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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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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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Lava Lava Beach Club – Anaeho’omalu Bay, Hawaii

Lava Lava Beach Club – Anaeho’omalu Bay, Hawaii

Cost: 4 cottages that range from $450 to $500/night Website: http://lavalavabeachclub.com/stay-play/ Contact: 808-769-LAVA (5282) (Before booking online, please call management for prior approval of your dog) August 2, 2013 Review: An air-conditioned (YES! MAHALO!), tiled 576 square foot beachfront cottage where your dog(s) will receive dog treats, a fluffy dog bed pillow, and a coconut shell water bowl (for the smaller dogs).  Hale Moana is the 2nd cottage over from the restaurant and is the one available pet-friendly unit since it is the only all-tile floor cottage.  It is also ADA-compliant, which we found to our benefit since it also included a protective sturdy railing along the edge of the lanai where we could easily secure the dogs’ leashes while we were on the lanai enjoying the live music (starts around 5 p.m. and is the perfect volume for us to listen while being able to have our own conversation).  By the way, they deliver complimentary pupus (delicious Ahi Poke on a crisp rice shell during our stay) and Mai Tais to...

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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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Island Lava Java (Kona)

Where: 75-5801 Ali’i Drive, Bldg. 1, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Call: (808) 327-2161 Website: http://www.islandlavajava.com Open daily from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. In early 2018, Island Lava Java moved and opened a more spacious and beautiful location in Coconut Grove Marketplace, a few doors down from their previous location.  They are now underneath Foster’s Kitchen and yes, STILL dog-friendly.  The General Manager loves dogs and confirmed with me one beautiful morning that he will personally greet the dogs if he is working that day.  They also have a bar area and Happy Hour from 3:30 – 5:30 pm every day.  Servers stopped by the table to meet Fluffy, and they brought us her a bowl of water.  It’s surprisingly cool and breezy there for a fluffy dog.  Highly...

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