The Strangest Road Names in Hawaii and How They Got Them
On the Big Island of Hawaii, about a 30-minute drive north of Hilo, the Rainbow Falls Trail leads visitors to a stunning 80-foot waterfall surrounded by lush rainforest. Nearby, you’ll find a small road named “Onomea Falls Road,” whose name echoes the ancient Hawaiian word for “pleasant stream.” In the early 20th century, this area was a favorite retreat for sugar plantation workers, and the name stuck as a gentle reminder of the natural beauty that sustained them. Walking the trail in the early morning, when rainbows often shimmer through the mist, is a magical way to connect to this quietly poetic place and its charmingly literal road name.
On Oahu, just a 15-minute drive from downtown Honolulu, the neighborhood of Kakaʻako features a street with a name that often raises eyebrows: “Auahi Street.” Meaning “smoke” or “to burn” in Hawaiian, the name references an old tradition of controlled burns used to clear land for farming. Today, Kakaʻako is a bustling arts district, where murals and galleries replace the fields of the past. Strolling along Auahi Street, visitors can explore the contemporary rebirth of a place once shaped by fire and agriculture, making the street’s name a subtle nod to its layered history.
Maui, roughly a 25-minute drive west of Kahului, offers a fascinating example near the town of Paia, where “Haiku Road” weaves through a community known for its farming legacy and alternative lifestyle vibes. The word “haiku” itself is a form of Japanese poetry, but in this case, the name likely derives from Hawaiian meaning “talk abruptly” or “sharp break.” This linguistic twist reflects the area’s cultural blend. Driving along Haiku Road in the early morning reveals a landscape of verdant fields and tropical fruit stands, where the name’s poetic ambiguity feels fitting for such a place of natural beauty and cultural fusion.
On Kauai, about 20 minutes north of Lihue, the small town of Kapaʻa is home to “Coconut Coast Road.” This seemingly straightforward name belies a quirky backstory tied to the once-thriving coconut plantations that dotted the eastern shore. The road parallels the famous Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path, a scenic trail where visitors can walk or bike while gazing out over the Pacific. The name serves as a living reminder of the island’s agricultural past, and the gentle sea breezes that rustle through coconut palms make every stroll here feel like a breezy step back in time.
Back on Oahu, near the windward town of Kailua, you’ll encounter “Oneawa Street,” whose name means “the cave” in Hawaiian. This alludes to a natural sea cave once prominent along the nearby shore, now largely eroded but still a touchstone of local lore. The nearby Kailua Beach Park offers pristine white sands and turquoise waters, perfect for a day of swimming, kayaking, or simply basking in the sun. The street’s evocative name invites visitors to imagine the island’s geological features and the way natural landmarks can shape a community’s identity long after they’ve changed.
In the remote town of Hawi on the northern tip of the Big Island, about an hour’s drive from Waimea, you’ll find “Akoni Pule Highway.” Unlike the whimsical or natural references of other roads, this highway honors a historical figure—a Hawaiian legislator who championed local interests in the early 20th century. The road winds through lush valleys and rolling hills, offering access to some of the island’s best hiking trails, including the Pololu Valley Lookout. Driving here at sunset offers panoramic views that stretch to the deep blue ocean, where Akoni Pule’s legacy lives on in the land he helped protect.
Finally, on Molokai, a quieter island about a 30-minute flight from Honolulu, the road known as “Kamehameha V Highway” carries the name of one of Hawaii’s monarchs, who ruled in the mid-1800s. Near Kaunakakai, the island’s main town, this highway traces a route past traditional fishing villages and open farmland. Visitors here get a real sense of old Hawaii, where the king’s influence is still visible in the preservation of cultural sites and the slower pace of island life. Driving this highway during the golden hours of late afternoon lets you soak in the island’s tranquility while appreciating the deep historical roots carried in its name.
Each of these roads and their surroundings reveals a unique piece of Hawaii’s rich tapestry, from natural wonders and cultural intersections to historical legacies. Traveling through these places, whether by foot, bike, or car, offers something more than a scenic journey—it’s an invitation to explore the stories embedded in the landscape, all waiting quietly along the strangest and most memorable road names in the islands.