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Pu’u Huluhulu Trail

Pu’u Huluhulu Trail

Location: From the new Saddle Road (Daniel Inouye Highway), it is located directly across from the main Mauna Kea entrance. Hours: Website: https://hawaiitrails.hawaii.gov/trails/#/trail/puu-huluhulu-trail/15 Cost: FREE Amenities: Porta potty bathrooms One HOT August early afternoon, I wanted to take Pepper to someplace with cooler temperature.  From the upper highway, we turned onto the new Saddle Road extension (known as the Daniel Inouye Highway) and drove 24 minutes to Pu’u Huluhulu Native Tree Sanctuary and Nature Trail (a perfect 75 degrees!) across from the main Mauna Kea entrance. This is a State of Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources Trail (Dogs are required to remain on leash while on State trails).  The weather was perfect, this is a great place to take a break while driving the long stretch between Hilo and Kona.  There was only one family there at the top having a picnic. Surprised it wasn’t crowded! Although it’s only 1-mile, there are various trails and panoramic views that could keep you busy there for 1 to 2 hours....

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Central Bark Dog Parks (Holualoa)

Central Bark Dog Parks (Holualoa)

Location: 78-6767 Mamalahoa Hwy in Holualoa, Keauhou mauka by County Department of Water Supply (bill payment) and Donkey Mill Art Center.  From Kuakini Highway, turn north on Haawina Street, and turn left on Mamalahoa Highway.  Look for the County Department of Water Supply blue sign on Kuakini at Haawina Street. Hours: Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Website: http://www.hihs.org/shelters/central-bark Cost: FREE Amenities: The dog parks have two full size bathrooms, outdoor sinks with soap, poop bag dispenser, and shade pavilions and benches.  The 1-acre “large dog” dog park includes a “splash pad,” hills and boulders to climb and wander on, and the “small dog” dog park has a small plastic kiddie pool. Bark Park Rules For Dogs and Their People Vaccinations and County dog license should be current. Dogs and children must be accompanied by an adult. A maximum of three dogs per adult. Owners must carry a leash and closely supervise their dogs and children. Aggressive, mounters, in heat or sick dogs...

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1871 Trail (Hōnaunau)

1871 Trail (Hōnaunau)

Location: Hōnaunau Directions: Although there are two access points to the 1871 Trail, please park and access the trail from the Pu’uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park since Ho’okena Beach Park (the other access point) does not permit dogs.  There is typically plenty of parking at the visitor center and more at the picnic area (down a dirt road…Look for the “picnic area” sign).  Also, there are water fountains at the visitor center, which is great for refilling water bottles!  If you arrive before park is open, you may proceed through the open gate.  Please pay the entry fee as you leave.  This supports the park’s operations. Description: 6.2-mile round trip hiking trail, but can turn back any time! Please note: While dogs are welcome on the trail and picnic area, they are not allowed on the royal grounds within the park. Mahalo to Lava Dogs Hawaii fan Robin C. for sharing her recent hiking experience and photos in July 2016! “It was a really nice hike.  We left at...

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Pu’u Wa’awa’a – Halapepe and Ohia/Cone Trails (North Kona)

Pu’u Wa’awa’a – Halapepe and Ohia/Cone Trails (North Kona)

PLEASE NOTE: Please keep your dog(s) on leash at all times, so that we may continue using these trails!  Mahalo! Pu’u Wa’awa’a Trails website: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/frs/reserves/hawaii-island/puuwaawaa/ Directions: Traveling from either Kailua-Kona or Waimea on Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy. 190), find the mauka turn for the trailhead between the 21 and 22 mile markers (closer to the 21 mile marker). It is just south of the hill that goes up to Puu Lani Ranch and Big Island Country Club.  Drive along a white pipe fence until you reach a metal gate. Go through the gate and close it behind you (this area is still used for grazing stock) although our visit on 12/31/17, the gate was AUTOMATIC and opened for us and then closed behind us…Please double-check that it closes behind you.  The gate is unlocked daily from 6am – 6pm. **Note:  To access the Ohia or Cone trails, take the LEFT fork in the gravel/asphalt path (Vulcanite Road) to the hunter check-in station. Halapepe Trail length: 1.1 mile loop Ohia/Cone Trail length: 8.1...

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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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