Place Names of Hawaii: Revised and Expanded Edition

by Mary Kawena Pukui, Samuel H. Elbert, Esther T. Mookini

How many place names are there in the Hawaiian Islands? Even a rough estimate is impossible. Hawaiians named taro patches, rocks, trees, canoe landings, resting places in the forests, and the tiniest spots where miraculous events are believed to have taken place. And place names are far from static--names are constantly being given to new houses and buildings, streets and towns, and old names are replaced by new ones.

It is essential, then, to record the names and the lore associated with them now, while Hawaiians are here to lend us their knowledge. And, whatever the fate of the Hawaiian language, the place names will endure. The first edition of Place Names of Hawaii contained only 1,125 entries. The coverage is expanded in the present edition to include about 4,000 entries, including names in English. Also, approximately 800 more names are included in this volume than appear in the second edition of the Atlas of Hawaii.

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 1976

Reviews

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an essential resource for anyone using proper Hawaiian orthography. Alternatively, it is actually a fun book to browse to read the one-sentence origins and meanings of place names (e.g. did you know Kaimukī literally refers to a place where Menehune cooked ti roots in ovens?). This resource is also searchable on wehewehe.org for free, but having the book is nice.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Place names tell the story of Hawaii. For example: In Hilo there is the Wailuku River. If you know the word "wailuku" means "dangerous waters" you will understand why many people drown there. Or take Aupuni Street. Aupuni means "government". It's the street where you can find both the State and County offices. This book is a must-have reference.

[Briana Grenert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting - one of the few books I actually plan to buy.
I wish it had more Kailua place names but I will take what I can get :)