New name for Big Island

[easyrider]

It looks like politicians are looking at changing the name of Big Island. One of the names is Island of Hawaii. Another is Hawaii. Oahu received it's name because a bunch of people showed up on the beach to discuss marriage details. Oahu means gathering place. Kauai and Maui received names after an explorers son.

Big Island was named Sandwich Island by Captain Cook. I doubt that would stick but I like it. It's hard to think of anything other than Big Island because that is what I have known it by for so long.

Bill

 

[dioxide45]

Hawaii seems to make sense since it is also Hawaii County. But then you have the island the same name as the count and the same as the state. Should rename the county too. The other islands aren't named "Oahu Island" or "Maui Island", so not sure why they would put the word "Island" in there. In the end, people will still call it what they are used to calling it. The mention about traveler confusion doesn't make sense. I am sure some think they could drive from Lahaina to Waikiki too.

 

[Luanne]

So it will go like this:

Where did you go on vacation?

We went to Hawaii.

Oh, which island?

The island of Hawaii.

And how did you enjoy Waikiki?

 

[kanerf]

What is "Big Island" in Hawaiian? That should be the name.

 

[dioxide45]

What is "Big Island" in Hawaiian? That should be the name.

Probably too long and too hard to pronounce.

 

[easyrider]

What is "Big Island" in Hawaiian? That should be the name.

I think it's Mokupuni Nui. Island Big. Noun then adjective.

Bill

 

[Luanne]

The Hawaiian name for the Big Island is Moku o Keawe.

 

[easyrider]

The Hawaiian name for the Big Island is Moku o Keawe.

This would be a decent name, imo. Maui and Kauai are named after historical figures. The same could happen to Big Island. It could even be cut short a bit as in Keawe Hawaii. It has a ring to it. 1111 Aliwai, Kona Keawe, Hawaii , 96740

Bill

 

[WaikikiFirst]

Ewa Aina would be good, but it means "West Land" & BI is to the east. I don't remember how to say "East". anybody? If it rhymes, enter the naming contest and win magnificent prizes

 

[WaikikiFirst]

I was thinking something like Moku but then I got off on Loco Moco. THink about it, Loco Moco started on BI I think, so call it Loco Moco Moku

 

[Henry M.]

I thought the Big Island is already named Hawai'i Island or Island of Hawaii. People call it the Big Island to avoid confusion with the state name and the situation Luanne describes above. A different Hawaiian name would make sense to me.

the-hawaiian-islands-and-their-nicknames-explained

 

[easyrider]

I thought the Big Island is already named Hawai'i Island or Island of Hawaii. People call it the Big Island to avoid confusion with the state name and the situation Luanne describes above. A different Hawaiian name would make sense to me.

the-hawaiian-islands-and-their-nicknames-explained

I thought the same and it kind of is already call Hawai'i and Big Island unofficially. In the news report they are saying they need an official name to use for documents.

Bill

 

[1Kflyerguy]

I believe the current official name is "Island of Hawaii", and Big Island is nickname, just like Maui is sometimes called the valley isle. Some of the news reports focused on calling it the Island of Hawaii is confusing. I have certainly found people that get confused, about the different between the island and the state. Right now if I say I went to Hawaii Island, people do ask me which island i went to. But then again if I say I went to the Big Island, some people assume that's the one with Waikiki...

Personally I doubt a name change will solve the confusion...

 

[zentraveler]

Reminds me of a very recent report that Oakland International Airport (OAK) is considering a name change to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (still OAK). Needless to say, SF officials and SFO are not amused, or in favor. Undoubtedly, instead of 1/3-1/2 of national and international travelers now being confused about OAK, 90% would then be confused about both.

[This idea seems to be floated every decade or so and it never goes anywhere.]

 

[WaikikiFirst]

I believe the current official name is "Island of Hawaii", and Big Island is nickname

I sure thought the same thing. This comment that it "needs an official name" is strange.

I have certainly found people that get confused

about pretty much anything, and if it involves govt decisions, square that.

 

[WaikikiFirst]

Reminds me of a very recent report that Oakland International Airport (OAK) is considering a name change to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (still OAK). Needless to say, SF officials and SFO are not amused, or in favor. Undoubtedly, instead of 1/3-1/2 of national and international travelers now being confused about OAK, 90% would then be confused about both.

[This idea seems to be floated every decade or so and it never goes anywhere.]

they should name OAK "Across from SFO Airport"

 

[simpsontruckdriver]

Reminds me of a very recent report that Oakland International Airport (OAK) is considering a name change to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (still OAK). Needless to say, SF officials and SFO are not amused, or in favor. Undoubtedly, instead of 1/3-1/2 of national and international travelers now being confused about OAK, 90% would then be confused about both.

Just like here in central Florida. You have the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Then, you have Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). A few years ago, Merritt Island Airport (COI) wanted to add "Orlando" to their name.

TS

 

[zentraveler]

Just like here in central Florida. You have the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Then, you have Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). A few years ago, Merritt Island Airport (COI) wanted to add "Orlando" to their name.

TS

Did they?

 

[Luanne]

they should name OAK "Across from SFO Airport"

Better yet "Across the Bay from SFO Airport".

 

[easyrider]

Personally I doubt a name change will solve the confusion...

The issue is they have no official name for things like a Geological Survey , Census or any official document. I kind of wonder how they got along up until now.

Bill

 

[simpsontruckdriver]

I was wrong, it is Melbourne Orlando Airport (MLB), they are 50 miles from Orlando.

 

[1Kflyerguy]

The issue is they have no official name for things like a Geological Survey , Census or any official document. I kind of wonder how they got along up until now.

Bill

My understanding is that the official name is 'The Island of Hawaii" vs the other islands are just single words, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, etc. I saw the head of the board discussing the lack of consistency as an issue.

I am not sure the lack of consistency is that big of a problem, or that changing the official name would change how most people refer to the island.

 

[easyrider]

My understanding is that the official name is 'The Island of Hawaii" vs the other islands are just single words, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Lanai, etc. I saw the head of the board discussing the lack of consistency as an issue.

I am not sure the lack of consistency is that big of a problem, or that changing the official name would change how most people refer to the island.

To me it's always going to be Big Island, lol.

The next thing the Hawaiian politicians might discuss is the official pronunciation of Hawai'i, joking here. But I say Ha-why-e like it's one word. I have relatives that say HA-vye-e-e like it's three words. I hear it both ways in the news.

Bill

 

[jehb2]

Older sister goes with us almost every year to Hawaii. When talking about past vacations here’s how we refer to the islands.
Oahu: the island where mommy likes to shop
Big Island: island with the lava
Kauai: island with the chickens
Maui: island where your sandals fell apart in the lobby

 

[ScoopKona]

I am not sure the lack of consistency is that big of a problem, or that changing the official name would change how most people refer to the island.

I doubt anyone would switch -- it would take generations for the name to catch on.