BringFido’s Best of Hawaii

Posted by Lauren Barker

Looking for the dog-friendliest things to do in Hawaii? Well, you've come to the right place. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the most dog-friendly places to visit in the Aloha State, as well as the rest of the country. In the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States, you'll find our collection of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. You can order a copy today for just $10.00 (a savings of 63% off the retail price) when you use the discount code BEST.

Read on to learn about some of the Hawaii attractions that rose to the top of our list this year.

Best Dog-Friendly Brewery

Photo by @tawehi

Hang ten with your handsome hound at Waikiki Brewing Company, Kakaako in Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu. The Aloha State’s number one dog-friendly brewery is a laid-back place that welcomes pups inside and out. The beers on tap mirror the cool surroundings, including the Aloha Spirit Blonde Ale and 808 Pale Ale. Beach bums who love brunch should visit on the weekend to try appetizing dishes like cinnamon roll pizza and avocado toast. Don’t forget to ask your server about the branded doggy bandanas and water bowls. After brunch and a beer, rent a soft SUP board from Blue Planet and paddle on the water together.

If you’re looking for local tips, head to The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club to meet their canine concierge, Jack.

Most Dog-Friendly State Park

Photo by @amyrudometkin

If your dog has been dreaming of a Hawaiian vacation, take him to the state’s most dog-friendly state park. The eastern coastline of Maui is home to Waianapanapa State Park, which encompasses over 120 acres of low-lying volcanic shoreline, a black-sand beach, and a native Hala forest. While pets are not permitted on beaches, they are welcome on leash on a three-mile, moderate stretch of barren lava along the Ke Ala Loa O Maui/Piilani Trail. Follow the coastline and enjoy breathtaking views of the Maui volcano, Haleakalā, and the Hana Coast.

Most Dog-Friendly Attraction

Photo by Facebook.com/mauisurfergirls

Get in tune with nature and in touch with Hawaii’s spiritual history on a guided tour with Maui Surfer Girls, the most pet-friendly attraction in the state, located in Lahaina. Learn from incredible female surfers who have been wave sliding off the coast of Maui for more than 40 years combined. Small class sizes give people and pups the best chance of hanging 10 together. Luna the surfing dog has been catching waves with the crew since 2012 and can offer Fido pointers to try and prevent him from grubbing (falling off) on his first wave. Look out across the waves you’ll be catching with your canine at this cool condo. Inside, hardwood floors make for easy cleanup, and the balcony is a welcoming spot to enjoy coffee in the morning. Feeling hungry? Hula Cookies & Ice Cream is a short walk away.

Most Dog-Friendly Campground

Photo by @haleakalanps

While camping is a popular pastime in Hawaii, finding a pet-friendly campground can be a challenge. Located on the island of Maui and within Hawaii’s Haleakalā National Park, Hosmer Grove Campground is one of the few places you can pitch your tent and stargaze with Fido, and it’s definitely the most dog-friendly campground in the state. This campground lies in the cloud belt of Haleakalā at nearly 7,000 feet, and features pristine dark skies. Dogs are not allowed on the trails, but you can watch the sunrise and sunset from your vehicle with your pup by your side, including at the Summit Visitor Center parking lot. Pets of any size are permitted in the campground for no additional fee.

Best Dog Park

Photo by @jetnrocketthecorgi

During your next tour of Oahu, bring your prickly pooch to The Big Pineapple’s best fenced dog park, Hawaii Kai Dog Park in Honolulu. This welcoming space offers shady trees that provide respite from the hot sun and grass for fun games of fetch. There’s a separate space for small pups to play happily and drinking fountains for thirsty canines. If you’re in need of refreshment too, visit Island Brew Coffeehouse near the dog park.

Wake up to blue skies above the treetops from the balcony of this pet-friendly guesthouse just down the coast from Hawaii Kai Dog Park. Guests have easy access to a quiet neighborhood for evening strolls.

Top Trail to Hike With Your Dog

Photo by @coconuggs

Kuliouou Forest Reserve protects vast swathes of luscious tropical rainforest around Honolulu. The best way to see this stunning natural attraction is on the Kuliouou Ridge Trail,Hawaii’s top trail to hike with Fido. Start on forest pathways under shady trees before you reach the epic staircase lined with wildflowers and shrubs. When you reach the top, you’ll be treated to views of the Pacific Ocean in the distance, Lanikai Beach, and the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. This beautiful Hawaiian hike is under five miles out and back and is rated moderately difficult due to the descent down the steep stairs.

Stay in the heart of the Hawaiian capital at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa and enjoy ocean views with Fido from your private balcony.

Best Pet-Friendly B&B

Photo by Aloha Junction Bed & Breakfast

If your Pug has big dog energy, visit the Big Island and stay at Hawaii’s Most Dog-Friendly B&B, the Aloha Junction Bed & Breakfast in Volcano. Located two miles from Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, this delightful lodging offers a selection of rooms for people traveling with pets, including a garden room with two queen beds and easy access to the grassy area outside. Breakfast highlights flavors of the island like a papaya boat filled with bananas. For an unforgettable date with your dog, spend an afternoon strolling through Liliuokalani Gardens.

Aloha Junction Bed & Breakfast accepts two dogs of any size for an additional fee of $25 per pet, per night.

Can’t Miss Dog Event

Photo by Hawai’i Wiener Derby

Sign your dashing Dachshund up for the annual Hawai’i Wiener Derby in Kaneohe. This can't miss dog event of the year invites sausage dogs to compete for the title of Grand Champion by racing in multiple heats and eventually, the finals. Separate races for puppies and senior or disabled Doxies are also held. Other breeds are welcome to attend the event and cheer on their four-legged friends, dress in costume, participate in the pup parade and shop from local vendors.

The Hawai’i Wiener Derby is held annually at various times throughout the year. Stay nearby at this Hauula Home just steps from the beach.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Life’s “ruff.” Photo by Linda Segerfeldt

If our Best of Hawaii preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!

What's your favorite place to visit in Hawaii with your dog? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @coconuggs.