[center_quote]Did you know that over 60 percent of U.S. households have pets, and majority of those pets are dogs? [center_quote]Any animal lover out there will agree when I say it’s easy to see why so many people have a pooch- they provide companionship, benefit well-being and healthy, and create an all-around happier household. But this also means that separation is hard. Leaving the family dog behind on a vacation is like leaving behind your child, sister or brother. Owners often time miss their pets terribly, and some even cut their vacations short to get home quicker to their beloved furry family member.
In the past, it wasn’t very common to bring dogs along on vacations. But recently there has been a big trend in dog-friendly places, making it easier than ever for people to travel with their pooch. You can now find a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, parks and shopping areas that allow dogs on property, and more and more we see vacationers exercise this option and bring the dog along.
If you’re thinking of a Hawaii vacation, but worried about leaving your dog behind, you need not worry! Hawaii is as dog-friendly as ever, and once your animal passes through quarantine (you can find all the details about this process here https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/pi/pq/travel-shipping-information/importing-animals-to-hawai%CA%BBi-from-the-u-s-mainland/) you are free to have a Hawaii vacation with your favorite furry friend.
Planning out your vacation with a dog might require some research however, since there are still restrictions in place at many beaches. But you’ll be surprised to see how many dog-friendly locations there actually are in Hawaii. Check out our lists of pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, beaches and shopping areas on Oahu and next time, consider bringing the family favorite along!
Hotels
While some hotels don’t seem pet-friendly from the outside, you can bet there will be a plush toy and healthy treat waiting for your pooch inside. Many hotels even include special amenities for their dog guests, such as private sheets and towels, water bowls, pet play areas, doggie treats, toys and more. You’ll need to inquire about specific requirements (such as size limit or add-on price for dog-friendly rooms), but here’s a list of Oahu’s dog-friendly hotels.
Trump International Hotel, Waikiki Beach
Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head, Waikiki
The Modern Honolulu, Honolulu
Airport Honolulu Hotel, Nimitz Highway, Honolulu
Best Western, The Plaza Hotel, Honolulu
The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu
White Sands Hotel, Honolulu
Paradise Bay Resort, Kaneohe
Tiki Moon Villas, Laie
Hotel Renew by Aston, Waikiki Beach
Aqua Waikiki Pearl, Honolulu
Aqua Waikiki Wave, Honolulu
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa
Stay Waikiki, Waikiki
Pagoda Hotel, Honolulu
Holiday Surf Hotel, Honolulu
Restaurants
It’s so wonderful to enjoy a good meal and have your favorite companion by your side. While some restaurants only allow dogs on the outdoor patios areas, there are a handful that allow them indoors too. Some restaurants even have special dog menus or quick treats at the counter to purchase and take back to the hotel. Just make sure your pooch has good manners, no begging allowed!
Town, Kaimuki
Fresh Café, Queen Ave., Honolulu
Jamba Juice, Kailua, Aiea, Waipahu locations
Taiyo Ramen, Ala Moana
Greek Marina, Hawaii Kai
Kona Brewing Co., Hawaii Kai
Nico’s Pier 38, Nimitz Hwy., Honolulu
The Fat Greek, Waialae Ave., Honolulu
Brasserie Du Vin, Chinatown, Honolulu
Le Bistro, Kalanianaole, Honolulu
Waialua Bakery, Haleiwa
Grass Skirt Grill, Haleiwa
Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Honolulu
Z Pizza, Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu
Off-Leash Parks
Even though many hotels and restaurants are becoming dog-friendly, it’s still hard to find off-leash areas where your dog can run free and stretch their legs. But if you have a mutt that likes to play catch, mingle with other dogs or simply run wild, here are Oahu’s off-leash dog parks:
Bark Park, Diamond Head Rd. & 18th Ave., Honolulu
Hawaii Kai Dog Park, Hawaii Kai
McInerny Dog Park, Honolulu
Ala Wai Dog Park, Honolulu
Moanalua Dog Park, Honolulu
Mililani Dog Park, Mililani
Humane Society Dog Park, Honolulu
Beaches
Please note that all dog-friendly beaches in Hawaii require your dog to be on a leash. Bummer, I know. But it’s an important rule to follow so that the beaches aren’t rampant with dogs running over sunbathers, children and beach blankets, right? Some of Oahu’s beaches do not allow dogs, even if they are on a leash, but here’s a list of the ones that happily welcome leashed canines:
Aukai Beach, Hauula
Gray’s (Halekulani) Beach, Waikiki
Haleaha Beach, Punaluu
Hanakailio Beach, Kahuku
Kaalawai Beach, Diamond Head
Kahala Beach, Kahala
Kahuku Golf Course Beach, Kahuku
Kaihalulu Beach, Kahuku
Kailua Beach, Kailua
Kaipapau Beach, Hauula
Kaiwi Coastline (from the Alan Davis Ranch wall towards Makapu’u Point), Kaiwi
Kakela Beach, Hauula
Kaloko Beach, Kokohead
Kaluahole Beach, Diamond Head
Kanenelu Beach, Kaaawa
Kapaeloa Beach, North Shore
Kawela Bay Beach, North Shore
Kealia Beach, Mokuleia
Kualoa Sugar Mill Beach, Kualoa
Kuilima Cove Beach, Kahuku
Laie Beach, Laie
Lanikai Beach, Kailua
Laniloa Beach, Laie
Mahakea Beach, Laie
Makao Beach, Hauula
Makua Beach, Makua
Manner’s Beach, Kahe
Mokuleia Army Beach, Mokuleia
Mokuleia Beach, Mokuleia
Niu Beach, Niu Valley
Oneawa Beach, Kailua
Outrigger Canoe Club Beach, Waikiki
Pahipahialua Beach, North Shore
Paiko Beach, Kuliouou
Punaluu Beach, Punaluu
Puuiki Beach, Mokuleia
Royal-Moana Beach, Waikiki
Turtle Bay Beach, North Shore
Shopping Areas
If the hubby doesn’t want to accompany you on a shopping escape, then swap him out for the dog! It’s great that shopping areas now allow furry friends because that means you don’t have to convince anyone to come along with you for company… unless you’re shopping in a dog unfriendly zone. Anyways, here’s a list of Oahu’s Fido-friendly shopping areas:
Aloha Tower Marketplace, Honolulu
Koko Marina Center, Hawaii Kai
Ward Center, Honolulu
Aikahi Park Shopping, Kailua
Halekuai Center, Kapolei
