How to Say “Have a Great Trip” in Hawaiian

By Deborah Dorothy • Updated October 7, 2026

Huakaʻi maikaʻi

Huakaʻi maikaʻi is the Hawaiian phrase for have a great trip.

This phrase is a friendly wish used to tell someone to enjoy their journey as they are departing.

Did you know?

The Hawaiian glottal stop, represented by the symbol ʻ in huakaʻi, is a full consonant that completely changes the meaning of a word if omitted.
In Hawaiian, the concept of a 'trip' often blends into the concept of 'life's journey', meaning huakaʻi can be used metaphorically to describe a person's spiritual or life path.
The word maikaʻi shares a common ancestor with the Tahitian word maitaʻi and the Māori word maitai.

Examples in context

Huakaʻi maikaʻi iā ʻoe.
Have a great trip.

Example conversation

Noelani is seeing Keanu off at the airport.

Noelani

E hele maikaʻi, Keanu.
Go well, Keanu.
Keanu

Mahalo, Noelani.
Thank you, Noelani.
Noelani

Huakaʻi maikaʻi iā ʻoe!
Have a great trip!
Keanu

Mahalo loa.
Thank you very much.

Sources

Word origins: Wiktionary entries maikaʻi, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Deborah Dorothy

Aloha! I'm Deborah, your friendly guide to the enchanting Hawaiian language. Besides my in-depth posts on Hawaiian translations, you’ll often find me unwinding with traditional Hawaiian music or practicing hula dancing. I'm a zealous bird-watcher, an ardent flower enthusiast and an incurable foodie! Learning, sharing, and enjoying Hawaii with you is truly a blessing for me. Mahalo nui loa! (Thank you very much!)

Deborah DorothyHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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