Quick Answer
"Mauka" (MOW-kah) means toward the mountains or inland, while "Makai" (mah-KAI) means toward the ocean or seaward. These Hawaiian words are used daily for giving directions in Hawaii instead of north/south/east/west. On an island, everyone knows where the mountains and ocean are - making this system incredibly practical!
How It Works
How to Pronounce
Mauka 🏔️
- "MOW" - Like "cow" with an M
- "kah" - Like "ka" in "car"
Makai 🌊
- "mah" - Like "ma" in "mama"
- "KAI" - Like "kai" rhymes with "eye"
Why Mauka/Makai Instead of North/South?
Islands Have Central Mountains
Every Hawaiian island has mountains in the middle with ocean all around. No matter where you are, you can orient yourself by the mountains (mauka) and the sea (makai).
Roads Follow the Coastline
Hawaiian roads often curve around the island following the coast. North/south can be confusing when a road that was going north suddenly goes west. But mauka (inland) and makai (seaward) always make sense!
It's Second Nature to Locals
Growing up in Hawaii, you learn mauka/makai before cardinal directions. It's how locals think and communicate - deeply tied to the land and sea that defines island life.
Real Examples You'll Hear
"Turn mauka at the next light."
Turn toward the mountains at the next traffic light.
"The restaurant is on the makai side of the street."
The restaurant is on the ocean side of the street.
"We live mauka of the highway."
We live inland from the highway (toward the mountains).
"Park in the makai lot - it's closer to the beach."
Park in the lot on the ocean side - it's closer to the beach.
Hawaii's Complete Direction System
In addition to mauka/makai, locals use landmarks for the other two directions:
Mauka
Toward the mountains / Inland
Makai
Toward the ocean / Seaward
Diamond Head (Oahu)
Toward Diamond Head crater
'Ewa (Oahu)
Toward 'Ewa Beach (west side)
On Oahu, you might hear: "Turn Diamond Head at the light, then go mauka two blocks."
Tips for Visitors
- Look for the mountains: They're your constant compass for "mauka"
- Listen for the waves: Or just remember the ocean is always makai
- Don't be embarrassed to ask: "Which way is mauka?" is a perfectly acceptable question
- Use it yourself: Locals appreciate when visitors try to speak like locals
- Google Maps helps: But knowing mauka/makai helps interpret local directions
Related Hawaiian Terms
Learn More Hawaiian Pidgin!
Master the language of the islands