Hawaiian Place Names in Oahu: Waikiki, Diamond Head & More

Diamond Head is known in Hawaiian as Lēʻahi, often translated as "brow of the tuna." The name describes the shape of the crater's ridge, which resembles the forehead (lae) of an ʻahi tuna fish when seen from the water or from certain angles along the coast.

Another interpretation connects Lēʻahi with "fire headland," referring to navigational fires once lit near the summit to guide canoes traveling along the shoreline. A heiau (Hawaiian temple) near the summit was dedicated to protecting those fires from strong winds.

The name "Diamond Head" came from 19th-century British sailors who mistook shiny calcite crystals on the crater's slopes for real diamonds. The name stuck, even though the crystals had no gem value.

Today, Lēʻahi is one of Oʻahu's most iconic landmarks. The hike to the summit offers panoramic views of Waikīkī and the south shore. A reservation is required, visit the Diamond Head State Monument website for current details.

You can also see Lēʻahi from the ocean on Ocean and You, our Waikīkī sunset party boat. The crater's silhouette at dusk is hard to forget.

Mānoa Falls is also known as Waihī Nui, meaning "great gushing water," "big water," or "large stream." After rain, the cascade grows stronger and the entire valley changes in sound and energy. This is a fitting reflection of the name.

The word Mānoa itself is connected to meanings like "thick," "vast," or "depth." For the valley, it fits well because the vegetation is dense, the air is cooler, and the whole atmosphere feels far removed from the Waikīkī side of the island, even though it's only a short drive away.

Our Nature and You Mānoa Waterfall Hike Tour takes guests through this rainforest environment. For more on the area's history, check our related post: History of Mānoa Valley, Waterfall, and Trail.

Mount Tantalus is known in Hawaiian as Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa, often translated as "hill of the rolling sweet potato." The name reflects the area's history of sweet potato cultivation, an important traditional crop for Native Hawaiians.

Taro was also cultivated in the wetter lowland areas where water flowed down from the mountains, extending into the nearby valleys of Mānoa and Pauoa. The name Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa connects today's scenic lookout with the land's agricultural past.

The lookout offers sweeping views of Honolulu, Waikīkī, Diamond Head, and the ocean beyond. It’s a good reminder of how close the mountains and city sit to each other on this island.

On our Nature and You Mānoa Falls Hike Tour, guests visit Puʻu ʻUalakaʻa Park for lunch and views. Only a select few companies hold the permit required to access this area, so it's a genuinely uncommon stop.

Makapuʻu is often translated as "bulging eye." Hawaiian legend connects the name to a supernatural figure with bright eyes said to have lived in the area. Standing at the lighthouse trail lookout, with the ocean opening up in every direction, the wide-eyed feeling of the name makes sense.

Located on Oʻahu's eastern tip, Makapuʻu is known for its dramatic coastal views and open ocean scenery. During winter months, roughly mid-December through March, it's also one of the better spots on the island to watch humpback whales offshore.

Our Island and You Oʻahu Circle Island Tour stops here for views along the coast. For whale season, we also offer Whales and You, our seasonal whale watching experience.