Why Las Vegas is Called the Ninth Island?
Why is Las Vegas Called the Ninth Island? Did you know that Las Vegas is lovingly nicknamed the Ninth Island by Hawai‘i locals? This special connection comes from the large, tight-knit Hawaiian community that calls Las Vegas home. With one of the biggest populations of Hawai‘i residents living outside the islands, Las Vegas has become a place where the aloha spirit thrives. From island-style restaurants to hula festivals and family gatherings, the city offers a comforting taste of home for many. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history behind the nickname, how the Hawaiian culture lives on in the desert, and why Las Vegas holds such a special place in the hearts of so many island families.
6/18/20252 min read
🌺 Why Las Vegas is Called the Ninth Island 🌺
If you’ve ever visited Las Vegas and noticed a surprising number of Hawaiian restaurants, island-style events, or people greeting each other with aloha, you’ve experienced a little bit of what locals lovingly call “the Ninth Island.” But what does that mean, and where did the nickname come from? Let’s dive into the heartwarming story behind this special connection.
🌴 Aloha Spirit in the Desert
Las Vegas earned the nickname the Ninth Island because it’s home to one of the largest populations of former Hawai‘i residents living outside the islands. Over the years, many families from Hawai‘i moved to Las Vegas in search of new job opportunities, a lower cost of living, and a different pace of life. What they brought with them was something priceless — their strong sense of ‘ohana (family), community, and the aloha spirit.
Today, Las Vegas is filled with reminders of Hawai‘i. From island-style plate lunch restaurants to hula performances, ukulele music, and cultural festivals, you’ll find bits of the islands tucked into corners of the city. For many, it’s a comforting way to stay connected to their roots while embracing life in a new place.
🌺 A Community That Stays Together
What makes the Ninth Island so special isn’t just the food or events — it’s the people. The Hawaiian community in Las Vegas remains close-knit, often gathering for family celebrations, church services, and cultural traditions. Many local businesses cater to Hawai‘i transplants, and events like the annual Pure Aloha Festival celebrate island culture with music, dancing, and food.
The connection is so strong that for Hawai‘i families, visiting Las Vegas often feels like visiting another island in the chain — one filled with loved ones, familiar flavors, and a shared history. Even visitors from Hawai‘i often refer to their trips as “going to the Ninth Island.”
🌸 More Than a Nickname
For those who’ve left the islands behind, the Ninth Island isn’t just a place — it’s a feeling of home away from home. It’s proof that ‘ohana and the aloha spirit can thrive anywhere, even in the middle of the desert.
So the next time you hear someone call Las Vegas the Ninth Island, you’ll know it’s about more than location. It’s about community, connection, and carrying the warmth of the islands wherever life takes you.
Aloha always, from the Ninth Island! 🌈