Kauai for Dog Lovers: Fur-ever Friends
The Garden Isle is truly a dog’s fantasy land. Boundless outdoor adventures, streams to romp in, and pet-friendly beaches will have your furry friend wagging for joy. Here’s everything you need to know.
My dog, Bandi, tirelessly chasing sticks all day, every day. Look at that happy face! We rescued Bandi from the Kauai Humane Society in 2013, and she has been a loyal member of our family ever since.
Kauai Humane Society’s “Doggy Field Trips”
If you’re missing your canine companion during your stay on Kauai, or simply a Kauai resident looking to make a pup’s day, this is the program for you. The Kauai Humane Society lets dog lovers 18 & up “check out” one of their shelter dogs and take them on a daytime adventure! This includes dog-friendly hikes, beaches, or a stroll on the Kapa’a Bike Path. Pick-up hours are 11:00 AM – 1 PM (Tuesday through Friday) or 10 AM – 12 PM Saturday’s and Monday’s. Tuesday through Friday, your new friends must be taken back to the shelter by 5:30 PM, or by 3:30 on Saturday’s and Monday’s. The lucky field trip dogs will sport an “Adopt Me” vest and must wear a leash at all times. Who knows, you may end up adopting the pup yourself!
Kauai Dog Parks
The majestic Goliath, enjoying his coconut on the beach (photo contributed by his owner, Garret Smith).
Two dog parks (one on the North Shore and one on the South Side) give Kauai dogs a wide range to play and make friends. The North Shore Dog Park is community-built, and located in the beautiful Wai Koa Plantation in Kilauea. It’s open from dawn to dusk year-round, per the dog park rules. Framed by gorgeous mountain views, this free doggy playground offers shade for both you and your dog. Freddie’s Dog Park, on the South Side of Kauai, is on Kauai Humane Society’s property. This park is “member’s-only”, meaning a donation to Kauai Humane Society must be made annually. Visit the Kauai Humane Society’s website for more info.
Where to Walk
Calvin, feeling the tropical Kauai breeze beneath his ears (photo contributed by his owner, Lori Fleming).
Wag more, bark less. That’s the motto to follow on Kauai’s pet-friendly beaches (typically beaches that are not county-maintained or parks). Kalapaki Beach, the Sleeping Giant hike (Wailua), or the Wai Koa Loop (Kilauea) are all great options. The Kauai Coastal Path is also doggy-friendly, so get those paws moving. Keep your furry friends on leashes and always clean up after them. If your dog poops, you scoop!
Bella, a Kauai pup and amateur model, enjoying a Kauai sunset (photo contributed by her owner, Kalina Jones).
Kauai Pet Stores
Kauai recently got a Petco (hooray!) which is located in Lihue. Natural Pet Hawaii, also in Lihue, is a smaller pet store with all sorts healthy kibbles and toys for dogs. My own dog thinks a good, old fashioned stick will do just fine on most days. They float in the water (she’s a swimmer) and, most importantly, are free and plentiful in supply!
Life truly is better with a dog. Kauai caters to all dogs’ needs, from the tiniest Chihuahua to the biggest German Shepard. If you give a dog a Kauai coconut… they’ll be happy for hours!
