Meaning & use
Makai
Last updated
Toward or facing the sea (used in Hawaii to give directions, as opposed to 'mauka,' toward the mountains).
See it in a sentence
Turn makai at the next light and you'll reach the beach.
Their hotel room faced makai, with a clear view of the ocean.
A note on using this word
Because Hawaii's islands lack standard compass directions in everyday speech, 'makai' and 'mauka' are commonly used instead of 'toward the sea' and 'toward the mountains.'
Words with a similar meaning
seaward
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
mauka
Another way to use it
2. adjective
Located on the seaward side, closer to the ocean.
They chose the makai unit for its ocean view.
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