12 Famous People Who Hail From Hawaii (#6 Will Really Surprise You)

If you live in Hawaii, you know it's a very special place. Beyond the epic scenery, outstanding beaches, and friendliness, the state is also home to many famous people, too. Musicians, authors, actors, surfers, and even a U.S. President were born in the Aloha State—and went on to accomplish great things.

Locals are proud to say that Hawaii is the birthplace of several fascinating individuals. So, without further ado, here are 12 celebrities who hail from the islands and capture the true aloha spirit.

1. Barack Obama

The first U.S. president to be born in Hawaii, Barack Obama graduated from the prestigious Punahou School in Honolulu. He is probably the biggest of all the Hawaiian celebrities. He and his wife, Michelle, own a home on O'ahu that they return to often.

2. Bruno Mars

Born into a musical family in the heart of Waikiki, Bruno Mars performed with his family’s band and became known on the island for his Elvis impersonations. He's still very much beloved across the Aloha State, and even sold out three back-to-back shows on his 24K Magic World Tour in Honolulu in 2018.

3. Jack Johnson

Musician Jack Johnson was born and raised on Oahu’s North Shore, and still lives there today with his wife and children. Plus, he somehow finds time to give back to his community—by playing shows for local non-profits and charities.

He and his wife also founded two environmental education nonprofits—the Kokua Hawaii Foundation and Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation—to help preserve Hawaii's ecosystem. He’s one of the most beloved, famous people from Hawaii.

4. Bethany Hamilton

A professional surfer who lost her arm in a 2003 shark attack, Bethany Hamilton was born on the beautiful island of Kauai, and still lives there now. She’s an absolute legend in the surfing world, inspiring surfers, pro athletes, and social media followers around the globe. Of course, plenty of other iconic surfers came up on the island, too, dating back to Duke Kahanamoku in the early 1900s.

5. Lauren Graham

Of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood fame, actress Lauren Graham was born on March 16, 1967, in Honolulu and moved to Virginia when she was five. While Graham didn't completely get to call the island home, it's a fun fact about Hawaii and the zany movie and TV star.

6. Nicole Kidman

Believe it or not, Australian actress Nicole Kidman was also born in Honolulu, Hawaii, while her parents were visiting the U.S. on student visas in 1967. Though her family moved to Washington, D.C. and then back to Australia shortly thereafter, the critically acclaimed movie star still carries a piece of island lure with her wherever she roams.

7. Jason Momoa

Before becoming famous for his role as Khal Drogo in the HBO hit, Game of Thrones, Jason Mamoa lived in Hawaii and won the Hawaii Model of the Year Award in 1999. Those who live on and off the island can agree that the honor was well-deserved. While the actor mostly grew up in Iowa, he still remains close to his Hawaiian and Samoan roots.

8. Marcus Mariota

Of Samoan descent, Marcus Mariota was born in Honolulu and was the first University of Oregon football player and Hawaii native to win the Heisman Trophy. He has played for several NFL teams and is now a quarterback for the Washington Commanders. We’re proud to have him as a Hawaii-born athlete.

9. Tahj Mowry

Because both of his parents were U.S. Army members stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, former Disney Channel star and actor Tahj Mowry was born on the island in 1986. His older sisters, twins and actresses Tia and Tamara Mowry, however, were not born in the Aloha State

10. Bette Midler

Born in Honolulu, Bette Midler began her career in a series of off-Broadway plays. She has since sold more than 30 million records worldwide and won several Grammys, Golden Globes, Emmy Awards, and a Tony. (Talk about famous!) While she grew up in Hawaii—and even attended the University of Hawaii in her late teens—she relocated to New York City in 1965 to pursue her career, where she currently resides.

11. Maggie Q

Best known for her title role in The CW spinoff series Nikita, actress Maggie Q grew up in Mililani, Hawaii—a small town in the center of the island of O'ahu. She moved off-island after high school to pursue modeling in Tokyo, Japan, and eventually went on to act in Hollywood, but still considers the Aloha State her part-time home.

12. Manti Te'o

Manti Te'o is a famous football player that pops up again and again on lists of famous people from Hawaii. His football career began in high school—he was named the Gatorade state player of the year in 2007—and went on to play for Notre Dame in college. He even played professionally for the San Diego Chargers. The Aloha State is lucky to have this successful athlete.

Which of these famous Hawaiians would you want to meet? You might just find them at the most famous restaurants in Hawaii or other iconic landmarks across the islands. Plan your tropical getaway today, using Only In Your State's itinerary planner for more top-tier recs.