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Pololu Valley

Location: Kapaau Directions: Drive through Hawi and Kapaau until you reach the dead end of Highway 270, which is the Pololu Valley Lookout. Parking is limited. Description: The 300 foot trail down to the Valley floor is called Awini Trail, which is 0.5 miles round trip. However, once you reach the “floor,” you can continue walking through a forest of pine trees and across the Pololu River (which is fed by agricultural runoff) to the other side whether a tree-covered trail continues. Sturdy shoes are a must, and trail may be muddy and very slippery from rain. Please note: No cell service, lifeguard, or bathroom facilities are available. If there is an emergency, someone would have to hike back out and drive to the school for cell service (Trust me, I know!). Camping is illegal. Hoku had fun during our group dog hike! The ocean can be a bit treacherous here, so we suggest not swimming and never turn your back to the ocean. The forest at the base of...

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Ulu La’ au – Waimea Nature Park – Kamuela, Hawaii

Located behind Canada France Hawaii Telescope administrative offices Address: 65-1238 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kamuela, HI Website: http://waimeaoutdoorcircle.org/htm/park.htm The largest project of the Waimea Outdoor Circle is Ulu La‘au, which means “Garden of Trees.” The park is popular with Waimea area dog owners.  It is free to the public and open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for walking, picnics, nature enjoyment, native plant identification, dog walking, etc. The Park is a 10 acre parcel of State land in the heart of Waimea town, leased by Waimea Outdoor Circle for environmental research, education and restoration. Their goal has been to remove invasive/noxious plant species and replace them with endemic and canoe plants (plants brought to Hawaii by the native Hawaiians in their canoes), along with the endangered and threatened plant species native to Hawaii. They provide long-term maintenance of these plants, and provide an opportunity for environmental education for local school groups and the general public. The Park’s location, about 2,600 feet elevation near Waimea’s “dry side,” is frequently affected by “wet...

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Ruff It – MAUI

Lucky we live Hawaii, eh?  But where do we take our dogs for hiking, playing at the beach, or strolling in a park? Most beaches and trails on Maui allow dogs unless specified otherwise. We are currently researching EVERY island and adding places as we learn about them.  If you know of dog-friendly places you’d like to share with us, please drop us an email at rhonda@lavadogshawaii.com. ...

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Ruff It – OAHU

Ruff It – OAHU

Lucky we live Hawaii, eh?  But where do we take our dogs for hiking, playing at the beach, or strolling in a park? Hawaiian Humane Society (Oahu) has an extensive list of Oahu beach areas and parks where dogs are allowed....

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Ruff It – BIG ISLAND

Ruff It – BIG ISLAND

Lucky we live Hawaii, eh? But where do we take our dogs for hiking, playing at the beach, or strolling in a park? Click on the links below to see descriptions and photos and what you need to know before you go: NORTH KOHALA Waikoloa Beach – Anaeho’omalu Bay (“A” Bay) Waikoloa Village Dog Park (In progress!) Waikoloa Village Post Office Trail Waikoloa Village Pu’u Hinai Cinder Cone Trail Puako Beach Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site Kawaihae Harbor Beach Landing Shipping Docks Waimea Nature Park (Ulu La’au) and trails Mana Road (Waimea) Ala Kahakai Trail (south of Spencer Beach Park) – **PLEASE READ UPDATE** Pololu Trail KONA 1871 Trail to Ki’ilae Village (from Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park) Central Bark Dog Park(s) (Holualoa/Keauhou Mauka) Dog Beach (Honokohau Harbor) Kaloko Fishpond at Honokohau National Park Honua’ula Forest Reserve Makaula O’oma Tract (Kaloko) Ka’awaloa Trail (Kealakekua Bay) Paws University (Yappy Hour) – Most Sundays (10-11:30 am – Small Shy Dogs; 11:30 am-1:00 pm – Big Puppies/Shy Dogs; 1:00-2:30 pm – Big Dogs) –...

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Onomea Trail

Onomea Trail

Probably the shortest most scenic dog-friendly hike on the Big Island, Onomea Trail is part of the Na Ala Hele Hawaii Trail & Access System. This is an easy hike that is accessed from the 4-Mile Scenic route by Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden on the Hamakua coast. The 4-Mile Scenic route has two access points from the highway (between the 7 and 8 mile markers, and again on the north near the 11 mile marker), if you miss the first turn.  Limited roadside parking only (Make sure to park completely off the road). Definitely worth checking out! .6 miles round trip, paved asphalt until you get near the ocean (Kukilu Bay). Very hot, humid today, mostly shaded though. Dogs must remain on leash at all times. (NOTE: Donkey Trail is part of a Hawaiian Kingdom government cart road used for hauling goods from the landing at Onomea.  From what we can tell, the only way to access it is by walking down the asphalt trail and continuing across to...

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