11-04-2025
Is Hawai'i Going To Change Its Name?
It wasn't all that long ago that the Gulf of Mexico had its name changed, well, at least to those who cared enough to implement the change and call it the Gulf of America. Personally, it seemed nonsensical and totally ridiculous (to me, it still is the Gulf of Mexico). Thousands of miles away, in Hawai'i a name change is being discussed and most people seem not too pleased.
The Hawai'i Board of Geographical Names (HBGN) is debating the change from 'Island of Hawai'i' to 'Hawai'i' and there will be a vote in June. Given the rich indigenous history and culture of the islands, it is totally fair for them to choose a name that feels right to them but, given it is such a small change that would mostly just affect maps, it seems like a moot point--especially when you dive into the sentiment expressed throughout the comments of the above post.
One user said, "Imagine being in the government and sitting around and actually having this. conversation. "It blows my mind the focus that our politicians have on items that are so out of touch with what's really needed here in the islands...". Another user said, "This is such a waste of OUR tax dollars."
Perhaps the best comment though got to the real root of the name of the island, "The island is named Motu O Keawe after one of the greatest Ali'i in our history, Keawe'īkekahiali'iokamoku. He was the great grandfather of Kamehameha the great, and arguably the one who paved the way for him. What Keawe did on Motu Nui (Big Island before the island was renamed after him), Kamehameha would do with all of Hawai'i. The name of that island carries to much significance to even consider changing it. Instead of changing the name, maybe these yankee doodle dandies should just learn what the actual name is and start using it."
