The raid began around midnight on 17 August 1942, with most of the force recovered on the 18th. Makin was a remote Japanese outpost that supported long-range flying-boat reconnaissance but was difficult to reinforce. Its small garrison made it suitable for a commando attack intended to seize prisoners, equipment, and intelligence. The operation was also meant to draw Japanese attention away from Guadalcanal and Tulagi. Destroying local facilities was a secondary objective.
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Why Makin Island mattered
The Makin raid aimed to collect intelligence, take prisoners, divert Japanese attention from Guadalcanal and Tulagi, and test an isolated island target.