Famous People From Hawaii

Considered to be one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, the state of Hawaii, came into existence only as recently as 1959. Thus, it was declared the 50th state of the USA. Its volcanic mountains and dirt free, exotic beaches make it a tourist’s paradise. Thus, this American state attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. Apart from its natural beauty, there’s another reason why Hawaii has been in the news during recent times – its famous faces. Former American President and noted Democratic Party leader Barack Obama was born in the island state. Most of you would probably know how he went on to script a whole new chapter in history. Likewise, singer Bruno Mars, Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman, actor and former model Jason Momoa as well as American football star Manti Te’o are other distinguished personalities from Hawaii. There are several other celebrities whom you didn’t know belonged to Hawaii. This list will reveal the names of those individuals.
Vote for Your Favourite People From Hawaii

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

 1 
Barack Obama
(44th President of the United States (2009-2017))
Barack Obama
354
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: August 4, 1961
Sun Sign: Leo

Former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has the distinction of being the first African-American president of the nation. A civil rights attorney and an academic, he has been credited with bringing about a significant improvement in America’s reputation abroad. His efforts to strengthen international diplomacy was recognized with the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.

 2 
Bruno Mars
(First Artist to Receive five Diamond-certified Songs in the U.S.)
Bruno Mars
116
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 8, 1985
Sun Sign: Libra

American singer, Bruno Mars, is one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has a wide range of musical style like R&B, pop, funk, reggae, hip hop and rock. He is also known for his stage performances. Locked Out of Heaven, When I Was Your Man, 24K Magic and That's What I Like are some of his hit songs.

 3 
Nicole Kidman
(One of the Most Influential and Highest-Grossing Actresses of Hollywood)
Nicole Kidman
208
Birthdate: June 20, 1967
Sun Sign: Gemini

Australian actress and producer Nicole Kidman is one of the world's highest-paid actresses. She is the founder of the production company Blossom Films. She was twice named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine. Besides acting, she has been a Goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 1994.

Recommended Lists:
 4 
Jason Momoa
(Actor Best Known for His Role in the TV Series 'Game of Thrones' and Film 'Aquaman')
Jason Momoa
132
Birthdate: August 1, 1979
Sun Sign: Leo

An actor primarily known for his roles in the DC Extended Universe films, Jason Momoa is famous for his rugged good looks and raw sex appeal. He is of mixed Hawaiian and European descent. Beginning a career in entertainment in his late teens, he has now become an internationally renowned star. He has multiple tattoos.  

 5 
Nicole Scherzinger
(Lead Singer of the American Girl-Group 'Pussycat Dolls')
Nicole Scherzinger
58
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 29, 1978
Sun Sign: Cancer

Hawaiian born singer, dancer and television personality, Nicole Scherzinger grabbed attention with TV show Popstars and later as the lead singer of the popular girl’s band, The Pussycat Dolls. She further created a place for herself with her solo albums, acting assignments, participation in reality singing and dancing shows and finally by becoming a judge on various reality shows.

 6 
Lauren Graham
(Actress and Author Best Known for Her Role as ‘Lorelai Gilmore’ in the TV Series ‘Gilmore Girls’)
Lauren Graham
52
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: March 16, 1967
Sun Sign: Pisces

Lauren Graham is an American actress popular for playing Lorelai Gilmore in the famous television series, Gilmore Girls. Apart from being an actress, Lauren Graham is also an author and has published a couple of books, including a memoir. Also known for her beauty, Lauren has graced the cover of magazines like Health, Good Housekeeping, Redbook, Parade, and Self.

Recommended Lists:
 7 
Kelly Preston
(Actress)
Kelly Preston
68
Birthdate: October 13, 1962
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: July 12, 2020

Considered one of the most underrated actresses, the late Kelly Preston left her mark in both films and television shows and across a variety of genres. The charming actress starred alongside big Hollywood actors including her husband John Travolta and made her presence felt in most of them.

 8 
Max Holloway
(Featherweight Mixed Martial Artist)
Max Holloway
23
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 4, 1991
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 9 
Timothy Olyphant
31
Birthdate: May 20, 1968
Sun Sign: Taurus

Timothy Olyphant became known to a wider audience when he portrayed the character of a righteous, brooding Sheriff in the HBO series Deadwood, which ran from 2004 to 2006. He later played the same role in the 2019 film Deadwood: The Movie. He received critical acclaim for playing the role of a deputy US Marshall in the television series Justified.

Recommended Lists:
 10 
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
(The Best Hawaiian Musician of All Time)
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole
121
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: May 20, 1959
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: June 26, 1997

Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwoʻole began his career as part of the Makaha Sons. He later went solo with the albums Ka 'Ano'I and Facing Future and also lent his support to the Hawaiian independence movement. His ever-increasing weight caused him chronic issues and eventually led to his death at 38.

 11 
Maggie Q
(Actress and Model)
Maggie Q
48
Birthdate: May 22, 1979
Sun Sign: Gemini

Maggie Q is mostly known for her roles in thrillers and action films/series, such as Mission: Impossible III, Designated Survivor, and Nikita. Audiences loved her in Divergent and its sequels. Named by PETA as one of the "Sexiest Vegans" of 2017, Maggie is also a prominent animal rights activist.

 12 
Bette Midler
(Singer & Actress Known for her Chart Hits 'The Rose', 'Wind Beneath My Wings' and the Movie 'The Rose')
Bette Midler
61
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 1, 1945
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

A singer-songwriter, actress, and comedian, Bette Midler is one of the most decorated American celebrities of her generation. She has won prestigious awards like Grammy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and Tony Award. Also known for her charity work, Bette Midler founded a non-profit organization called New York Restoration Project in 1995.

Recommended Lists:
 13 
Markiplier
(American YouTube Personality and Podcaster)
Markiplier
31
Listed In: YouTubers
Birthdate: June 28, 1989
Sun Sign: Cancer

Markiplier is a gamer-commentator, comedian, YouTuber, and actor. One of the most popular American YouTubers, Markiplier is also an entrepreneur; he is credited with co-founding Cloak, a clothing company. He also participates in fundraisers and charity live streams, often raising thousands of dollars for charity.

 14 
Bethany Hamilton
34
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 8, 1990
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Bethany Hamilton is an American surfer. She serves as an inspiration to many surfers around the world as she returned to professional surfing even after surviving a shark attack in which she lost her left arm. Her 2004 autobiography, which narrates her experience, was adapted into a film titled Soul Surfer in which Bethany Hamilton was portrayed by AnnaSophia Robb.

 15 
Tia Carrere
(Actress and Singer)
Tia Carrere
33
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 2, 1967
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Tia Carrere’s first breakthrough was as Jade Soong in the soap General Hospital. Fans also loved her as Sydney Fox in Relic Hunter. She voiced Nani in the Lilo & Stitch franchise, appeared on the show Dancing with the Stars, and also won two Grammys for her Hawaiian music albums.
Recommended Lists:
 16 
Duke Kahanamoku
(Hawaiian Competition Swimmer Who Popularized the Sport of Surfing)
Duke Kahanamoku
6
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 24, 1890
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: January 22, 1968

Duke Kahanamoku was an American competitive swimmer and surfer. He is credited with popularizing the ancient Hawaiian surfing. As a swimmer, Kahanamoku won three gold medals in two different Olympics. Kahanamoku was inducted into both the Surfing Hall of Fame and International Swimming Hall of Fame. He has been also inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame.

 17 
Jacob Batalon
(American Actor Known for His Role as ‘Ned Leeds’ in the MCU ‘Spider-Man’ Film Series)
Jacob Batalon
68
Birthdate: June 9, 1996
Sun Sign: Gemini

Jacob Batalon is an actor who is best known for his role as Ned Leeds in Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films. He studied acting at New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and made his debut in a film in 2016. Since then, he has acted in many TV shows and movies, grabbing his first major role in the film Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017.

 18 
Kelly Hu
(Actress, Former Fashion Model and Beauty-Queen)
Kelly Hu
37
Birthdate: February 13, 1968
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Kelly Hu is best known for her roles in Nash Bridges and Sunset Beach, and in films such as The Scorpion King. She has won the Miss Teen USA and the Miss Hawaii USA pageants and has worked for the rights of Asian Americans and for safeguarding Hawaiian ecology. 
Recommended Lists:
 19 
Tua Tagovailoa
(American Football Quarterback)
Tua Tagovailoa
25
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 2, 1998
Sun Sign: Pisces
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 20 
Michelle Wie
(American Professional Golfer and the Youngest Winner of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links)
Michelle Wie
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 11, 1989
Sun Sign: Libra

At 10, Michelle Wie, born to an amateur golfer mother, was the youngest to participate in a USGA amateur championship. Though the Korean-American golfer, who is a five-time LPGA winner, had quit her career after her marriage to sports honcho Jonnie West, she later decided to get back to golf.

 21 
Auli'i Cravalho
(Actress and Singer Known for Her Voice of the Titular Character in the Disney Animated Film ‘Moana’)
Auli'i Cravalho
24
Birthdate: November 22, 2000
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Actress and singer Auli'i Cravalho catapulted to fame for playing the titular character in the Disney computer-animated musical feature film Moana. She was still a teenager in high school when she started acting. A young woman now, she has appeared in many TV shows and films since her debut. She is openly bisexual. 

Recommended Lists:
 22 
Liliʻuokalani
(Queen of the Hawaiian Islands (1891-93))
Liliʻuokalani
7
Birthdate: September 2, 1838
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: November 11, 1917
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 23 
Robert Kiyosaki
(Businessman, Author and Founder of 'Rich Global LLC' and the 'Rich Dad Company')
Robert Kiyosaki
27
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: April 8, 1947
Sun Sign: Aries

Robert Kiyosaki is an American author and businessman known for his internationally acclaimed book Rich Dad Poor Dad; his Rich Dad Poor Dad book series has sold more than 41 million copies worldwide after having been translated into 51 languages. Kiyosaki is also credited with founding the Rich Dad Company and Rich Global LLC, which filed for bankruptcy in 2012.

 24 
Kyla Ross
(American Former Artistic Gymnast and Coach)
Kyla Ross
8
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 24, 1996
Sun Sign: Scorpio

The youngest member of the US artistic gymnastics team at the 2012 London Olympics, Kyla Ross won the team gold at the event, and became the first female gymnast to win the Olympic, the World, and the NCAA championships. Now a youth gymnastics coach, she has also launched her own line of leotards.

Recommended Lists:
 25 
Tahj Mowry
(Best Known for His Role in the TV Show ‘Smart Guy’)
Tahj Mowry
18
Birthdate: May 17, 1987
Sun Sign: Taurus
Known to his fans as TJ from Smart Guy, Tahj Mowry was a versatile child actor of the 1990s. Along with his twin sisters, Tia and Tamera, Tahj ruled the U.S. sitcoms. He later earned accolades for his voice role in the Kim Possible franchise and also dabbled in singing.
 26 
Shannyn Sossamon
(Actress)
Shannyn Sossamon
13
Birthdate: October 3, 1978
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 27 
Marcus Mariota
(American Football Player Who Plays as a Quarterback)
Marcus Mariota
18
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 30, 1993
Sun Sign: Scorpio

Marcus Mariota is an American football player. A quarterback, Mariota was an important member of Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL) as he led the Titans to three successive winning seasons. He currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Mariota serves as an inspiration to many aspiring football players from Hawaii.

Recommended Lists:
 28 
Mark Dacascos
(Actor, Martial Artist & Television Personality)
Mark Dacascos
8
Birthdate: February 26, 1964
Sun Sign: Pisces

Mark Dacascos is an actor, trained martial artist, and TV personality. He is proficient in the Wun Hop Kuen Do style of martial arts and has won several karate and kung fu championships. As an actor, he is best known for his role in the action-horror film Brotherhood of the Wolf. He is married to actress Julie Condra.  

 29 
Jack Johnson
(Singer-songwriter)
Jack Johnson
20
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 18, 1975
Sun Sign: Taurus
Jack Johnson is best known for his acoustic pop songs and guitar-based folk-rock tracks. He has aced the Billboard 200 chart more than once, with albums such as To the Sea. He is also an environmental activist and has established the Kōkua Hawaii Foundation and the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation.
 30 
Amanda Schull
(Known for Her Lead Role in the Film 'Center Stage' and the TV Series 'Suits')
Amanda Schull
9
Birthdate: August 26, 1978
Sun Sign: Virgo

Amanda Schull is an American actress known for her portrayal of Jody Sawyer in the 2000 teen drama film Center Stage. A former professional ballet dancer, Schull has also played important roles in other dance-based films like Mao's Last Dancer.

Recommended Lists:
 31 
Andy Irons
(American Professional Surfer)
Andy Irons
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 24, 1978
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: November 2, 2010
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 32 
Janel Parrish
(Actress and Singer)
Janel Parrish
11
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 30, 1988
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Janel Parrish soared to fame with the roles of Mona Vanderwaal in the Pretty Little Liars franchise and Margot Covey in the To All the Boys movie series. The Teen Choice Award-winning actor has also appeared as Young Cosette in the Broadway production of the play Les Misérables.
 33 
Ryan Higa
(American Internet Personality Who is Best Known for His Comedy Videos on YouTube)
Ryan Higa
16
Listed In: YouTubers
Birthdate: June 6, 1990
Sun Sign: Gemini

Ryan Higa is an American internet personality, comedian, actor, and musician. Best known for posting comedy videos on his YouTube channel nigahiga, Higa received the Best Video Blogger nomination at the 2014 Shorty Awards. From 2009 to 2011, nigahiga was the most subscribed YouTube channel. Ryan Higa is also credited with creating a K-pop band called Boys Generally Asian (BgA).

Recommended Lists:
 34 
Daniel Inouye
(Former United States Senator from Hawaii (1963 - 2012))
Daniel Inouye
8
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: September 7, 1924
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: December 17, 2012

Daniel Inouye was a US Senator from Hawaii. He was the highest-ranking Asian-American politician until 2021 when Kamala Harris of Indian origin became vice president. Inouye is also known for his participation in World War II where he lost his right arm. For his bravery in World War II, he was honored with the United States’ highest military award, the Medal of Honor.

 35 
Kamehameha I
(King of Hawaii)
Kamehameha I
8
Birthdate: 1758 AD
Died: May 8, 1819
 36 
Carrie Ann Inaba
(Television personality, dancer, choreographer best known for her work on ABC TV's Dancing with the Stars for which she has served as a judge since 2005)
Carrie Ann Inaba
15
Listed In: Dancers
Birthdate: January 5, 1968
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
Recommended Lists:
 37 
Mike Starr
Mike Starr
37
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: April 4, 1966
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: March 8, 2011
 38 
Lois Lowry
(Writer)
Lois Lowry
6
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: March 20, 1937
Sun Sign: Pisces
 39 
Travis Browne
(Retired Mixed Martial Artist)
Travis Browne
11
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Cancer

MMA fighter Travis Browne is a renowned heavyweight who is known for his association with the UFC. He had an undefeated streak for his first 14 professional matches. He was interested in basketball before he ventured into Brazilian jiu-jitsu at 26. He is nicknamed Hapa, because of his mixed ancestry.

Recommended Lists:
 40 
Erin Gray
(Actress)
Erin Gray
6
Birthdate: January 7, 1950
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 41 
Keiko Agena
(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Lane Kim’ on the TV Series ‘Gilmore Girls’)
Keiko Agena
6
Birthdate: October 3, 1973
Sun Sign: Libra

Keiko Agena is an American actress best known for portraying Lane Kim in the popular comedy-drama television series, Gilmore Girls, for which she won the 2002 Young Artist Award under the Best Performance in a TV Drama Series - Supporting Young Actress category. She is also credited with launching Drunk Monk Podcast.

 42 
Candis Cayne
(Actress)
Candis Cayne
6
Birthdate: August 29, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
Recommended Lists:
 43 
Lia Marie Johnson
(Actress, Singer, Songwriter)
Lia Marie Johnson
12
Birthdate: November 23, 1996
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 44 
Steve Case
(Entrepreneur)
Steve Case
2
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: August 21, 1958
Sun Sign: Leo
 45 
Siena Agudong
(Actress)
Siena Agudong
24
Birthdate: August 19, 2004
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
Recommended Lists:
 46 
Michael Reeves
(YouTube Star, Twitch streamer)
Michael Reeves
9
Birthdate: November 20, 1997
Sun Sign: Scorpio
 47 
Yvonne Elliman
(Singer)
Yvonne Elliman
8
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: December 29, 1951
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 48 
Gavin Leatherwood
(Actor and Singer Known for His Role as ‘Nicholas Scratch’ in the TV Series ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’)
Gavin Leatherwood
21
Birthdate: June 7, 1994
Sun Sign: Gemini

Actor, Gavin Leatherwood, is best known for his role in Netflix's series Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. He loved to act from a young age and decided to pursue his passion as a career. He made his debut in the mid-2010s and has since appeared in many TV and web series. He also plays the guitar, ukulele, and piano. 

Recommended Lists:
 49 
Janet Mock
(Writer & Transgender Activist Know for Her Debut Book, The Memoir Redefining Realness, Became a New York Times Bestseller)
Janet Mock
11
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: March 10, 1983
Sun Sign: Pisces
 50 
Mike Stone
(American Retired Karate Fighter)
Mike Stone
2
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 29, 1943
Sun Sign: Cancer
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)