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

Free Hawaii Newsletter
Get great Hawaii advice and deals in your inbox!
Share

View Comments

  • 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

  • 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.

  • @ Sharon - thanks for that clarification on the Magic Isles.

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

  • Actually, Kaho'olawe was known as "The Lonely Isle" because of its seclusion.

  • The Big Island was also "The Orchid Island" and "The Volcano Island"
    Kahoʻolawe was both "The Target Island" and "The Lonely Island"

Recent Posts

  • Aloha Friday Photo

Aloha Friday Photo: Marvelous Waimea Canyon, Kauai

Mahalo to Catherine Pope for sharing this Aloha Friday Photo. Catherine took this pretty photo…

March 1, 2024
  • Oahu Restaurants

Cultural food experiences for first-time visitors to Oahu

We've sampled all of Oahu's tasty onolicious treats and here are our food picks every…

February 28, 2024
  • Aloha Friday Photo

Aloha Friday Photo: Pastel sunset from Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

This week's featured Hawaii visitor photo shows a beautiful pastel sunset with palm trees.

February 23, 2024
  • Kauai Restaurants

Food experiences for the first-time Kauai vacation

We've "tasted" our way around the island of Kauai to identify all the best foods…

February 21, 2024
  • Aloha Friday Photo

Aloha Friday Photo: A view of Ke’e Beach from the Kalalau Trail

Mahalo to Megan Donnelly-Morris for sharing this beautiful Aloha Friday Photo. Megan took this photo…

February 16, 2024
  • Aloha Friday Photo

Aloha Friday Photo: Hibiscus at Byodo-In

Mahalo to Victoria Weissnicht from Austria for sharing this unique shot for Aloha Friday Photos.…

February 9, 2024