: Like the peaceful bliss that your cat brings to your life, this name means “heavenly sea”.
- Kawaii: Meaning “coming from the water” this adorable name is perfect for a playful kitty.
- Kahlani: Combining both the “sea” and the “sky”, Kahlani is a harmonious name for a beautiful kitty.
- Makai: With the meaning of “toward the sea”, this name encapsulates your cat’s adventurous spirit and endless curiosity.
Flowery Hawaiian Cat Names
- Pua: This cute name means “flower”.
- Alani: Vibrant and fun, Alani means “orange tree”.
- Pualani: This elegant name means “beautiful flower”.
- Puamana: Reflecting a beautiful and wild nature, this name means “flower of the sea”.
- Leimomi: Classy and cute, this name means “pearl necklace” or “pearl child”.
- Liko: This cute name means “bud” or “sprout” and would be a great choice for a lively kitten.
- Loke: Elegant and romantic, this name means “rose”.
- Lokelani: Meaning “heavenly rose”, this enchanting name is fitting for an elegant and graceful kitty.
- Kiele: This cute name means “gardenia” or “fragrant blossom”.
- Kalei: Vibrant and colorful, this name means “the flowers”.
- Kapua: This adorable name means “child” or “flower”.
- Maile: A symbol of Hawaiian culture, Maile is a type of vine often used in flower leis.
- Laylani: With a name that means “heavenly flower”, your cat will have no problem captivating anyone who meets them.
- Makala: Meaning “myrtle”, this name evokes the sweet scents of a flower garden.
- Nanala: Reminding you of the bright and cheerful spirit of your cat, this vibrant name means “sunflower”.
- Lilia: This sweet Hawaiian cat name means “lily”.
Cool-Sounding Cat Names Inspired by Hawaiian Culture
- Holokai: Meaning “seafarer”, this name is well suited for an adventurous feline.
- Hula: Like the traditional Hawaiian “hula” dance, this name is fitting for a graceful kitty.
- Iniki: The name of a famous Hawaiian hurricane, Iniki is a great choice for a wild or energetic kitty.
- Mele: If your cat is especially vocal, this name is perfect because it means “chant” or “song”.
- Pukini: Many royal leaders in Hawaii employed these messengers, known for their speed and running abilities.
- Kapu: Kapu represents the sacred principles and guidelines that governed ancient Hawaiian society.
- Keone: Your feline companion holds a special place in your heart, just like the Keone or “the homeland”.
- Kona: This name comes from the famous Hawaiian coffee.
- Poi: This cute name is inspired by a traditional Hawaiian dish.
- Coco or Coconut: This playful name is inspired by the many coconut trees found throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
- Ahi or ʻAhi: Ahi means fire, lightning, and match, while ʻAhi refers to the Hawaiian tuna fish.
- Taro or Karo: In the Hawaiian language, Taro is referred to as Karo and is a staple of the native diet.
- Poke: This cute name comes from a popular Hawaiian dish.
Cool-Sounding Hawaiian Cat Names Translated from English
- Anakoni: Anthony
- Kakalina: Katherine
- Keke: Kate
- Kala: Sara
- Kalaki: Charlotte
- Kana: Hannah
- Kale: Charles
- Kilikina: Christina
- Kona: Don or Donna
- Kimo: James or Jim
- Keoki: George
- Keoni: John
- Kiana: Diana
- Lakopa: Jacob
- Lekika: Jessica
- Lokua: Joshua
- Maleko: Mark
- Malia: Mary
- Melika: Melissa
- Wikolia: Victoria
- Polola: Flora
- Pela: Bella or Belle
- Peni: Ben
- Pika: Peter
- Walina: Evelyn
- Aka: Arthur
- Akamu: Adam
- Ewa: Eva
Cool-Sounding Cat Names Inspired by Hawaiian Mythology
- Kāne: Kāne is the Hawaiian creator god.
- Kanaloa: Symbolized by a squid or octopus, the Hawaiian god Kanaloa is the master of oceans and darkness.
- Kanehekili: The brother of Pele, Kanehekili is the Hawaiian god of thunder.
- Ku: Ku is one of the four great Hawaiian gods. He is the god of farming, fishing, politics, and war.
- Haumea: Known as the “Mother of Hawaii”, Haumea created the wildlife of the Hawaiian Islands.
- Kamohoaliʻi: This shape-shifting god typically prefers spending time as a shark.
- Hina: One of the most widely recognized goddesses across Polynesia, Hina is commonly associated with the moon.
- Laka: The Hawaiian goddess of love, beauty, dance, and fertility, Laka’s name means “gentle” and “to attract”.
- Lono: Lono is the Hawaiian god of fertility, agriculture, rainfall, and music.
- Māui: Māui, an ancient Hawaiian chief, crafted the Hawaiian Islands, taught humans how to use fire, and tamed the sun and sky. Additionally, Māui is the name of Hawaii’s second-largest island.
- Pakaʻa: A great name for a playful cat, Pakaʻa is the Hawaiian god of the wind.
- Pele: Fiery and powerful, Pele is the goddess of volcanoes and fire.
- Lilinoe: The Hawaiian goddess of the mist, Lilinoe is an ethereal name for a beautiful and elusive kitty.
- Poki: This cute name comes from a supernatural dog in Hawaiian myth.
Strong Hawaiian Cat Names
- Kalama: This beautiful name means “flaming torch”.
- Pali: Both strong and beautiful, this name means “cliff” and “handsome”.
- Iolani: A unique name that means “royal hawk”, Iolani is a great choice for a regal or powerful cat.
- Keilani: A perfect fit for a regal feline, this name means “sky, heaven” and “royal, glorious”.
- Kaikoa: Meaning “sea warrior”, Kaikoa is a great name for an adventurous cat.
- Kahuna: Kahuna refers to an expert or a wise person.
- Kaleo: For a cat who loves to talk, this fun name means “voice” or “sound”.
- Amoka: This cool-sounding name means “strong”.
- Haku: A perfect fit for a cat that rules your home, this name means “chief” or “ruler”.
- Ikaika: This beautiful name means “power” or “strength”.
- Ailani: Meaning “big chief”, this name would be a great choice for a cat with a commanding presence.
- Kealii: This adorable name means “chief”.
- Nui: This name is perfect for a particularly impressive feline, as it means “large” or “great”.
- Keahi: Perfect for a fiery and energetic kitty, Keahi means “fire” or “flames”.
- Kekoa: Meaning “the warrior”, this name recognizes your cat’s fearless nature and indomitable spirit.
- Koa: Like the mighty Koa tree, this name means “warrior”
- Nalani: This beautiful name means “calm skies”.
- Makoa: Meaning “courageous” and “fearless”, this name is fitting for a cat with a bold personality.
- Kekipi: Perfect for a mischievous kitty, this name means “the rebel”.
- Etana: This lovely name means “strong”.
Cute Hawaiian Cat Names
- Pipiki: This adorable name is so much fun to say and means “kitten” in Hawaiian.
- Inoki: This cute name means “devoted”.
- Anela: This sweet name means “angel”.
- Kamea: This endearing name means “precious”, “beloved”, or “sweet darling”.
- Lilo: Just like the lovable character from Lilo and Stitch, this name means “the generous one”.
- Ani: Short and sweet, this name means “beautiful”.
- Kapono: Meaning “good”, Kapono is a fun name that reflects the good your cat brings to your life.
- Malu: This name is perfect for a comforting kitty, as it means “protection” or “peace”.
- Keola: Meaning “the life”, this name represents the vibrant and lively essence of your cat.
- Kahale: Symbolizing warmth and comfort, this name means “the home”.
- Alohi: Meaning “shining”, this name is perfect for a cat who brings joy and sunshine into your life.
- Malani: Meaning “happy”, this name is perfect for a kitty who is your source of joy.
- Makaio: This name reminds you that your cat is a gift, as it means “gift of God”.
- Asera: If your cat is your lucky charm, this name means “lucky one”.
- Aka: If your cat follows you around like a little shadow, then “Aka” is a fitting name.
Beautiful Hawaiian Cat Names
- Olina: This beautiful name means “joy”.
- Alamea: This name means “precious”.
- Aolani: Meaning “heavenly light”, this name honors the joy that your cat brings to your home.
- Kahiau: This name reflects a Hawaiian concept that means to give without expecting anything in return.
- Haliʻa: This sweet name means “remembrance of a loved one”.
- Hānai: This name is inspired by the Hawaiian term for informal adoption and means “to nurture” and “to support”.
- Kalena: Meaning “pure”, Kalena is a beautiful name for a sweet kitty.
- Kanani: This melodious name means “beautiful”.
- Kealoha: What better way to honor your cat than with a name that literally means “love”?
- Kuʻuipo: This charming name means “my sweetheart”.
- Leilani: This beautiful name means “heavenly flowers” or “heavenly child”.
- Kamalani: Meaning “heavenly or royal child”, this name recognizes that your cat is truly one-of-a-kind.
- Nani: Meaning “beautiful”, this cute name showcases your cat’s lovely nature, inside and out!
- Okalani: Perfect for an angelic cat that brings comfort into your life, this name means “of the heavens”.
- Nohea: This name means “handsome” or “lovely”.
- Ululani: This beautiful name means “heavenly inspiration”.
- Wahine: Meaning “woman” or “female”, this name celebrates the fierce and independent spirit of female felines.
- Kaena: This unique name means “praised”.
Fun and Unique Hawaiian Cat Names
- Hiapo: This is a great choice for your first cat, as it means “firstborn son”.
- ʻĀkala: This cute name means “pink”.
- Kaipo: Perfect for an affectionate cat, this name means “darling” or “sweetheart”.
- Kalea: For a happy kitty, this name means “joy” and “happiness”.
- Kanoa: For an adventurous and independent cat, this name means “free one”.
- Kiko: This adorable name means “spotted” and would be perfect for a calico kitty.
- Kikokiko: Embrace your cat’s uniqueness with this fun name, which means “dappled” or “spotted”.
- Lele: This name means “jump”, “leap”, or “bounce”.
- Luana: This beautiful name means “happiness”.
- Maka: Your cat’s captivating eyes deserve an equally enchanting name like Maka, which means “eyes”.
- Miki: Celebrate your kitty’s lively nature with the name Miki, which means “nimble” and “quick”.
- Polo: This adorable name means “plump”.
- Olelo: For a vocally expressive cat, the name Olelo — meaning “speech” or “language” — is a great choice.
- Kapena: This regal name means “captain”.
- Kolohe: This cute name means “trickster” or “rascal” and is perfect for a mischievous kitty.
- Lolo: This fun name means “brain” and represents the cleverness and curiosity of our feline companions.
- Poni: Short and sweet, this cute name means “purple”.
- Uli or Uliuli: This fun name means “blue” or “deep blue”.
- Weuweu: Meaning “fluffy”, this fun name is as delightful as it sounds.
- Lava: We know you “lava” your cat, and this name honors the bond the two of you share, as well as the volcanic origins of the Hawaiian Islands.
- Humuhumunukunukuapuaʻa: The official state fish of Hawaii, this name is quite the mouthful, but you could always shorten it to “humuhumu” as a nickname.
- Ono: This fun name means “pleasing”, “enjoyable”, or “delicious”.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Anna Vangorodska/Shutterstock.com
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