12-04-2025
Name change: Proposal to change ‘Island of Hawaii' to just ‘Hawaii'
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The name of 'Island of Hawaii' might soon be history – at least on paper.
A new proposal before the Hawaii Board on Geographic Names would officially change the island's name to simply 'Hawaii,' aligning it with the rest of the islands in the state. But behind the change is a conversation about identity and culture.
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From the summit of Mauna Kea, to the black sand beaches of Punaluu, the island some refer to as the 'Big Island' holds a name larger than its footprint.
But for now, that name, officially the 'Island of Hawaii,' may soon be shortened to just 'Hawaii.' 'The island of Hawaii is the only island that includes that 'island of.' None of the other islands have that. We felt the most appropriate name would be the true name of 'Hawaii,'' said Marques Marzan, chair of the Hawaii Board on Geographic Names.'Places have many different names associated with them. but within the federal and state systems of naming, there is a single name that is considered the official name and there are many variant names that exist within spaces. But 'Island of Hawaii' is the official name where as Hawaii with the okina is a variant name. So it's already attached to the space, it's just swapping the position,' Marzan said.
The proposal, put forward by the HBGN, not only aims to make the name consistent with the other way islands in the state are listed, such as Kauai, Maui and Oahu. But also to be more culturally respectful. 'The only reason why it was used is because it wanted to distinguish the island from the state versus having two places carry the same name,' Marzan explained. 'But I think we all know Hawaii is the state and also the name of an island and there's no distinction between the two and we want to honor the history of the island itself and give it its proper name.'
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The change would only apply to official state and federal documents, such as maps, signage and legal records. Locals and visitors could still refer to it however they like. But to Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners, even a small name shift is an issue larger than just a label. ''Hawaii' walks with great mana, great history and carries the respect and love of our entire lahui and paeʻaina. And so it is key that we address the island properly as 'Hawaii.'' said Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, kumu hula and community leader. 'It is of absolute importance to ensure that we pay proper respect and avoiding names like the Big Island.'
The Hawaii Board on Geographic Names will vote on the proposal at their meeting in June. If it passes, it heads to the US Board on Geographic Names for review. A process expected to take about a year.
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