Hawaii Fact 16 of 50: Island Nicknames

Did you know that each of the eight major Hawaiian Islands has a nickname based on a distinguishing characteristic? Here’s the list of island nicknames:

Hawaii – The Big Island

Maui – The Valley Isle (also the Magic Isle)

Lana’i – The Pineapple Isle

Molokai – The Friendly Isle

Oahu – The Gathering Place

Kauai – The Garden Isle

Niihau – The Forbidden Isle

Kahoolawe – The Target Isle

6 comments
  1. Aloha! Just a note that “The Magic Isles” (plural) is a marketing tag line somewhat more recently created, meant to encompass all three islands of Maui, Molokai and Lanai. 🙂 Sharon

  2. The nickname for Kahoolawe is both a little funny, but sad at the same time. I know there’s restoration efforts in progress, but hopefully someday soon those effects can all be reversed.

  3. @ Sharon – thanks for that clarification on the Magic Isles.

    @ Kris – I had the same reaction to Kahoolawe as you did.

  4. Actually, Kaho’olawe was known as “The Lonely Isle” because of its seclusion.

  5. ʻOhu Gon says:

    The Big Island was also “The Orchid Island” and “The Volcano Island”
    Kahoʻolawe was both “The Target Island” and “The Lonely Island”

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