Make Horse Beach

Moloka'i


Make Horse Beach supposedly takes its name from days past when wild horses were run off the tall, dark cliff on its northern end; make (mah-kay) means 'dead.' This pretty, tiny white-sand cove is a local favorite and more secluded than Kepuhi further to the south.

It's a sublime spot for sunbathing and sunset, but usually not for swimming as the currents are fierce. On the calmest days, daredevils leap off the giant rock ledge at the beach's southern end.

To get here, turn off Kaluakoi Rd onto the road to the Paniolo Hale condos and then turn left toward the condo complex. You can park just beyond the condos and walk, or follow the dirt road heading off to the right for a quarter of a mile to a parking area. From there, follow the trail to the beach. In some of the distant reaches clothing has been deemed optional.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Moloka'i attractions

1. Kawakiu Beach

0.12 MILES

Kaluakoi's northernmost beach is also the best. Those with a sense of adventure can search out this secluded crescent of white sand and bright-turquoise…

2. Kepuhi Beach

1.29 MILES

Kepuhi is a rocky, white-sand dream, but swimming here can be a nightmare. There's a tough shore break, and strong currents are often present, even on…

3. Puʻu o Kaiaka

1.4 MILES

Hike five minutes to the top of Pu'u o Kaiaka for a super view of Papohaku Beach. This 110ft-high promontory at the southern end of Kepuhi Beach has the…

4. Papohaku Beach

2.17 MILES

The light-hued sands of Papohaku Beach run for an astounding 2.5 miles. Come here for the solitude – the sand is soft and you can often stroll from one…

5. Dixie Maru Beach

5.21 MILES

At the southern end of Pohakuloa Rd there's a parking lot with access to a narrow, round inlet that the ancient Hawaiians knew as Kapukahehu. It is now…

6. Purdy's Macadamia Nut Farm

13.08 MILES

Enthusiastic nut farmer Tuddie Purdy takes you on a free tour of his more-than-80-year-old orchard, explains how the nuts grow without pesticides,…

7. Kapuaʻiwa Coconut Grove

14.47 MILES

Molokaʻi was the favorite island playground of Kamehameha V. He had the royal 10-acre Kapuaʻiwa Coconut Grove planted near his sacred bathing pools in the…

8. Church Row

14.66 MILES

Across from the coconut grove is Church Row. Any denomination that attracts a handful of members receives its own little tract of land. Religion in…