Some travelers don’t go anywhere without their dog. For them, leaving the pup with a kennel or sitter is unimaginable. Happily, more Hawaii hotels are accepting pets, running the extra lap to make Fido feel at home.
Mainland U.S. pet owners wishing to bring a dog to rabies-free Hawaii must first jump through some legal hoops. (To plan properly, check out this link to the state’s quarantine regulations.)
But first, discover how six Hawaii properties are opening their doors to four-legged guests, then learn how to spend the day with a Hawaii shelter dog.
The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii Island
At this Kohala Coast hotel, clients need to keep the maximum canine count to two, with a weight limit of 25 pounds per pooch. Pet amenities include bowls, treats and trash bags.
Fee: $25 per dog per night
www.fairmont.com
Hotel Renew, Oahu
Tails are wagging at this Waikiki boutique hotel. Rooms hold up to two dogs who are each 20 pounds or less, and man’s best friend gets a doggy bed, food, water bowls and snacks
Fee: $25 per night per dog
www.hotelrenew.com
The Laylow, Autograph Collection, Oahu
This cheery oasis allows one dog of up to 50 pounds per room, with a bowl and chewable bone as a greeting.
Fee: $150 per stay
www.laylowwaikiki.com
The Modern Honolulu, Oahu
Guests of this urban resort may bring one dog weighing up to 25 pounds. The Modern Honolulu regales Rover with a trendy pillow, food, a water bowl and a bone. Staffers suggest nearby dog-friendly haunts.
Fee: $50 per night
www.themodernhonolulu.com
Sheraton Kauai Resort
This Poipu hotel welcomes all breeds up to 80 pounds, limited to one per room. Sheraton lavishes them with a bowl, waste bags and its signature dog bed.
Fee: No nightly charge
www.sheraton-kauai.com
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
Pets get special treatment at this upscale hotel. Clients can bring along one dog of 30 pounds or less. Westin provides a custom-designed Heavenly Dog Bed, a pet amenity, bowls and a mat.
Fee: No nightly charge
www.westinmaui.com
ADOPTING A SHELTER DOG FOR THE DAY
For travelers who can’t bring their own furry friends to Hawaii, several island-based humane societies feature adopt-a-dog programs for a day of play.
Hawaii Island Humane Society
Staffers introduce visitors to canine candidates that are allowed out on field trips. Then, they give participants an Adopt Me harness and leash, water and a bowl, towels for car transport, toys, treats, waste bags and cleaning supplies. Only sterilized and microchipped dogs with good behavior are available.
www.hihs.org
Kauai Humane Society
Kauai is loaded with beautiful beaches and hiking trails, and what better way to explore them than with a dog? Employees carefully match humans with hounds and don each dog with an Adopt Me vest. Popular outings include Mahaulepu Beach in Poipu and Sleeping Giant in Wailua.
www.kauaihumane.org
Maui Humane Society
A program called Beach Buddies promises fun and companionship for visitors and homeless dogs alike. Staffers send along water and a dish, poop bags, treats, a towel and Adopt Me gear. Most Maui beaches and trails allow dogs, although it’s always good to read signs before entering.
www.mauihumanesociety.org
