Pohakumauliuli Beach

Molokai Beach Guide

Pohakumauliuli Beach

Pohakumauliuli Beach, also known as Make Horse Beach, is a secluded west Molokai shoreline with two coves, tide pools, cinder cone scenery and unsafe swimming conditions.

Azure Blue Ocean Water
Azure Blue Ocean Water

Pohakumauliuli Beach, Molokai

Located on Molokai's west shore, Pohakumauliuli Beach features two white-sand beach coves and a few large tide pools. The remote coves are good spots for sunbathing, but the swimming conditions are poor due to strong currents. Also, there are some large boulders right at the water's edge which can pose a hazard during times of high surf.

The nearby hill is a large cinder cone called Pohaku Mauliuli, which means “black rock” in the Hawaiian language. The cinder rock is quite loose in some parts and occasionally falls off into the sand below. The base of the hill is therefore not a good spot for walking or sunbathing and should be avoided.

Pohakumauliuli Beach is also known as Make Horse Beach. In the past, when there was a ranch on Molokai's west shore, an old horse fell off the cliff here and died on the beach. In the Hawaiian language, "make" means dead.

To get to Pohakumauliuli Beach, walk north along the shoreline from neighboring Kepuhi Beach. A waterfront golf course used to be located here and the golf cart trail is still visible. After a 5-10 minute walk you'll reach the first cove. The two coves are separated by a boulder hill.

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Nick

Aug 28, 2012

Thank you for these wonderful pictures! I remember this beach even though I never knew its name. We stayed near there in September 2009 and liked to go there to sunbathe and watch the sunset. There is some hiking involved though, especially if you want to go to the second, more isolated beach. You have to walk over some rocks because there is no other trail between the two beach coves.

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Browse Pohakumauliuli Beach photos featuring azure blue ocean water, sandy coves, dirt road access, surrounding flora, sunset views, Ilio Point and distant views toward Oahu.

Location, Parking and Directions

Pohakumauliuli Beach is located on Molokai's west shore near the Kepuhi Beach Resort area in Maunaloa, HI 96770. Most visitors reach it by walking north along the shoreline from Kepuhi Beach, passing remnants of the former golf course area. There are no facilities or lifeguards at the beach.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pohakumauliuli Beach located?

Pohakumauliuli Beach is located on Molokai's west shore near the Kepuhi Beach Resort area in Maunaloa.

How do you get to Pohakumauliuli Beach?

Most visitors reach Pohakumauliuli Beach by walking north along the shoreline from Kepuhi Beach. The first cove is usually about a 5- to 10-minute walk away.

Is Pohakumauliuli Beach good for swimming?

No. Swimming is not recommended because of strong currents, rocky hazards, boulders near the waterline and no lifeguards.

Why is Pohakumauliuli Beach called Make Horse Beach?

The nickname Make Horse Beach comes from an old ranching story about a horse that reportedly fell from the cliff and died on the beach.

What facilities are available at Pohakumauliuli Beach?

Pohakumauliuli Beach has no facilities, no restrooms, no showers and no lifeguards. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes.