It depends on the name, obviously... my name translates into Hawaiian as
Lala, which is a Teletubby to most kids out there. This became a big teasing factor for me in the 2nd grade. :-(
I'll give you my thoughts on the ones you've listed:
Akoni -- Fine, interesting
Kale -- No, this is a vegetable
Keanu -- Sure, but it sounds like celebrity worship after Mr. Reeves.
Alani -- Feels girly, but it's very pretty
Kalei -- Much better than
Kale.
Kalia -- Definitely too girly for mainstream use on a boy; very pretty. Have you thought about the Hebrew name
Kelila?
Kalino -- Feels pretty masculine, pretty cool
Kei /
Kai / other various spellings -- How many ways are there to spell this? I prefer
Kai, and I like it better on a boy.
Kalani / Kelani -- Feels girly, and it's pretty
Kulani -- I don't like this as much as
Kalani or Kelani
Malu -- Nah... IDK why
Malana -- It's okay, but not my favorite
Keana –- Feels kind of trendy, but it's fine.
Maila -- Very sweet
Malie -- I'd pronounce this as "
Molly," which takes away the whole exotic element.
Moani -- I don't like that it has "moan" in the beginning, but it's okay.
Nalani -- Reminds me of "The Lion
King" for some reason, but it's very pretty
Qiana -- Nah. Feels trendy.
Also,
Liora is Hebrew (and my Hebrew name). I really love it and I would use
Liorit on my own daughter. Have you thought about
Eliora?
Some more suggestions:
Akamu (b)
Haukea (g)
Ikaia /
Ikaika (b)
Iokua (b)
Iolana (g) -- I really like this one
Kaimana (b/g) -- prefer it on a girl
Kala (g)
Kaleo (b)
Kanani (g)
Keoni (b)
Kimo (b)
Lani (g)
Leilani (g)
Makaio (b) -- I think this would work really well in an English-speaking place, such as the rest of the States
Maleko (b)
Melika (g)
Noelani (g)
Kaia (g)
Kalama (g)
Kiele (g)
Mahina (g)
Miliani (g)
Oliana (g)
Healani (g)
Kepano (b)
Lanakila (b/g) -- feels girly to me, but I believe it can be used on either gender
Likeke (b)
Nohea (b/g)
Onaona (g)