huakaʻi
The Hawaiian word for journey is huakaʻi.
huakaʻi is a broad term used to describe various types of travel. It can refer to a simple trip, an excursion or a more formal expedition.
Meaning: trip, a voyage (noun)
Did you know?
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the idea of a journey is deeply tied to the word hoe, which means 'to paddle'. This emphasizes that for early Hawaiians, the most significant journeys were achieved via canoe.
- The character ʻ in huakaʻi is called an 'okina. It is not a punctuation mark but a full consonant that creates a sharp break in the sound.
- While huakaʻi is the noun for 'journey', the phrase ke ala literally means 'the path' and is frequently used metaphorically to describe a life journey.
Examples in context
- He huakaʻi kēia.This is a journey.
- Ua nani ka huakaʻi.The journey was beautiful.
- E hoʻomaka ana ka huakaʻi.The journey is starting.
Example conversation
Leilani and Ikaika are discussing a future trip.
- LeilaniE hele kākou i kahi huakaʻi.Let's go on a journey.
- IkaikaHe aha kou manaʻo?What is your idea?
- LeilaniE hele kākou i Maui.Let's go to Maui.
- IkaikaHe huakaʻi maikaʻi kēlā!That is a great journey!
