The water
In the Hawaiian language, Kawai is a unisex name that literally translates to 'the water'. It is often part of longer, more complex names and carries a deep cultural connection to the life-giving nature of the islands' resources.
Less common today
Kawai isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #5,666 in 2020.
Ancient Hawaiian village and port often shortened in local contexts
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
