Mauka or Makai? What Is the Difference, and Why Does It Matter in Puako?

Jan Nores, RS
Dec 19, 2025
6 min read

If you’ve ever gone with me to look at homes in Puako, you’ve probably heard me use the words “mauka” and “makai” without thinking about it. People who have lived on the island for a long time know these lines by heart. For people who are new to the area, they often make them stop and ask a question.

“What do mauka and makai really mean?”

That’s an excellent question, and it’s not just about getting directions. Knowing the difference between mauka and makai can change not only your lifestyle, but also your budget, your maintenance duties, and how you experience this very particular community.

Let’s look at it more closely, Puako style.

Mauka and Makai: Simple Words, Big Meaning

In Hawaiian:

Mauka means “toward the mountains” or “mountainside.”
Makai means “toward the ocean” or “oceanside.”

These words are usually used instead of north, south, east, or west. They are very connected to the land and sea, which is how Hawaiians have always lived.

When I talk about Puako properties:

Makai means oceanfront—on the ocean side of Puako Beach Drive
Mauka indicates mountain side—typically across the street from the oceanfront homes

Two places. One path. Very different things happened.

Puako: A Safe Place by the Sea

There has always been something special about Puako. It was a fishing village long before it became valuable real estate. It was a close-knit coastal community based on respect for the land (ʻāina), the ocean (kai), and ohana (family).

Puako still feels like a safe place to be. No hotels. No tall buildings. There is nothing but the ocean, the lava shoreline, and a community that cherishes simplicity and connection. If you pick mauka or makai, you’re choosing a way of life that is becoming less common in Hawaiʻi.

That being said, the two are very different in important ways.

Puako oceanfront home lanai, sunset view

Makai Living: Magic by the Ocean

There is no doubt that makai living is attractive.

Homes on the ocean in Puako offer:

Views of the sunset without any obstructions
The sound of waves all day long
Easy access to swimming, snorkeling, and fishing
A front-row seat to whales during the season

This is the desire of many consumers, but dreams cost money.

Costs

In short, Makai residences cost more. Oceanfront properties in Puako are very expensive because there aren’t many available, and demand is usually high. You are paying for more than just a property; you are paying for a place that will never be the same again.

Taxes

Oceanfront properties pay more in property taxes. The assessed values show that the property is in a great location, which means higher yearly taxes.

Care

This is where living in makai needs both eyes open.

There are several specific problems that come with living this close to the ocean:

Salt air speeds up corrosion.
Metal fixtures rust faster.
Windows, doors, and railings need more care.
Humidity can harm electronics and appliances.
Paint and finishes on the outside wear out faster.

Homes on the ocean require regular, proactive maintenance. Living next to the water means taking care of things like these. I remind my clients often that the ocean is generous, but it must also be respected.

High tides and winter waves can also affect the area, especially during certain periods of the year. I’ll write more about this in future blogs since it’s vital to know the facts about owning property on the seaside, not just the romanticism.

Mauka Living: Not Across the Experience, but Across the Street

Now let’s talk about mauka properties, which are the ones that are on the mountainside of Puako Beach Drive.

These houses have:

A quieter, more protected place to live
Lower property taxes
Lower purchase prices compared to oceanfront
Less exposure to salt, damp, and wind

Many mauka homes still have ocean views, cooling trade breezes, and easy access to the beach, even if they aren’t right on the coast.

For many people, mauka properties are a great deal. You still live in Puako. You still walk to the ocean. You are still a member of the same community. But it costs less and doesn’t need as much upkeep.

I’ve worked with a lot of clients who, at first, wanted makai, but then realized that mauka offered the lifestyle they wanted without some of the long-term challenges.

Labels Don’t Matter as Much as Lifestyle

It’s not about right or wrong when you choose between mauka and makai; it’s about alignment.

Think about:

Do you want to be able to stroll right to the water, or is walking to the beach every day enough?
Are you ready to pay more for maintenance and get more involved?
Is it important to see the sunset from your lanai, or is community and simplicity more important?
Are you buying for full-time living, part-time use, or a long-term legacy?

There is something quite remarkable on both sides of the road. The most important thing is to know what fits your idea of living on an island.

Market Point of View: Knowledge Is Key

I’ve lived and worked in Puako for decades, and I can tell you this: every property here has a narrative, and there are things about each place that you won’t find in internet postings.

To compare mauka and makai homes that are for sale right now, you need to do more than just look at the price per square foot. It takes understanding:

How long it has been exposed to the elements
The quality of the construction and materials
The history of maintenance
The lot’s location and height
How livable it will be in the long term

This is where local knowledge really counts.

A Few Hawaiian Words You Should Know

Let’s add a couple more Hawaiian words to your island vocabulary while we’re here:

“Mele Kalikimaka” means “Merry Christmas.”
“ʻOhana” means “Family.”
“E Komo Mai” means “Please come in” or “Welcome.”
“Puako” means “A safe haven.”

And in case you forget:

Mauka = Mountain
Makai = Ocean

These are simple phrases, but once you know what they mean, you’ll never look at Hawaiʻi the same way again.

Final Thoughts

Puako has something that is becoming harder to find in today’s world: authenticity, community, and a strong connection to the place, whether you want the drama of living by the sea or the balance of a mauka home.

I’ve been here. I have worked here. I know these homes, this street, and these beaches very well. I would be happy to share what I know about owning property in Puako, whether it’s mauka or makai.

E Komo Mai.

Here are some properties currently available in Puako, both mauka and makai, including one condo—a rare find in Puako. If you’re not quite ready to commit to a single-family home in Puako, starting with a condo can be a wonderful option. It’s a great way to experience what it’s like to live in this unique community. Many of the properties below come with active STVRs (Short-Term Vacation Rental licenses), allowing you to offset ownership costs while generating additional income.

For trusted local insight and to arrange a private showing in Puako’s safe haven by the sea, please contact me.