Hawaiian Directions Explained
Mauka means toward the mountain or upland. In Hawaii, directions are given relative to landmarks rather than compass points. Mauka is the opposite of makai and is used throughout daily conversation and road signage.
Makai means toward the ocean or seaward. You will see makai used on highway signs, in conversation, and in directions throughout Hawaii. It is one of the most important directional terms for visitors to learn.
Besides mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean), Hawaiians use landmark-based directions like Diamond Head (east on Oahu), Ewa (west on Oahu), and windward/leeward to describe sides of each island.
The Hawaii Department of Health recommends staying out of the ocean for at least 72 hours after heavy rain, even if the water looks clear. Bacteria and pollutants from runoff can linger in the water longer than the brown color does.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health, any entity mentioned on this page, or any government agency or hotel brand. Water quality ratings on this site are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions. “No DOH Alerts” means no advisory is currently posted — it does not mean the water was tested and found safe. DOH only monitors a fraction of Hawaii’s beaches, and some areas have no regular testing at all.
Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water. This site is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for any swimming decisions.
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