Makai is a Hawaiian word that means “towards the sea” or “ocean side.” It refers to the direction facing the water, as opposed to “mauka,” which means “towards the mountain” or “land side.” The term makai is commonly used in Hawaiian place names, such as Makai Pier in Honolulu, and in cultural practices, such as the Makahiki festival, which traditionally took place on the makai side of the islands.