How To Plan A Dog Friendly Honolulu Vacation

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November 9, 2022

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Have you been thinking about finally taking that dream vacation to Honolulu… but you don’t want to leave your furry friend behind? Or maybe you’re a local and in need of a little dog friendly staycation!

Whatever your situation, it’s time to start planning! Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about bringing your pup just to leave him sitting in a hotel room. There are plenty of dog friendly activities to do in Honolulu.

If you need to get away (or peacefully enjoy a staycation), then you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find out how to plan your perfect dog friendly Honolulu vacation. 

Your Dog Friendly Honolulu Vacation

Honolulu’s Dog Friendly Accommodations

Surfjack

The first part of planning your vacation is figuring out where to stay! For a great dog friendly hotel in Honolulu, we absolutely love Surfjack. Four paws up!

Surfjack Hotel dog friendly hotel honolulu by Keri Nakahashi Photography

This vintage-inspired hotel is close to beaches and shopping and even offers movies… poolside! With specialty boutiques, cocktails, and delicious food, you really can’t go wrong!

They are so welcoming of dogs and will do anything to help your pup’s stay a comfortable one.

Surfjack Hotel Honolulu dog on bed dog friendly by Keri Nakahashi Photography

Oh, and of course, make sure you and your pup say hi to Jack, the hotel dog who inspired this awesome hotel’s dog friendly vibe!

Shopping With Your Dog in Honolulu

There’s nothin’ like a little retail therapy on vacation. And there’s some great dog friendly shopping in Honolulu!

Calvin and Susie

This mom & pop doggy boutique offers adorable aloha shirts and attire for your dog! Plus, they’ve got some comfy aloha-printed beds and other accessories to help your dog go home with some real island vibes.

The Public Pet

Another local favorite, The Public Pet has some delicious, locally made treats just for dogs. And be sure to check out the rest of their store for other local-inspired stuff for dogs and their humans. This is a must-stop!

Dog Friendly Dining in Honolulu

Honolulu is full of restaurants that are dog friendly. Most dog friendly seating is located on a porch or a veranda, but in Honolulu, why would you want to be anywhere but outside?!

Island Brew Coffeehouse

At either Island Brew Coffeehouse locations, enjoy coffee and a delicious breakfast with your dog outside at one of the dog friendly tables. Their coffee is made of locally grown and roasted beans, so you’ll be getting a true taste of the island. And of course, don’t forget to slip a little of your delicious breakfast to your dog. 

Heavenly Island Lifestyle

Enjoy locally sourced food with island-inspired flavors. Your dog can join you for brunch, lunch, or dinner on the veranda. All ingredients are locally sourced and there’s a little something on the menu for everyone to enjoy. 

Need more dog friendly restaurant ideas? We’ve got you totally covered! For more dog friendly dining ideas check out our helpful blog post here.

Paddle Boarding with Your Dog in Honolulu

Step out of your comfort zone and learn a new skill!

SUPDog Hawaii

For a truly unique experience, book a session for you and your dog with SUPDog. You’ll learn how to paddle board with your pup! They offer group and private lessons and provide all safety equipment. They truly have options for everyone! If you and your dog are more experienced, you can learn to surf. For beginners who may not be comfortable in the water, you can book your dog a swim lesson session. This is really an opportunity that is too great to miss!

dog surfing Honolulu by Keri Nakahashi Photography

Dog Friendly Beaches near Honolulu

If you’re visiting Honolulu, of course you’re planning on spending lots of time at the beach. Fortunately, there are plenty of dog friendly beaches to explore. 

Kahala Beach 

Take your dog out for a walk on the beach, and take your time admiring the mansions that line the area. This is a fairly secluded beach, so your dog will have plenty of room to run and splash in the water. Don’t forget to travel to this beach in the evening so you can get some sunset photos. 

Kawela Bay

Located near the North Shore, this is another secluded beach perfect for letting your dog splash and play… on a leash of course. The water is naturally a little murky, but this is balanced by the fact that it is calm throughout most of the year. This is a great beach for the dog that is a little people shy. 

There are so many amazing dog friendly beaches near Honolulu. Looking for advice on which one to choose? Check out a list of our favorites here.

Hiking With Your Dog near Honolulu

The hiking near Honolulu is second only to the beaches. There are dozens of amazing trails and a little something for hikers of every skill level. So you absolutely have to take your dog for a hiking excursion he’ll never forget!

Manoa Falls

This is a fairly easy trail, of just 1.7 miles one way. The end goal of the trail is the iconic Manoa falls, which is one of the sites on Oahu that you must see while visiting. The trail does get muddy, and you can expect the occasional tropical shower, but this is a great trail for beginners and those that want a leisurely nature walk versus a strenuous hike. 

Makapu’u Lighthouse Lookout Trail

This is a 2 mile roundtrip hike, made easier by the fact that the trail is paved. Perfect for those who can’t handle rough terrain but who can handle distance walking. The ocean views and the view of the lighthouse make this a unique and memorable hike. 

But that’s not all! There are tons of awesome dog friendly hikes near Honolulu. Check them out here.

Book a Professional Pet Photo Shoot with Your Dog in Honolulu!

Since you’re already vacationing in one of the most beautiful spots in the world, why not take the opportunity to get some pictures done? No one ever regretted having too many pictures from their vacation. Or of their dog, for that matter. Take advantage of the island setting to get some truly unique and memorable photos. 

Professional dog photo shoot in Honolulu by Keri Nakahashi Photography

Book a professional pet photo session for your dog and preserve your memories of your time in Honolulu together. You can choose your setting, or let us help you decide on the perfect location. Have your dog’s session done near a trailhead, on the beach, or even in your favorite part of the city!

And of course, you can be in the pictures with your dog or choose to feature only your pup. No matter what you choose, a photo session will make an unforgettable experience even more memorable! 

Book your session today so you can be sure to see us while you’re on your trip! 

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a Honolulu based dog photographer for those obsessed with their furbaby. Here youʻll find all things dogs + Hawaii - photography tips, top dog-friendly spots, client sessions, and more!

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a Honolulu based dog photographer for those obsessed with their furbaby. Here youʻll find all things dogs + Hawaii - photography tips, top dog-friendly spots, client sessions, and more!

I'm Keri.

Hey!

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