Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park

Every year we take the pooches to Volcano area for a few days and try out a new dog-friendly vacation rental (There are many, and here are just a handful of the ones we have checked out:  https://lavadogshawaii.com/dog-friendly-lodging/).  While the Hawai’i Volcanoes NP allows pets in the park, they are prohibited on any hiking trails…Bummer, I know, but it is for the protection of the federally-protected, endangered Nene goose, which nest in the Park.  We take our dogs there on one day during our trip, and we enjoy driving through the park, walking with them on leash from the visitor center parking lot toward the sulfur vents.  And then we drive and stop periodically in parking lots with overlooks, including the Jaggar Museum (which is CLOSED now, but dogs were allowed at the overlook only, not inside the museum). ( **PLEASE NOTE: Pets are no longer allowed at the end of Chain of Craters Road where Holei Sea Arch is located. There are many that rely on this area for feeding and nesting habitat, and they’ve had an increase in goslings lately, too.)  The second day of our visit, we leave the dogs at the vacation rental and go back to hike the trails on our own.  Looking for dog-friendly restaurants in Volcano?  You’re in luck!  There are two great ones: Cafe Ono and Eagles Lighthouse Cafe (used to be called Cafe Ohia) (outdoor only). Volcano Winery allows leashed dogs in their picnic area (Please read our post before going)!  Unfortunately, the Sunday morning farmers’ market (6:00 am – 10:00 am) at Cooper Center in Volcano Village does not allow dogs.  But sneak over there without the dogs for their delicious breakfast sandwiches (before they run out!) and 100% Hawaii coffee…It’s worth it!

Per Hawaii Volcanoes National Park website on visiting the park with pets: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/pets.htm

Here is a list of some of the locations you may visit with your pet at the park:

• All parking areas and surrounding curbs (excluding Hilina Pali Road and Kulanaokuaiki Campground)
• On Crater Rim Drive in areas open to vehicles
• On Chain of Craters Road down to Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs
• At Nāmakanipaio Campground
• On Mauna Loa Road, occasionally referred to as “The Strip Road”
• On Highway 11
• At Kīlauea Military Camp: on paved roads and parking areas; and at the picnic area, up to the park ball field gate, not including the ball field

Pets are prohibited in all of the undeveloped areas of the park. This includes all designated wilderness and all frontcountry and backcountry trails.

At the Kahuku Unit:

• In developed areas that include the open fields adjacent to the Visitor Contact Station and other park buildings, and the area that extends to the boundary of the forested areas up to, but not including Puʻu o Lokuana
• On Kahuku Road from Highway 11 to the cross fence gate, including the airstrip by the intersection of Puʻu o Lokuana
• Old Mamalahoa Highway spur road

Become a Bark Ranger!

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park wants dogs and their humans to have a positive experience in the park, while keeping people, pets and wildlife safe through its new Bark Ranger program. The new self-guided program is as easy as BARK:

• Bag your dog’s waste and remove it.
• Always leash your dog. Keep your dog on a six-foot leash and under control at all times.
• Respect wildlife. The park is home to many native species, most notably the State Bird of Hawaiʻi, the nēnē.
• Know were you can go.

In order to get your pet certified as a Bark Ranger:

1. Watch the new video here and take the BARK pledge.
2. Download and fill out the Bark Ranger certificate.
3. Bring your printed certificate to the park and get it stamped by a two-legged Park Ranger at Kīlauea Visitor Center.

Congrats! Your pup is now a doggone Bark Ranger! Bring your Bark Ranger certificate to the Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association store for Bark Ranger dog tags or a Bark Ranger bandana. All proceeds support Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.