<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- DFIN ActiveDisclosure(SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date      : 2020-10-30T19:44:01.8642264+00:00 -->
<!-- Version            : 5.0.1.513 -->
<!-- Package ID         : d7851700aa1744d7a94bc000bb1b5c05 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2020 Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#TemplateLink" roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/role/TemplateLink" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DocumentCoverPage" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DocumentCoverPage" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DocumentCoverPage">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_AmendmentFlag" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_AmendmentFlag" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityShellCompany" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityShellCompany" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitySmallBusiness" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFilerCategory" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityFilerCategory" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_SecurityExchangeName" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_SecurityExchangeName" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_TradingSymbol" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_TradingSymbol" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_Security12bTitle" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_Security12bTitle" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_LocalPhoneNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_CityAreaCode" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_CityAreaCode" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityRegistrantName" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityRegistrantName" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityFileNumber" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityFileNumber" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentTransitionReport" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_DocumentType" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_DocumentType" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/exch/2020/exch-2020-01-31.xsd#exch_XNYS" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="exch_XNYS" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_ExchangeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_ExchangeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_ExchangeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_ExchangeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntitiesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2019/dei-2019-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntitiesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="dei_EntitiesTable" xlink:to="dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis" xlink:to="dei_ExchangeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_EntityListingsExchangeAxis" xlink:to="dei_ExchangeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_ExchangeDomain" xlink:to="exch_XNYS" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentType" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentQuarterlyReport" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentPeriodEndDate" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentTransitionReport" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFileNumber" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityRegistrantName" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityIncorporationStateCountryCode" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityTaxIdentificationNumber" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressAddressLine1" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressCityOrTown" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressStateOrProvince" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityAddressPostalZipCode" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CityAreaCode" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_LocalPhoneNumber" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_Security12bTitle" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_TradingSymbol" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_SecurityExchangeName" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCurrentReportingStatus" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityInteractiveDataCurrent" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityFilerCategory" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntitySmallBusiness" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityEmergingGrowthCompany" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityShellCompany" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCommonStockSharesOutstanding" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalYearFocus" order="10640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_EntityCentralIndexKey" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_CurrentFiscalYearEndDate" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityInformationLineItems" xlink:to="dei_AmendmentFlag" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersEquityUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/StatementConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersEquityUnaudited">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesPurchaseAndEquityCompensationPlans" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesPurchaseAndEquityCompensationPlans" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValuePurchaseAndEquityCompensationPlans" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValuePurchaseAndEquityCompensationPlans" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_2" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="10920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdateExtensibleList" order="11240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" order="11400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="boh_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValuePurchaseAndEquityCompensationPlans" order="11560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="boh_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesPurchaseAndEquityCompensationPlans" order="11580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" order="11720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_TreasuryStockSharesAcquired" order="11740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStockCash" order="11880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivableReserveforCreditLosses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivableReserveforCreditLosses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CARESActEstimatedProvisionForReliefMeasures" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CARESActEstimatedProvisionForReliefMeasures" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsCommitment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_QualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsCommitment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_VariableInterestEntitiesStateTaxCreditorBenefitRecognitionPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_VariableInterestEntitiesStateTaxCreditorBenefitRecognitionPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_VariableInterestEntitiesFederalTaxCreditorBenefitRecognitionPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_VariableInterestEntitiesFederalTaxCreditorBenefitRecognitionPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_SolarenergypartnershipsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_SolarenergypartnershipsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_LowincomehousingpartnershipsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_LowincomehousingpartnershipsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="boh_LowincomehousingpartnershipsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="boh_SolarenergypartnershipsMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentsByConsolidatedAndNonconsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="boh_VariableInterestEntitiesFederalTaxCreditorBenefitRecognitionPeriod" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="boh_VariableInterestEntitiesStateTaxCreditorBenefitRecognitionPeriod" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_QualifiedAffordableHousingProjectInvestmentsCommitment" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="boh_CARESActEstimatedProvisionForReliefMeasures" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivableReserveforCreditLosses" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:to="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax" order="10870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfAllowanceForCreditLossesUponAdoptionOfASU201613Details" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfAllowanceForCreditLossesUponAdoptionOfASU201613Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesScheduleOfAllowanceForCreditLossesUponAdoptionOfASU201613Details">
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsBeforeTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsBeforeTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivableReserveforCreditLosses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivableReserveforCreditLosses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustedBalanceMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustedBalanceMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_2" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialLoanMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleTable" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustedBalanceMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OffBalanceSheetCreditLossLiability" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivableReserveforCreditLosses" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleLineItems" xlink:to="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsAbstract" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsBeforeTax" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsTax" order="10840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsAbstract" xlink:to="boh_CumulativeEffectOnRetainedEarningsNetOfTax" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesScheduleOfAmortizedCostGrossUnrealizedGainsAndLossesAndFairValueOfInvestmentSecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesScheduleOfAmortizedCostGrossUnrealizedGainsAndLossesAndFairValueOfInvestmentSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesScheduleOfAmortizedCostGrossUnrealizedGainsAndLossesAndFairValueOfInvestmentSecuritiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueToAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueToAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueToAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueToAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" order="11680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueToAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" order="12120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueToAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" order="12560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueToAmortizedCostBasisAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" order="13000.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract" order="13470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecurities" order="15110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingGain" order="15930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAccumulatedUnrecognizedHoldingLoss" order="16750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" order="17570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_EquitySecuritiesShares" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_EquitySecuritiesShares" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainOnSaleOfInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainOnSaleOfInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionNumberOfPositions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionNumberOfPositions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CarryingValueOfInvestmentSecuritiesPledged" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CarryingValueOfInvestmentSecuritiesPledged" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestReceivable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_VisaClassBRestrictedSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_VisaClassBRestrictedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="boh_VisaClassBRestrictedSecuritiesMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestReceivable" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="boh_CarryingValueOfInvestmentSecuritiesPledged" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionNumberOfPositions" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainOnSaleOfInvestments" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:to="boh_EquitySecuritiesShares" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesAnalysisOfContractualMaturitiesOfInvestmentSecuritiesDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesAnalysisOfContractualMaturitiesOfInvestmentSecuritiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesAnalysisOfContractualMaturitiesOfInvestmentSecuritiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBeforeOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBeforeOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateNetCarryingAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateNetCarryingAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueRollingMaturityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostRollingMaturityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisRollingMaturityAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisRollingMaturityAbstract" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCostBasis" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCostBasis" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenAmortizedCostBasis" order="10840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenAmortizedCostBasis" order="10880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasisRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" order="10920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCost" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" order="11280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostRollingMaturityAbstract" order="11320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsAmortizedCost" order="11400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveAmortizedCost" order="11440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" order="11480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueRollingMaturityAbstract" order="11520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateNetCarryingAmount" order="11600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesAmortizedCostBeforeOtherThanTemporaryImpairment" order="11760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" order="11870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" order="11890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearSixThroughTenFairValue" order="11910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingAfterYearTenFairValue" order="11930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" order="11950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" order="12010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" order="12110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesNextRollingTwelveMonthsFairValue" order="12170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesRollingYearTwoThroughFiveFairValue" order="12190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValueRollingMaturityAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateFairValue" order="12210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithoutSingleMaturityDateFairValue" order="12230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" order="12310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesScheduleOfAFSDebtSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesScheduleOfAFSDebtSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentSecuritiesScheduleOfAFSDebtSecuritiesInUnrealizedLossPositionDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPosition" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPosition" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12Months" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLonger" order="11140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" order="11500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPosition" order="11860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleUnrealizedLossPositionAccumulatedLoss" order="12220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfLoanAndLeasePortfolioDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfLoanAndLeasePortfolioDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfLoanAndLeasePortfolioDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_LeaseFinancingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_LeaseFinancingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_2" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_LeaseFinancingMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_LoanAndLeaseModificationsAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_LoanAndLeaseModificationsAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_NumberofLoanandLeaseConcessions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_NumberofLoanandLeaseConcessions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivableModificationsMadeDefaultPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivableModificationsMadeDefaultPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ExtendingBalloonPayments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ExtendingBalloonPayments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_PeriodOfTimeLoanBeingFullyAmortized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_PeriodOfTimeLoanBeingFullyAmortized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_AvailablecommitmentsunderRevolvingCreditLinesModifiedasTDR" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_AvailablecommitmentsunderRevolvingCreditLinesModifiedasTDR" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatusCurrentNotPastDuePeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatusCurrentNotPastDuePeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_RevolvingLoansConvertedToTermLoanDuringthePeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_RevolvingLoansConvertedToTermLoanDuringthePeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivableModifiedResidentialMortgageAndOrHomeEquityLoansMaximumTermCategorizedAsClassifiedCreditQualityIndicatorIfPrincipalAndInterestAreCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivableModifiedResidentialMortgageAndOrHomeEquityLoansMaximumTermCategorizedAsClassifiedCreditQualityIndicatorIfPrincipalAndInterestAreCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityCurrentLoanToValueRatioPercentageMaximum" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityCurrentLoanToValueRatioPercentageMaximum" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivablePastDueForLoansAndLeasesToBeClassifiedAsClassifiedCreditQualityIndicatorPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivablePastDueForLoansAndLeasesToBeClassifiedAsClassifiedCreditQualityIndicatorPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivableReserveforCreditLossesAdditionalDecreaseinCumulativeAdjustment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivableReserveforCreditLossesAdditionalDecreaseinCumulativeAdjustment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_NumberofPaycheckProtectionLoans" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_NumberofPaycheckProtectionLoans" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ProcessingFeePaymentThresholdLimitOfLoanAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ProcessingFeePaymentThresholdLimitOfLoanAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_PercentageOfProcessingFeesBySmallBusinessAdministration" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_PercentageOfProcessingFeesBySmallBusinessAdministration" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CARESActMaximumBorrowingCapacityUnderPaycheckProtectionProgramLoan" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CARESActMaximumBorrowingCapacityUnderPaycheckProtectionProgramLoan" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestReceivable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestReceivable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_LandLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_LandLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubstandardMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubstandardMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_PaycheckProtectionProgramLoanProcessingFeesThresholdThreeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_PaycheckProtectionProgramLoanProcessingFeesThresholdThreeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_PaycheckProtectionProgramLoanProcessingFeesThresholdTwoMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_PaycheckProtectionProgramLoanProcessingFeesThresholdTwoMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_PaycheckProtectionProgramLoanProcessingFeesThresholdOneMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_PaycheckProtectionProgramLoanProcessingFeesThresholdOneMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_PaycheckProtectionLoansAdministeredBySBAMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_PaycheckProtectionLoansAdministeredBySBAMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_AccruedInterestReceivableMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_AccruedInterestReceivableMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="boh_AccruedInterestReceivableMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="boh_PaycheckProtectionLoansAdministeredBySBAMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="boh_PaycheckProtectionProgramLoanProcessingFeesThresholdOneMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="boh_PaycheckProtectionProgramLoanProcessingFeesThresholdTwoMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="boh_PaycheckProtectionProgramLoanProcessingFeesThresholdThreeMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_2" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_2" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubstandardMember" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAccountsNotesLoansAndFinancingReceivableTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_LandLoanMember" order="10970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" order="11110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfMortgageLoans" order="11160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestReceivable" order="11270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_CARESActMaximumBorrowingCapacityUnderPaycheckProtectionProgramLoan" order="11340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="11400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm" order="11460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_PercentageOfProcessingFeesBySmallBusinessAdministration" order="11600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_ProcessingFeePaymentThresholdLimitOfLoanAmount" order="11660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_NumberofPaycheckProtectionLoans" order="11960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" order="12020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivableReserveforCreditLossesAdditionalDecreaseinCumulativeAdjustment" order="12110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivablePastDueForLoansAndLeasesToBeClassifiedAsClassifiedCreditQualityIndicatorPeriod" order="12160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivableCreditQualityCurrentLoanToValueRatioPercentageMaximum" order="12240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivableModifiedResidentialMortgageAndOrHomeEquityLoansMaximumTermCategorizedAsClassifiedCreditQualityIndicatorIfPrincipalAndInterestAreCurrent" order="12320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_RevolvingLoansConvertedToTermLoanDuringthePeriod" order="12430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatusCurrentNotPastDuePeriod" order="12480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsRecordedInvestment" order="12530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_AvailablecommitmentsunderRevolvingCreditLinesModifiedasTDR" order="12570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_PeriodOfTimeLoanBeingFullyAmortized" order="12640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_ExtendingBalloonPayments" order="12680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivableModificationsMadeDefaultPeriod" order="12750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_NumberofLoanandLeaseConcessions" order="12800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="boh_LoanAndLeaseModificationsAmount" order="12840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccountsNotesAndLoansReceivableLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MortgageLoansInProcessOfForeclosureAmount" order="12910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfActivityInAllowanceByPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfActivityInAllowanceByPortfolioSegmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfActivityInAllowanceByPortfolioSegmentDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteoffsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteoffsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustedBalanceMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustedBalanceMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustedBalanceMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201613Member" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLosses" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesWriteOffs" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossRecoveryOfBadDebts" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_AllowanceForLoanAndLeaseLossesWriteoffsNet" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" order="10820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfAmortizedCostBasisOfLoansAndLeasesByCreditQualityIndicatorLoanClassAndYearOfOriginationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfAmortizedCostBasisOfLoansAndLeasesByCreditQualityIndicatorLoanClassAndYearOfOriginationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfAmortizedCostBasisOfLoansAndLeasesByCreditQualityIndicatorLoanClassAndYearOfOriginationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolvingConvertedToTermLoan" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolvingConvertedToTermLoan" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolving" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolving" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInCurrentFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInCurrentFiscalYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubstandardMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubstandardMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PassMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PassMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_OtherLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_OtherLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_LeaseFinancingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_LeaseFinancingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" order="10870.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" order="10950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_LeaseFinancingMember" order="10990.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" order="11050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HomeEquityLoanMember" order="11110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" order="11170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_OtherLoansMember" order="11230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" order="11280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" order="11310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PassMember" order="11330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" order="11350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubstandardMember" order="11370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInCurrentFiscalYear" order="11700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedInFiscalYearBeforeLatestFiscalYear" order="12520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedTwoYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" order="13340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedThreeYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" order="14160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFourYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" order="14980.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableOriginatedFiveOrMoreYearsBeforeLatestFiscalYear" order="15800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolving" order="16620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRevolvingConvertedToTermLoan" order="17440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesReceivableGross" order="18260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfRecordedInvestmentInLoansAndLeasesByClassAndCreditQualityIndicatorDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfRecordedInvestmentInLoansAndLeasesByClassAndCreditQualityIndicatorDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfRecordedInvestmentInLoansAndLeasesByClassAndCreditQualityIndicatorDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_LeaseFinancingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_LeaseFinancingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SubstandardMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SubstandardMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PassMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PassMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PassMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SpecialMentionMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SubstandardMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_LeaseFinancingMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCreditQualityIndicatorTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfAgingAnalysisByClassOfLoanAndLeasePortfolioDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfAgingAnalysisByClassOfLoanAndLeasePortfolioDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfAgingAnalysisByClassOfLoanAndLeasePortfolioDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatusCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatusCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAndNonaccrualStatus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAndNonaccrualStatus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_LeaseFinancingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_LeaseFinancingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain_2" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivables30To59DaysPastDueMember" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivables60To89DaysPastDueMember" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesPeriodPastDueDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablesEqualToGreaterThan90DaysPastDueMember" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionLoansMember" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_LeaseFinancingMember" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivablesPastDueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" order="10970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDue" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" order="12340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueAndNonaccrualStatus" order="12780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentCurrent" order="13220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansAndLeasesReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome" order="13660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentPastDueLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatusCurrent" order="14100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfNonAccrualLoansAndLeasesDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfNonAccrualLoansAndLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfNonAccrualLoansAndLeasesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivablenonaccrualwithallowance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivablenonaccrualwithallowance" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialMortgageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialMortgageMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialMortgageMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivablenonaccrualwithallowance" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualNoAllowance" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableNonaccrualStatusLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentNonaccrualStatus" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfLoansModifiedInTDRDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfLoansModifiedInTDRDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfLoansModifiedInTDRDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FinancingReceivableModificationsImpactOnAllowance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FinancingReceivableModificationsImpactOnAllowance" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts2" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialRealEstateMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsNumberOfContracts2" order="10860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsPostModificationRecordedInvestment2" order="11160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FinancingReceivableModificationsImpactOnAllowance" order="11460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfTdrsThatDefaultedDuringPeriodWithinTwelveMonthsOfModificationDateDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfTdrsThatDefaultedDuringPeriodWithinTwelveMonthsOfModificationDateDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLoansAndLeasesAndAllowanceForCreditLossesScheduleOfTdrsThatDefaultedDuringPeriodWithinTwelveMonthsOfModificationDateDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestment1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestment1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumberOfContracts1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumberOfContracts1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialAndIndustrialMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AutomobileLoanMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HomeEquityMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfFinancingReceivableTroubledDebtRestructuringsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConsumerLoanMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultNumberOfContracts1" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancingReceivableModificationsSubsequentDefaultRecordedInvestment1" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsSummaryOfCarryingValueUnderFairValueMeasurementMethodDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsSummaryOfCarryingValueUnderFairValueMeasurementMethodDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsSummaryOfCarryingValueUnderFairValueMeasurementMethodDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValuePeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValuePeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueOtherChangesInFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueOtherChangesInFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtFairValueTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtFairValueTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtFairValueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtFairValueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtFairValueTable" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtFairValueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueOtherChangesInFairValue" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValuePeriodIncreaseDecrease" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsSummaryOfCarryingValueUnderAmortizationMethodDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsSummaryOfCarryingValueUnderAmortizationMethodDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsSummaryOfCarryingValueUnderAmortizationMethodDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FairValueOfMortgageServicingRightsAccountedForUnderAmortizationMethodAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FairValueOfMortgageServicingRightsAccountedForUnderAmortizationMethodAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsRollForward" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsProvisionsRecoveries" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsProvisionsRecoveries" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAmortization1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAmortization1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAdditions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAdditions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueBalanceRollForward" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueBalanceRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueBalanceRollForward" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueBalanceRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueBalanceRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAdditions" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueBalanceRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueAmortization1" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueBalanceRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsProvisionsRecoveries" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsRollForward" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ServicingAssetsAtAmortizedValueLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FairValueOfMortgageServicingRightsAccountedForUnderAmortizationMethodAbstract" order="11140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_FairValueOfMortgageServicingRightsAccountedForUnderAmortizationMethodAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValueFairValue" order="11300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsScheduleOfKeyDataAndAssumptionsUsedInEstimatingFairValueDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsScheduleOfKeyDataAndAssumptionsUsedInEstimatingFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsScheduleOfKeyDataAndAssumptionsUsedInEstimatingFairValueDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesNoteRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesNoteRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfAssetsOrLiabilitiesThatRelateToTransferorsContinuingInvolvementWeightedAverageLife1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfAssetsOrLiabilitiesThatRelateToTransferorsContinuingInvolvementWeightedAverageLife1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesPrepaymentSpeed" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesPrepaymentSpeed" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesPrepaymentSpeed" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfAssetsOrLiabilitiesThatRelateToTransferorsContinuingInvolvementWeightedAverageLife1" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="boh_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesNoteRate" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueAsOfBalanceSheetDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRate" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsScheduleOfSensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsScheduleOfSensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureMortgageServicingRightsScheduleOfSensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom50BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom50BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom25BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom25BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactInDiscountRateAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactInDiscountRateAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom50BasisPointsAdverseChangeInPrepaymentSpeed" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom50BasisPointsAdverseChangeInPrepaymentSpeed" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom25BasisPointsAdverseChangeInPrepaymentSpeed" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom25BasisPointsAdverseChangeInPrepaymentSpeed" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactInPrepaymentSpeedAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactInPrepaymentSpeedAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactOfAdverseChangeInAssumptionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactOfAdverseChangeInAssumptionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactOfAdverseChangeInAssumptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactOfAdverseChangeInAssumptionLineItems" xlink:to="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactInPrepaymentSpeedAbstract" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactInPrepaymentSpeedAbstract" xlink:to="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom25BasisPointsAdverseChangeInPrepaymentSpeed" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactInPrepaymentSpeedAbstract" xlink:to="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom50BasisPointsAdverseChangeInPrepaymentSpeed" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactOfAdverseChangeInAssumptionLineItems" xlink:to="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactInDiscountRateAbstract" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactInDiscountRateAbstract" xlink:to="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom25BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactInDiscountRateAbstract" xlink:to="boh_SensitivityAnalysisOfFairValueOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesImpactFrom50BasisPointsAdverseChangeInDiscountRate" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingRemainingContractualMaturitiesOfRepurchaseAgreementsByClassOfCollateralPledgedDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingRemainingContractualMaturitiesOfRepurchaseAgreementsByClassOfCollateralPledgedDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingRemainingContractualMaturitiesOfRepurchaseAgreementsByClassOfCollateralPledgedDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_MaturityAfter3YearsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_MaturityAfter3YearsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_Maturity1To3YearsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_Maturity1To3YearsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaturityOver90DaysMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MaturityOver90DaysMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_MaturityUpTo90DaysMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_MaturityUpTo90DaysMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="boh_MaturityUpTo90DaysMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MaturityOver90DaysMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="boh_Maturity1To3YearsMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseMaturityPeriodDomain" xlink:to="boh_MaturityAfter3YearsMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USTreasuryAndGovernmentMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingScheduleOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesSubjectToEnforceableMasterNettingArrangementOrRepurchaseAgreementsDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingScheduleOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesSubjectToEnforceableMasterNettingArrangementOrRepurchaseAgreementsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingScheduleOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesSubjectToEnforceableMasterNettingArrangementOrRepurchaseAgreementsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAsset" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAsset" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnSecurities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnSecurities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_OffsettingAssetsAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_OffsettingAssetsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_GovernmentEntitiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_GovernmentEntitiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_PrivateInstitutionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_PrivateInstitutionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_InstitutionalCounterpartiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_InstitutionalCounterpartiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain_2" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="boh_InstitutionalCounterpartiesMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="boh_PrivateInstitutionsMember" order="10530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="boh_GovernmentEntitiesMember" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="boh_OffsettingAssetsAbstract" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction" order="10820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnSecurities" order="10860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" order="10970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" order="11050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" order="11090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" order="11130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotOffsetPolicyElectionDeduction" order="11170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities" order="11210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" order="11250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseGross" order="11560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAsset" order="11680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchase" order="11800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseAmountOffsetAgainstCollateral" order="11920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseCollateralRightToReclaimSecurities" order="12040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingScheduleOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesSubjectToEnforceableMasterNettingArrangementOrRepurchaseAgreementsParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingScheduleOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesSubjectToEnforceableMasterNettingArrangementOrRepurchaseAgreementsParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBalanceSheetOffsettingScheduleOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesSubjectToEnforceableMasterNettingArrangementOrRepurchaseAgreementsParentheticalDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_GovernmentEntitiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_GovernmentEntitiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_PrivateInstitutionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_PrivateInstitutionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_CounterpartyNameAxis" xlink:to="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="boh_PrivateInstitutionsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RepurchaseAgreementCounterpartyNameDomain" xlink:to="boh_GovernmentEntitiesMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuritiesSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueOfCollateral" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossChangeInAOCIComponentsNetOfTaxDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossChangeInAOCIComponentsNetOfTaxDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossChangeInAOCIComponentsNetOfTaxDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForHeldToMaturityTransferredToAvailableForSaleSecuritiesBeforeTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForHeldToMaturityTransferredToAvailableForSaleSecuritiesBeforeTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InformationByCategoryOfDebtSecurityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCategoriesOfInvestmentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldtomaturitySecuritiesMember" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_OciBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForHeldToMaturityTransferredToAvailableForSaleSecuritiesBeforeTax" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAociCurrentPeriodNetOfTaxAttributableToParent" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AOCIAttributableToParentNetOfTaxRollForward" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToParent" order="10890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAOCIReclassToISDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAOCIReclassToISDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAOCIReclassToISDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleGainLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleGainLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_SaleofInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableforSaleMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_SaleofInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableforSaleMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_AmortizationofUnrealizedGainsLossesofInvestmentSecuritiesTransferredfromAFStoHTMMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_AmortizationofUnrealizedGainsLossesofInvestmentSecuritiesTransferredfromAFStoHTMMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="boh_AmortizationofUnrealizedGainsLossesofInvestmentSecuritiesTransferredfromAFStoHTMMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetPriorServiceCostCreditMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetUnamortizedGainLossMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="boh_SaleofInvestmentSecuritiesAvailableforSaleMember" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInterest" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="11100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LaborAndRelatedExpense" order="11140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtSecuritiesAvailableForSaleGainLoss" order="11530.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureBusinessSegmentsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_NumberOfTMSThroughWhichProductsAndServicesDeliveredToCustomers" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_NumberOfTMSThroughWhichProductsAndServicesDeliveredToCustomers" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_NumberOfBranchLocationsThroughWhichProductsAndServicesDeliveredToCustomers" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_NumberOfBranchLocationsThroughWhichProductsAndServicesDeliveredToCustomers" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FederalAndStateEffectiveTaxRateUsedForSegmentReporting" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FederalAndStateEffectiveTaxRateUsedForSegmentReporting" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_RetailBankingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_RetailBankingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="boh_RetailBankingMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FederalAndStateEffectiveTaxRateUsedForSegmentReporting" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="boh_NumberOfBranchLocationsThroughWhichProductsAndServicesDeliveredToCustomers" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="boh_NumberOfTMSThroughWhichProductsAndServicesDeliveredToCustomers" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsSelectedBusinessSegmentsFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureBusinessSegmentsSelectedBusinessSegmentsFinancialInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBusinessSegmentsSelectedBusinessSegmentsFinancialInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Assets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_TreasuryAndOtherMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_TreasuryAndOtherMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialBankingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialBankingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_RetailBankingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_RetailBankingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="boh_RetailBankingMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialBankingMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="boh_TreasuryAndOtherMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProvisionForLoanAndLeaseLosses" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseAfterProvisionForLoanLoss" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestIncome" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestExpense" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesExtraordinaryItemsNoncontrollingInterest" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="10860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Assets" order="10960.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndPostretirementBenefitPlanScheduleOfComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosurePensionPlansAndPostretirementBenefitPlanScheduleOfComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndPostretirementBenefitPlanScheduleOfComponentsOfNetPeriodicBenefitCostDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain_2" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCost" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCost" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssets" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses" order="10830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCost" order="10910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndPostretirementBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosurePensionPlansAndPostretirementBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePensionPlansAndPostretirementBenefitPlanAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfDefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RetirementPlanTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanDisclosureLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedFutureEmployerContributionsRemainderOfFiscalYear" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfNotionalAmountAndFairValueOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfNotionalAmountAndFairValueOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfNotionalAmountAndFairValueOfDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_VisaConversionRateSwapAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_VisaConversionRateSwapAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_PayFixedOrReceiveVariableSwapMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_PayFixedOrReceiveVariableSwapMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ReceiveFixedOrPayVariableSwapMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ReceiveFixedOrPayVariableSwapMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="boh_ReceiveFixedOrPayVariableSwapMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="boh_PayFixedOrReceiveVariableSwapMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="boh_VisaConversionRateSwapAgreementMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeNet" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTheirFairValuesAndBalanceSheetLocationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTheirFairValuesAndBalanceSheetLocationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsTheirFairValuesAndBalanceSheetLocationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAssetAtFairValue" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndAmountAndLocationOfNetGainsOrLossesRecognizedInStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndAmountAndLocationOfNetGainsOrLossesRecognizedInStatementsOfIncomeDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAndAmountAndLocationOfNetGainsOrLossesRecognizedInStatementsOfIncomeDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsMember1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsMember1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_MortgageBankingIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_MortgageBankingIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_VisaConversionRateSwapAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_VisaConversionRateSwapAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ForeignExchangeContractMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="boh_VisaConversionRateSwapAgreementMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipByIncomeStatementLocationByDerivativeInstrumentRiskTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="boh_MortgageBankingIncomeMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsMember1" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_VisaClassBRestrictedSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_VisaClassBRestrictedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="boh_VisaClassBRestrictedSecuritiesMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsLiabilityAtFairValue" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesCreditCommitmentsDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureCommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesCreditCommitmentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesCreditCommitmentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksFaceAmountLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksFaceAmountLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommitmentsToExtendCreditMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain_2" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_StandbyLettersOfCreditMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CreditFacilityDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LetterOfCreditMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_OtherCommitmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureOffbalanceSheetRisksFaceAmountLiability" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureCommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsContingenciesAndGuaranteesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CurrentLoansServicedForThirdPartiesAsPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CurrentLoansServicedForThirdPartiesAsPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_NumberofMortgageLoansRepurchasedduetoLoanServicingActivitiesPending" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_NumberofMortgageLoansRepurchasedduetoLoanServicingActivitiesPending" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_NumberofMortgageLoansRepurchasedduetoLoanServicingActivities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_NumberofMortgageLoansRepurchasedduetoLoanServicingActivities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_NumberofMortgageLoansRepurchasedPending" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_NumberofMortgageLoansRepurchasedPending" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuredDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContinuingInvolvementWithTransferredFinancialAssetsPrincipalAmountOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContinuingInvolvementWithTransferredFinancialAssetsPrincipalAmountOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SettledLitigationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SettledLitigationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ClassSettlementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ClassSettlementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementTable" xlink:to="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:to="srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:to="srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:to="boh_ClassSettlementMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LitigationStatusDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SettledLitigationMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LossContingencyAccrualAtCarryingValue" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContinuingInvolvementWithTransferredFinancialAssetsPrincipalAmountOutstanding" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuredDebt" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" xlink:to="boh_NumberofMortgageLoansRepurchasedPending" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" xlink:to="boh_NumberofMortgageLoansRepurchasedduetoLoanServicingActivities" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" xlink:to="boh_NumberofMortgageLoansRepurchasedduetoLoanServicingActivitiesPending" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_QualitativeAndQuantitativeInformationTransferorsContinuingInvolvementLineItems" xlink:to="boh_CurrentLoansServicedForThirdPartiesAsPercentage" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesBalancesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesBalancesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesBalancesOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredAtFairValueOnRecurringBasisDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetNotPartOfDisposalGroup" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetNotPartOfDisposalGroup" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_UsTreasuryAndGovernmentAgenciesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_UsTreasuryAndGovernmentAgenciesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementFrequencyAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementFrequencyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_UsTreasuryAndGovernmentAgenciesMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USStatesAndPoliticalSubdivisionsMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_USGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesDebtSecuritiesMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentAgenciesMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByUSGovernmentSponsoredEnterprisesMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_CommercialMortgageBackedSecuritiesIssuedByGovernmentAgenciesMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableHeldForSaleNetNotPartOfDisposalGroup" order="11680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtFairValueAmount" order="11780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsFairValueDisclosure" order="11880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" order="11980.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" order="12080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" order="12180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" order="12380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" order="12480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesSummaryOfSignificantUnobservableInputsDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesSummaryOfSignificantUnobservableInputsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesSummaryOfSignificantUnobservableInputsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetLiabilityNetMeasurementInput" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetLiabilityNetMeasurementInput" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetMeasurementInput" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetMeasurementInput" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_MortgageServicingRightsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_MortgageServicingRightsFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOnSecuritizationDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOnSecuritizationDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputEntityCreditRiskMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputEntityCreditRiskMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_Boh_MeasurementInputClosingRatioMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_Boh_MeasurementInputClosingRatioMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_PricingModelTechniqueMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_PricingModelTechniqueMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputConstantPrepaymentRateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputConstantPrepaymentRateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_MortgageServicingRightsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_MortgageServicingRightsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsLineItems" xlink:to="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_2" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="boh_DiscountedCashFlowTechniqueMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:to="boh_MortgageServicingRightsMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingContractsMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain_2" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputConstantPrepaymentRateMember" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="11080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="11110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateLockCommitmentsMember" order="11130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" order="11150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:to="boh_PricingModelTechniqueMember" order="11210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="boh_Boh_MeasurementInputClosingRatioMember" order="11370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_MeasurementInputEntityCreditRiskMember" order="11390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AssumptionForFairValueOnSecuritizationDateOfInterestsContinuedToBeHeldByTransferorServicingAssetsOrLiabilitiesDiscountRate" order="12060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsLineItems" xlink:to="boh_MortgageServicingRightsFairValueDisclosure" order="12340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetMeasurementInput" order="12650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetLiabilityNetMeasurementInput" order="12970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="boh_Level3AssetsAndLiabilitiesFairValueAndFairValueUnobservableInputsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateDerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsAtFairValueNet" order="14050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnNonrecurringBasisDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnNonrecurringBasisDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfAssetsMeasuredAtFairValueOnNonrecurringBasisDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ServicingAssetAtAmortizedValue" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ValuationAllowanceForImpairmentOfRecognizedServicingAssetsBalance" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfDifferenceBetweenAggregateFairValueAndAggregateUnpaidPrincipalBalanceDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfDifferenceBetweenAggregateFairValueAndAggregateUnpaidPrincipalBalanceDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfDifferenceBetweenAggregateFairValueAndAggregateUnpaidPrincipalBalanceDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionAggregateDifferencesLoansAndLongTermReceivables" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueOptionAggregateDifferencesLoansAndLongTermReceivables" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FairValueOptionLoansHeldforSaleAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FairValueOptionLoansHeldforSaleAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ResidentialMortgageHeldForSaleMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ResidentialMortgageHeldForSaleMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:to="boh_ResidentialMortgageHeldForSaleMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansHeldForSaleFairValueDisclosure" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FairValueOptionLoansHeldforSaleAggregateUnpaidPrincipal" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueOptionQuantitativeDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueOptionAggregateDifferencesLoansAndLongTermReceivables" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfCarryingAmountFairValueAndFairValueHierarchyOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfCarryingAmountFairValueAndFairValueHierarchyOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfCarryingAmountFairValueAndFairValueHierarchyOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_LongTermDebtExcludingCapitalLeaseObligationsFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_LongTermDebtExcludingCapitalLeaseObligationsFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FairValueTimeDeposits" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FairValueTimeDeposits" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByBalanceSheetGroupingTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_HeldToMaturitySecuritiesFairValue" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueBalanceSheetGroupingFinancialStatementCaptionsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="boh_FairValueTimeDeposits" order="11040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_SecuritiesLoanedOrSoldUnderAgreementsToRepurchaseFairValueDisclosure" order="11160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:to="boh_LongTermDebtExcludingCapitalLeaseObligationsFairValue" order="11280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenueRecognitionSummaryOfNoninterestIncomeSegregatedByRevenueStreamsInScopeAndOutOfScopeOfTopic606Details" xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#Role_DisclosureRevenueRecognitionSummaryOfNoninterestIncomeSegregatedByRevenueStreamsInScopeAndOutOfScopeOfTopic606Details" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://boh.com/20200930/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenueRecognitionSummaryOfNoninterestIncomeSegregatedByRevenueStreamsInScopeAndOutOfScopeOfTopic606Details">
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuranceCommissionsAndFees" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InsuranceCommissionsAndFees" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_FeesExchangeAndOtherServiceCharges" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_FeesExchangeAndOtherServiceCharges" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_ServiceChargesOnDepositAccounts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_ServiceChargesOnDepositAccounts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_NoninterestIncomeOutofScopeofTopic606Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_NoninterestIncomeOutofScopeofTopic606Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="boh-20200930.xsd#boh_NoninterestIncomeInScopeofTopic606Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="boh_NoninterestIncomeInScopeofTopic606Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2020/elts/srt-2020-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2020/elts/us-gaap-2020-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="boh_NoninterestIncomeInScopeofTopic606Member" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="boh_NoninterestIncomeOutofScopeofTopic606Member" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="boh_ServiceChargesOnDepositAccounts" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="boh_FeesExchangeAndOtherServiceCharges" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InsuranceCommissionsAndFees" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestIncomeOtherOperatingIncome" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoninterestIncome" order="10840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
