11Hawaii Town Names That’ll Make Your GPS Have an Existential Crisis

Here are 11 Hawaiian town names that’ll make your GPS have an existential crisis due to their unique and challenging pronunciations:

1. Kūkamāhuākea – Pronounced “Koo-kah-mah-hoo-ah-kay-ah,” meaning an upright steaming expanse near Kīlauea.
2. Puʻuʻulaʻula – Pronounced “Poo-oo-oo-lah-oo-lah,” a vibrant volcanic area name.
3. Keoneheʻeheʻe – Pronounced “Kay-oh-neh-heh-eh-heh,” a flowing wind or mist.
4. Nāhuku – Pronounced “Nah-hoo-koo,” referring to the Thurston Lava Tube.
5. Keanakākoʻi – Pronounced “Kay-ah-nah-kah-koy,” a crater once used for toolmaking.
6. Kīpahulu – Pronounced “Kee-pah-hoo-loo,” a farmed area in Haleakalā.
7. Pīpīwai – Pronounced “Pee-pee-vie,” where water springs or oozes out.
8. Papakōlea – Pronounced “Pah-pah-koh-leh-ah,” the name of the green sand beach.
9. Ala Kahakai – Pronounced “Ah-lah Kah-hah-kai,” meaning the coastal trail.
10. ʻAnaehoʻomalu – Pronounced “Ah-nah-eh-hoh-oh-mah-loo,” a historic fishpond area.
11. Kapalaoa – Pronounced “Kah-pah-lah-oh-ah,” referring to a whale tooth.

These names, rich in Hawaiian language and cultural meaning, can truly challenge any GPS or visitor trying to say them correctly on the first try

SOURCES

[1](https://www.nps.gov/locations/hawaii/pronunciation-of-place-names.htm)
[2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFp-I2YwVB8)
[3](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ09tNtDayY)
[4](https://www.honolulumagazine.com/common-place-names-oahu/)
[5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62DdkjmtMMk)