E komo mai iā Maui
The English phrase "welcome to maui" is translated into Hawaiian as E komo mai iā Maui.
In Hawaiian, E komo mai is used to invite someone into a space or a community. When directed toward the island, it functions as a greeting for those who have just arrived on Maui.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase E komo mai literally translates to "enter" or "come in", serving as a welcoming command.
Did you know?
- While Maui refers to the island here, it is also the name of the legendary demigod who fished the islands up from the sea. The name is shared between the land and the mythical figure.
- In traditional Hawaiian culture, the act of welcoming someone is often accompanied by a lei. This physical gesture serves as a tangible extension of the sentiment expressed in E komo mai.
- The word komo shares a common root with the word tomo in Tahitian and Māori. These languages are all part of the same vast Austronesian family that spread across the Pacific.
Example conversation
Noelani greets Kai at the airport.
- NoelaniAloha Kai, e komo mai iā Maui!Hello Kai, welcome to Maui!
- KaiMahalo, Noelani!Thank you, Noelani!
- NoelaniHauʻoli kou hiki ʻana.I am happy you arrived.
- KaiHauʻoli wau i kei eia!I am happy to be here!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Maui, komo, mai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
