Maui sits next to 5 phonetic neighbors — Mowgli, Malui, and Levi are the closest matches by sound. Most share Maui's Hawaiian cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"demigod of Polynesian mythology"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Maui — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Hawaiian/Polynesian origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Maui.
Rhythm: Maui is a 3-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.