Makai sits next to 3 phonetic neighbors — Makei, Mikal, and Micah are the closest matches by sound. Most share Makai's Hawaiian cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"toward the sea, seaward"
"honest, steadfast"
"Yahweh is my God"
"brave warrior (later folk etymology)"
"thunder god"
"lion"
"modern American coinage, son of Case"
"descendant of Dorus, Dorian Greek"
"lotus flower"
"statement of belief, system of faith"
"traveler, one who leaps"
"modern elaboration of Jason"
"bent nose"
"son of Nicholas (via Cole)"
"ray of light, bright counsel"
"of the forest, wood-dweller"
"divine power (from Oswald)"
"battle, warrior spirit"
"sun, lord"
"wine stone"
"western clearing"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Makai — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Hawaiian origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Makai.
Rhythm: Makai is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.