huakaʻi maikaʻi
The Hawaiian phrase for "safe travels" is huakaʻi maikaʻi.
huakaʻi maikaʻi is used to wish someone a bon voyage.
Meaning: bon voyage (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of huakaʻi, meaning journey or voyage and maikaʻi, meaning good.
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, huakaʻi can describe not only a physical trip but also a spiritual journey or a transition between life and the afterlife.
- The word maikaʻi is a linguistic relative of the Māori word maitai, showing how much Hawaiian shares with its distant cousins across the Pacific.
- The word maikaʻi does not just mean 'good' in a moral sense, but also describes something that is physically beautiful, healthy or well-made.
Examples in context
- Huakaʻi maikaʻi iā ʻoukou.Safe travels to you all.
Example conversation
Keanu is leaving for a trip to another island.
- MaliaE Keanu, e huakaʻi maikaʻi!Keanu, safe travels!
- KeanuMahalo nui, Malia.Thank you very much, Malia.
- MaliaKe hoʻomanaʻo mai nei ʻoe?Are you remembering everything?
- KeanuʻAe, ua pololei everything.Yes, everything is correct.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maikaʻi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
