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Fish Names

Hawaiian Fish Names (300+ Unique ideas)

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by Emily Wolfe

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Diving into the shimmering waters of Hawaii, have you ever been entranced by the vibrant fish, yet puzzled by their names? Picture this: You’re snorkeling, and a stunning creature glides by. 

What’s it called? Ever felt that slight twinge of frustration not knowing? Isn’t it peculiar how names like ‘humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa’ roll off locals’ tongues with such ease? 

What tales do these names tell? Let’s take a journey beneath the waves, unraveling the mysteries of Hawaiian fish names. 

Delving deep, we’ll translate the unfamiliar into the relatable, turning the exotic into everyday tales. Ready to dive into a world where names paint as vivid a picture as the fish themselves? Dive right in, and let the stories begin!

Our Favroite Hawaiian Fish Names

Creative Names Inspired by the Hawaiian Fish Market

The Lure of the Islands 

Ever wondered why Hawaii is considered one of the best places for fishing? Dive deep, and you’ll discover the allure of Hawaiian deep sea fish. These fish, often with vibrant colors and unique patterns, inspire names as intriguing as the fish themselves.

A Fisherman’s Paradise

Thinking of where to head for your next fishing trip? Look no further. The best Hawaiian island for fishing offers a smorgasbord of fish varieties. From the bustling Hawaiian fish market in Oahu to the serene coasts of Kauai, there’s something for every angler.

An Array of Choices

With the best fishing in Hawaiian islands, comes a plethora of fish varieties. Names inspired by their unique textures, flavors, and colors make the experience even more enriching. Curious about what Hawaiian fish to eat? The markets brim with choices!

The Local Essence

If you’re in Hawaii, you’re in for a treat. The local nomenclature, deeply rooted in Hawaii and my Hawaii traditions, can be quite captivating. Think names that reverberate with folklore, myths, and the islands’ spirit.

Freshness at Its Best

Is there a better sensation than indulging in fresh Hawaiian fish? Probably not. The local markets offer fish so fresh, it feels like they’ve just leaped out of the ocean onto your plate. And here’s a thought: Is there anything that captures the essence of good fishing in Hawaii more than the names given to these magnificent catches?

Hawaiian Fish Names (With Meanings)

1: Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

This lengthy name belongs to the reef triggerfish, Hawaii’s state fish. It translates to “fish with a snout like a pig.”

2: Manini

A type of surgeonfish, Manini displays vibrant stripes and can often be seen grazing on reefs.

3: Moi

Known as the Pacific Threadfin, Moi was once reserved for Hawaiian royalty due to its delicate taste.

4: Uhu

This term refers to parrotfish, easily identifiable by their unique beak-like dentition and vivid colors.

5: Kala 

The Unicornfish, named for its horn-like protrusion, is referred to as Kala in Hawaiian.

6: Aweoweo

A type of bigeye, the Aweoweo is a commonly caught fish in the islands, known for its red color.

7: Hāpuʻu

This is the Hawaiian name for the grouper, a popular fish among local fishermen due to its size and flavor.

8: Opelu

Known in English as the mackerel scad, Opelu is a commonly used baitfish in Hawaii.

9: Mākālei

This name belongs to a Hawaiian wrasse known for its ability to change colors.

10: Mū

The bigeye emperor fish, with its large, distinct eyes, goes by the name Mū in Hawaiian.

11: Palani

The Eyestripe Surgeonfish, a close relative of the Tang, is called Palani in Hawaii.

12: Opakapaka

This is the Crismon Snapper, a sought-after fish in Hawaiian waters due to its exquisite taste.

13: Ulua 

A type of trevally or jack fish, the Ulua is a popular game fish among local fishermen.

14: Pāpio

Young trevally or jack fish are called Pāpio in Hawaiian, usually when they’re under 10 pounds.

15: Kūmū 

This is the Goatfish, recognized by its distinct barbels or “whiskers.”

16: Hīnālea 

A beautiful Hawaiian wrasse, the Hīnālea is often found near coral reefs and rocky shorelines.

17: Aha 

This is the Hawaiian name for the Needlefish, named for its long, slender body.

18: Laenihi 

A type of snapper, the Laenihi is favored for its lean, tasty meat.

19: Nenue

This is the Hawaiian Chub, often found in inshore rocky areas and reef environments.

20: ʻŌʻio 

Known as the Bonefish in English, the ʻŌʻio is popular among fly fishermen for its challenging catch.

Male Hawaiian Fish Names Ideas List

Hawaiian Fish Names Ideas List

Hawaii, an archipelago known for its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes, has also given us an array of striking fish names. Dive into the vast blue and explore some of the most majestic male Hawaiian fish names, each carrying its own tale from the islands’ depths.

  1. Kāne
  2. Kai
  3. Makoa
  4. Koa
  5. Lono
  6. Mano
  7. Ikaika
  8. Kalani
  9. Keanu
  10. Keoni
  11. Makaio
  12. Nohea
  13. Kapono
  14. Hilo
  15. Kono
  16. Akamu
  17. Palani
  18. Akela
  19. Keahi
  20. Aloha
  21. Kimo
  22. Manu
  23. Pono
  24. Kaleo
  25. Nui
  26. Kekoa
  27. Kealii
  28. Kahuna
  29. Kolohe
  30. Makani
  31. Malo
  32. Akoni
  33. Noa
  34. Asera
  35. Keola
  36. Keawe
  37. Kapena
  38. Kohana
  39. Lokahi
  40. Moku
  41. Kaili
  42. Kaliko
  43. Kama
  44. Manolo
  45. Makana
  46. Kekona
  47. Hani
  48. Kaulana
  49. Maluhia
  50. Kapua

Female Hawaiian Fish Names

The islands of Hawaii are rich in history, myths, and legends. Embedded within its waters are fish with names as beautiful and enigmatic as Hawaiian goddesses. Come with us as we unravel some of the most enchanting female Hawaiian fish names.

  1. Lani
  2. Leilani
  3. Moana
  4. Noelani
  5. Nani
  6. Kailani
  7. Alohilani
  8. Malia
  9. Kiana
  10. Lana
  11. Pua
  12. Kaiulani
  13. Ailani
  14. Momi
  15. Kala
  16. Luana
  17. Anela
  18. Lokelani
  19. Ilima
  20. Ohana
  21. Lehua
  22. Malu
  23. Aulii
  24. Kalea
  25. Oliana
  26. Pualani
  27. Kalena
  28. Halia
  29. Mahina
  30. Waiola
  31. Kamaile
  32. Uilani
  33. Lehua
  34. Iolana
  35. La’akea
  36. Kealoha
  37. Poluna
  38. Hoku
  39. Malana
  40. Noe
  41. Kaimana
  42. Meli
  43. Olina
  44. Roselani
  45. Hi’ilani
  46. Lilo
  47. Kalani
  48. Milani
  49. Alohna
  50. Hoala

Cute Hawaiian Fish Names

Hawaii, with its azure waters and sunny beaches, embodies everything delightful. Just like the islands, some fish names radiate pure charm. Here are some of the most endearing Hawaiian fish names:

  1. Alohi
  2. Bubbles
  3. Liko
  4. Pōpoki
  5. Pueo
  6. Kiki
  7. Miki
  8. Honi
  9. Aka
  10. Malie
  11. Onaona
  12. Noe
  13. Moku
  14. Lulu
  15. Kipani
  16. Uliuli
  17. Pōmaika’i
  18. Lālei
  19. Keiki
  20. Hani
  21. Heihei
  22. Welo
  23. Mano
  24. Mālie
  25. Kani
  26. Nalu
  27. Kolo
  28. Paka
  29. Hōkū
  30. Kali
  31. Mākua
  32. Moi
  33. Pōpō
  34. Kālā
  35. Lei
  36. Liko
  37. Kona
  38. Lu’au
  39. Laka
  40. Mani
  41. Oli
  42. Pulelehua
  43. Wai
  44. Pua
  45. Nohea
  46. Laiki
  47. Pili
  48. Kiele
  49. Hula
  50. Aheahe

Funny Hawaiian Fish Names

Every culture has its quirks, and Hawaii is no exception. For a light-hearted twist, let’s dive into some fish names that highlight the whimsical side of the Hawaiian language:

  1. Hulu
  2. Kukae
  3. Lolo
  4. Māliepū
  5. Kākā
  6. Puka
  7. Holo
  8. Wikiwiki
  9. Ōpū
  10. Pupule
  11. Nene
  12. A’ole
  13. Manini
  14. Kūlī
  15. Mākōlea
  16. Wāwā
  17. Huhū
  18. Kālākala
  19. Ōlelo
  20. Pa’i’ai
  21. Māhū
  22. Hehe
  23. Pūniu
  24. Lala
  25. Kuku
  26. Pīhoihoi
  27. Mūhe’e
  28. Haole
  29. Pīkake
  30. Kōlea
  31. Ōkole
  32. Kolohe
  33. Mākī
  34. Niuhi
  35. Moemoe
  36. Ōma’oma’o
  37. Pōpoki
  38. Pua’a
  39. Momoa
  40. Kākāpō
  41. Pīpī
  42. Pōpōlo
  43. Wāhine
  44. Pīkī
  45. Mālō
  46. Uku
  47. Kāne
  48. Ōpūnui
  49. Kōkī
  50. Hūnā

Long Hawaiian Fish Names

The Hawaiian language, with its melodious tones and elaborate constructs, can be beautifully complex. For those looking for fish names with a bit more of a linguistic twist, here’s a list of longer Hawaiian fish names that tell a deeper story:

  1. Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa
  2. Laulāʻaukani
  3. Kūliaikanūʻu
  4. Hōkūle’a
  5. Mālamalama
  6. Kealohilani
  7. Hālāwai
  8. Pōmaikaʻi
  9. Kanaloa
  10. Makaniulu
  11. Nāmāhoe
  12. Lāhainā
  13. Kaʻūpūlehu
  14. Hōkūkano
  15. Moanikeʻala
  16. Leiʻohu
  17. Puʻuhonua
  18. Kūʻikawā
  19. Hōnaunau
  20. Kahakuloa
  21. ʻOhaiʻula
  22. Lēʻahi
  23. Paliuli
  24. Māhukona
  25. Hāʻupu
  26. Puʻukoholā
  27. Keʻanae
  28. Wailau
  29. ʻOheʻo
  30. Manōwai
  31. Kīpahulu
  32. Hāmākua
  33. Puʻuʻōlaʻi
  34. Mālaekahana
  35. Kāneʻohe
  36. Hālawa
  37. ʻIolani
  38. Kealakekua
  39. Hōnaunau
  40. ʻAiea
  41. Lāʻie
  42. Maunaloa
  43. Makapuʻu
  44. ʻEwa
  45. ʻUlupalakua
  46. Kailua
  47. ʻEleʻele
  48. Waimea
  49. Kalaupapa
  50. Keaʻau
About
Emily Wolfe

Emily is a lifelong animal lover and the founder of PETS CRAZIES. She started this blog after realizing the great need for quality pet information on the internet. Emily has two dogs, a cat, and two rabbits of her own.

She has a B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University and is a professional writer specializing in the pet industry. Learn More About Our Team!