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Puna Trail that leads to Haena Beach (Shipman Beach)

Puna Trail that leads to Haena Beach (Shipman Beach)

Location: Hawaiian Paradise Park (Puna) Directions: South of Hilo, drive Hwy. 130 to the Hawaiian Paradise Park subdivision and turn makai (toward the ocean) on Kaloli Drive. Follow Kaloli Drive for several miles until it dead-ends into Beach Road. Take a left and follow Beach Road until it ends shortly in a gravel parking area ringed by large boulders with an information kiosk. There are frequent car break-ins (Notice the window glass in spots), so do not leave any valuables in your vehicle. The trailhead has no facilities. Description: 5-mile round trip FREQUENTLY MUDDY hiking trail. This is a lovely, almost entirely shaded, cool trail, just perfect for an adventurous dog. There were a few areas of the trail where it was a lake of mud, so we would divert off the trail along parallel trails that must have been cut specifically due to the nearly impassable mud lakes. Right at about the 2 mile mark, you’ll come to the coastline with no beach and no safe access to...

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Kehena Black Sand Beach

April 26, 2016  Mahalo to Lava Dogs fan Kirsten J. for sharing this dog-friendly beach that sounds perfect for water-loving dogs! Location: Kehena Black Sand Beach (also call Dolphin Beach because of the frequent appearances of spinner dolphins in this area) is at mile marker 19 on highway 137 in Puna.  There is a small parking lot on the side of the road. From here, walk towards the left (when facing the ocean). A narrow, steep and rocky trail leads down to the beach. In the past Kehena used to be very popular because of its two black sand beaches and easy access. However, in 1975 a large earthquake sent the stairs crumbling and dropped the beach three feet.  Now the best way to access it is to park at the lookout and follow the path to the left of the parking which leads to the smaller pocket of sand.  Since it is no longer easily accessible, many nude sunbathers have appropriated the area. So, visit at your own discretion. The...

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Reservoir Road (Hiking Trail)

Reservoir Road (Hiking Trail)

**NOTIFIED THAT “NO TRESPASSING” SIGNS HAVE BEEN POSTED!** Mahalo to Lava Dogs fan Kristin C. for sharing this dog-friendly hiking trail.  We have yet to traverse it, but it looks and sounds amazing! Location: From Wainuenue Avenue, it is the first left after Akolea Road (just after Manaolana Place on the right). As of Fall 2017, parking is no longer allowed by the gate. There is a spot on the side of Waianuenue JUST after the Akolea turn.  The road with a chain gate just above that spot is where you enter.  The no trespassing sign refers to what is on the left.  The sign is misleading.  The gate itself has a sign – “No vehicular traffic beyond this point.”  (There’s another “no trespassing” sign on a gate further in, which is always open. That can be ignored, too.  It is most likely for when the gate may have been closed in the past.  Even when the water company is working there during the week, they ignore anyone wandering around in...

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Just Cruisin Coffee

Where: 835 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo Call: (808) 934-7444 (Can call in your order!) Website: http://justcruisincoffee.com/ and on Facebook FREE Wi-Fi Open Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Lava Dogs fan Kristin C. shared this dog-friendly spot with us (April 2016) that she frequents with her pups.  She says, “They have outdoor seating (I only use the umbrella tables on the far side of the parking lot so not great for a rainy day; the other outdoor tables are just outside the entrance).  You do have to order/pick up your food either inside or through the drive-thru.  I’ve had them give me dog treats a couple times when using the drive through when my dog is with me.” Mahalo to Kristin for sharing this dog-friendly location with...

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WikiFresh (Hilo) (CLOSED)

WikiFresh (Hilo) (CLOSED)

177 Kilauea Avenue Hilo, HI  96720 (808) 930-WIKI (9454) Open Monday – Saturday: 10:30 am – 8:00 pm; Sunday: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm “Yappy Mondays” – Dine with your pet on Monday (all day!) and receive 10% off all regular-priced items! Website: http://www.gowikifresh.com/   MARCH 27, 2017 Guest Review (with permission) from Kirsten J. – The lanai is very clean and spacious. I was the only person there for a while, and there were no other dogs which participated in Yappy Hour that evening. Many restaurant patrons walked by and came over to pet Kia, and staff was very sweet to her. Several employees offered to fill her water bowl, making me feel very welcome. The only drawback to the lanai is the location — it’s right on busy Kilauea Ave. — so it’s not like there’s a great view and there is some car noise. It’s not terrible though and after a little while I stopped noticing. There’s also plenty of parking.  The lanai is completely covered, so it’d...

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Sweet Cane Cafe – Hilo

Sweet Cane Cafe – Hilo

Where: 48 Kamana Street, Hilo and also at Hilo BayFront (116 Kamehameha Ave, Mon-Sat 10-3:00) Call: (808) 933-8685 Website: http://kalapanaorganics.com/sweetcanecafe/menu/ and on Facebook Open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Lava Dogs fan Karin shared this dog-friendly spot with us (February 2016) and says that the large lanai area is perfect for those who need wheelchair access.  Currently, it is best to eat there in the early morning or late afternoon, as the sun hits the lanai directly in the late morning and lunchtime.  Karin suggested to management for some sort of shade or screening, so we’ll see what they come up with.  🙂 Notes from the business: Sweet Cane Cafe is a locally owned, family run business featuring fresh pressed, organic, locally grown Sugar Cane, flavored with tasty ingredients like limes, ginger, hot peppers, coconut milk, and even chocolate! YUM! We also offer made-to-order smoothies with all organic ingredients. Smoothie flavors change with produce availability, so come in often to sample our ever-changing menu, or create your own flavor! Soon...

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