BringFido’s Ruff Guide to Hawaii

Posted by Jason Halliburton

Thinking of pampering your Pomeranian with a trip to Hawaii? If so, he's one lucky pup. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the dog-friendliest things to do in the Paradise of the Pacific, as well as the rest of the country. And we've assembled it all in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Order your copy today and save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code SURF.

For a preview of the book, here are a few of our editors' top picks for dog-friendly things to do in Hawaii:

Surf the Waves

Honolulu, HI
"Sea you on the next wave." Photo by Deborah Kolb

Catch some waves with Fido on Waikiki Beach. Don’t worry if you’ve never surfed before. The crew at Gone Surfing Hawaii offers beginner lessons for you and your dog and will equip you with all the necessary gear. During your private lesson, they’ll provide an on-land demonstration of surfing basics before your paws get wet. After jumping in the ocean, you’ll receive instruction on reading the waves, properly using the board and the etiquette of wave riding. If surfing is not for you, the company also offers stand-up paddleboard lessons. Gone Surfing Hawaii even has a videographer on staff to capture your adventure for posterity.

After Fido learns to ‘Hang 20’ on the water, kick back and relax at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, a trendy boutique property in the heart of Honolulu. The hotel offers dog-friendly rooms with private lanais. After freshening up in the room, reward Fido with some treats from The Public Pet before heading to dinner at the Barefoot Beach Café. There, you’ll enjoy authentic Hawaiian fare, as Fido lounges on the oceanfront patio.

Go on a Creative Scavenger Hunt

Kapaa, HI
"Feeling quite fetching today." Photo by Creative Soul Scavenger Hunts

Load up the Mystery Machine and take your canine detective on an interactive adventure around the island of Kauai with Creative Soul Scavenger Hunts. Follow clues and complete imaginative tasks as you soak up the natural beauty of Hawaii’s Garden Isle. Your experience begins and ends on the north shore of the island in the town of Hanalei. If you mention ‘Ruff Guides’ when reserving your hunt, a special canine clue will be added to your experience. After Sherlock Bones has sniffed out all the clues, he’s sure to be hungry. Bring him to one of Hanalei’s famous food trucks for some fresh ahi or a burger patty, and then make your way to JoJo’s Shave Ice for a cold treat. For some off-leash fun, head to Kauai North Shore Dog Park. Located in the Wai Koa Plantation in Kilauea, the park is open to the public and free to enter.

You and your island hound will enjoy the soothing sound of ocean waves from your room at the Ko’a Kea Hotel & Resort. Put on your pup’s hula skirt and take a stroll around the lush landscaping and manicured grounds of the resort property. Canine guests are greeted with treats, bedding, and bowls at check-in.

Hike to Stunning Views

Kailua, HI
"Good vibes and great views." Photo by @bentleyncooper

Take your pup on the Lanikai Pillboxes Hike, also known as Kaiwa Ridge Trail. One of the most scenic hikes on the island, the trail winds along coastal paths, offering sprawling views of the Mokulua Islands, Kailua Beach, and Lanikai Beach along the way. The hike itself is rated as moderate, will take you between an hour and 90 minutes to complete, and is the "pawfect" spot to snap some sunrise or sunset photos of Fido. Since no trip to the Hawaiian islands would be complete without beach time, make sure to visit Kailua Beach Park after your hike to bask in the sun on the gorgeous white sand and splash in the turquoise water with your furry beach bum.

After all the fun in the sun, retire to your cozy abode at the Blue Ginger Cottage. The 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom cottage has a swimming pool, hot tub, and bbq grill, and is just a five minute walk from the beach.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


If this Ruff Guide to Hawaii preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our new book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use discount code SURF to save 50% on your copy. Happy Travels!

Have you been to dog-friendly Hawaii? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by iStock/izasob.