Top 20 Famous People Born in Honolulu, Hawaii ⋆ SprawlTag.com

Honolulu has produced an unusually deep list of famous people. That makes sense for a city with royal history, military importance, tourism power, and global cultural reach. This list includes presidents, monarchs, musicians, actors, athletes, and political trailblazers. Some shaped Hawaii’s identity. Others carried Honolulu’s name into world history.

#20 Princess Kaʻiulani (1875–1899)

*A young royal figure, Princess Kaʻiulani became a lasting symbol of Hawaii’s final monarchy years.*

Princess Kaʻiulani became one of the most remembered royal figures in Hawaiian history. She was heir apparent during the final years of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Her life became tied to Hawaii’s struggle against annexation. Though she died young, her legacy remains powerful in Honolulu and beyond.

#19 Markiplier (1989)

*Online entertainment turned Markiplier into one of the most recognizable creators born in Honolulu.*

Markiplier became one of the most successful creators in online entertainment. His YouTube channel reached millions through gaming, comedy, and personality-driven videos. He helped shape the creator economy for a younger generation. His fame is massive, even if it lives outside traditional Hollywood.

#18 Timothy Olyphant (1968)

*Television audiences know Timothy Olyphant best from sharp, controlled roles in modern westerns and crime dramas.*

Timothy Olyphant built a respected acting career across film and television. He became especially known for Justified and Deadwood. His screen presence made him a favorite in modern western and crime stories. He gives Honolulu a strong entry in prestige television.

#17 Carrie Ann Inaba (1968)

*Dance, choreography, and television helped Carrie Ann Inaba build a long national entertainment career.*

Carrie Ann Inaba became a familiar face to millions through Dancing with the Stars. She worked as a dancer, choreographer, television host, and judge. Her long television career gave her broad national recognition. She is one of Honolulu’s most visible entertainment personalities.

#16 Max Holloway (1991)

*Mixed martial arts fans know Max Holloway as one of the toughest featherweights in UFC history.*

Max Holloway became one of the greatest featherweights in mixed martial arts history. He won the UFC featherweight championship and built a reputation for toughness. His fighting style made him a fan favorite around the world. Few Honolulu-born athletes are more respected in combat sports.

#15 Michelle Wie (1989)

*Golf made Michelle Wie famous early, long before she captured the U.S. Women’s Open.*

Michelle Wie became a golf star while still very young. She turned professional as a teenager and attracted major attention across the sports world. Her biggest career achievement came with a U.S. Women’s Open victory. She helped bring more attention to women’s golf.

#14 Tia Carrere (1967)

*Film, television, music, and voice acting all became part of Tia Carrere’s wide-ranging career.*

Tia Carrere became one of Honolulu’s best-known actresses and performers. She reached mainstream audiences through Wayne’s World and several television roles. She also had success as a singer and voice actress. Her career crossed comedy, action, music, and animation.

#13 Marcus Mariota (1993)

*College football fans remember Marcus Mariota as a Heisman Trophy winner with deep Hawaii roots.*

Marcus Mariota became one of Hawaii’s most celebrated football players. He won the Heisman Trophy at the University of Oregon. That made him one of college football’s biggest stars. He later became a first-round NFL draft pick.

#12 Nicole Scherzinger (1978)

*Pop music gave Nicole Scherzinger a global audience as the lead voice of The Pussycat Dolls.*

Nicole Scherzinger became internationally famous as the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls. Her voice and stage presence helped the group become a major pop act. She later built a career in television and musical theater. Her fame stretches across music, dance, and entertainment.

#11 Don Ho (1930–2007)

*Island entertainment found one of its most famous ambassadors in longtime Honolulu performer Don Ho.*

Don Ho became one of Hawaii’s most famous entertainers. His song Tiny Bubbles became closely linked with island music and tourism. He performed for decades and helped define Hawaii’s mid-century entertainment image. For many visitors, he became a musical symbol of Hawaii.

#10 King Kalākaua (1836–1891)

*Hawaiian culture, hula, and national identity were central parts of King Kalākaua’s legacy.*

King Kalākaua was the last reigning king of the Hawaiian Kingdom. He promoted Hawaiian culture, music, hula, and national identity. His reign came during a difficult period of outside pressure and political change. His cultural influence still matters deeply in Hawaii.

#9 Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (1959–1997)

*A gentle voice and unforgettable songs made Israel Kamakawiwoʻole one of Hawaii’s most beloved musicians.*

Israel Kamakawiwoʻole became one of Hawaii’s most beloved musicians. His medley of Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World reached global audiences. His voice carried warmth, sadness, and unmistakable island identity. He remains one of Honolulu’s most emotionally powerful cultural figures.

#8 Daniel Inouye (1924–2012)

*Military service and decades in the U.S. Senate made Daniel Inouye a towering Hawaii political figure.*

Daniel Inouye became one of the most important political figures from Hawaii. He served in the U.S. Senate for nearly five decades. He was also a decorated World War II veteran. His career gave Honolulu a major place in American political history.

#7 Duke Kahanamoku (1890–1968)

*Swimming gold medals and global surfing culture both belong in the story of Duke Kahanamoku.*

Duke Kahanamoku became a swimming legend and Olympic gold medalist. He also helped popularize surfing around the world. His influence reaches beyond sports into global beach culture. Honolulu rarely produced anyone with a cooler legacy.

#6 Jason Momoa (1979)

*Blockbuster movies and television turned Jason Momoa into one of Honolulu’s biggest modern stars.*

Jason Momoa became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action stars. He gained major fame through Game of Thrones and Aquaman. His image blends blockbuster fame with strong Hawaii connections. He is one of Honolulu’s most visible modern celebrities.

#5 Nicole Kidman (1967)

*Hollywood acclaim followed Nicole Kidman across decades, even though many fans associate her with Australia.*

Nicole Kidman became one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation. She won an Academy Award and built a long international career. Her work spans drama, musicals, thrillers, and television. Though associated with Australia, she was born in Honolulu.

#4 Bette Midler (1945)

*Music, comedy, movies, and Broadway made Bette Midler one of entertainment’s rare multi-field legends.*

Bette Midler became a major force in music, film, comedy, and theater. Her career includes Grammy, Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe awards. She built a rare entertainment résumé across several different stages. Honolulu can claim one of show business’s true originals.

#3 Bruno Mars (1985)

*Pop, funk, soul, and showmanship helped Bruno Mars become Honolulu’s biggest modern music export.*

Bruno Mars became one of the biggest pop stars of the 21st century. His music blends funk, soul, pop, R&B, and old-school showmanship. He has won major awards and sold out arenas worldwide. Few Honolulu-born entertainers have reached a larger global audience.

#2 Queen Liliʻuokalani (1838–1917)

*Hawaii’s final reigning monarch, Queen Liliʻuokalani remains one of the most important figures in island history.*

Queen Liliʻuokalani was the last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Her life became central to Hawaii’s overthrow, annexation, and historical memory. She was also a composer, author, and cultural figure. Her legacy carries enormous weight in Hawaiian history.

#1 Barack Obama (1961)

*American politics put Honolulu on the global stage when Barack Obama became president of the United States.*

Barack Obama is the most famous person born in Honolulu. He became the 44th president of the United States. He was also the first Black president in American history. His birthplace made Honolulu part of one of the biggest political stories of modern times.