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10 Gorgeous Dog-Friendly Beaches in Hawaii (2024 Update)

Rachael Gerkensmeyer

By Rachael Gerkensmeyer

vizsla dog in the beach

Who doesn’t want to take their dog along with them when enjoying a sandy beach in Hawaii? After all, what’s the fun of having a furry family member if you can’t get out and enjoy the Hawaiian sun, sand, and ocean together?

Fortunately, many beaches in Hawaii happen to be dog friendly. It’s just a matter of figuring out which ones allow dogs so you don’t accidentally break any state laws. Here are 10 fantastic dog-friendly beaches in Hawaii to consider visiting.

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The 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Hawaii

1. Kailua Beach Park

🗺️ Address: 📍526 Kawailoa Rd, Kailua, HI 96734
🕐 Open Times: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Calm waters make it easy for dogs to swim.
  • Dogs must always be leashed.
  • Free parking and bathrooms are available.
  • There are almost always many dogs on the beach.
  • Don’t forget to pick up after your dog.

2. Kahala Beach Park

🗺️ Address: 📍Honolulu, HI 96816
🕐 Open Times: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Enjoy amazing views of Diamond Head.
  • Ample water access is available for swimming dogs.
  • It’s the perfect place to picnic.
  • Be prepared for plenty of foot traffic.
  • It’s a beautiful spot to watch the sunset with your dog.

3. Waikōloa Beach Park

Lava Lava Beach Club – Anaeho’omalu Bay, Hawaii
Photo Credit: lavadogshawaii
🗺️ Address: 📍Waikōloa Beach Dr. Waikōloa Village, HI 96738
🕐 Open Times: 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs are only allowed on the south portion of the beach.
  • Dogs are not permitted in the main parking lot, so overflow gravel parking must be used.
  • Potty bags are available for picking up after your dog.
  • The lava can be slippery, so water shoes are a good idea.
  • Plenty of trees for shade are available.

4. Mākua Beach Park

🗺️ Address: 📍Kahala Ave. Honolulu, HI 96734
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • The secluded beach offers privacy and safety.
  • Enjoy a mountain range view while walking along the beach.
  • There’s easy access to water and restrooms.
  • The parking area is close to beach access.
  • Proof of dog licensure is required.

5. Mākaha Beach Park

🗺️ Address: 📍84-369 Farrington Hwy. Waianae, HI 96792
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • The beach is generally uncrowded during the week.
  • It’s a great place to practice surfing with your dog.
  • Waves can often be too rough for swimming.
  • There is not much shade to rely on.
  • Fines are enforced for not picking up after your dog.

6. Keawakapu Beach Park

🗺️ Address: 📍Kihei, HI 96753
🕐 Open Times: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • The beach is long and offers many opportunities for walking exercise.
  • Palm trees offer a decent amount of reprieve from the sun.
  • You must bring water for your dog to drink.
  • The beach can get rowdy at night.
  • There is almost always ample parking.

7. Lanikai Beach Park

🗺️ Address: 📍Kailua, HI 96734
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • This is a hidden gem without much foot traffic.
  • A hiking trail is located right off the beach for extra exercise.
  • The sand is extra fine, which feels good on canines’ paws.
  • Many small branches can be found around the base of trees to aid in games of fetch.
  • The bathrooms are not always clean.

8. Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Park

🗺️ Address: 📍96-894 Ninole Loop Rd. Pahala, HI 96777
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Lifeguards are on duty during the day.
  • There are many lava fields near the ocean to traverse.
  • Sea turtles are almost always on the beach—dogs must stay away!
  • The beach entrance is a bit rocky.
  • The beach has dark black sand.

9. Waimānalo Bay Beach Park

🗺️ Address: 📍41-1062 Kalaniana’ole Hwy. Waimānalo, HI 96795
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • There are stunning views of the mountains.
  • Large ironwood trees create a barrier between the parking lot and the beach.
  • Waves are usually safe for dogs to traverse.
  • Seashells are fun to find while walking along the beach.
  • Dogs are supposed to be leashed, but many owners don’t follow the rules.

10. Chuns Reef Beach Park

🗺️ Address: 📍North Shore, HI 96712
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Only street parking is available.
  • It’s easy swimming for humans and dogs.
  • It’s open 24 hours a day, so midnight strolls are permitted.
  • Little shade from trees is available.
  • The beach is small and undeveloped.

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Conclusion

Dogs love the beach as much as humans do, so why not take your dog along for a swim or a frolic in the sand? At least one of the beaches on this list is sure to have all the features and landscapes that will make beach day with your dog one to remember forever.

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Featured Photo Credit: martine552, Pixabay

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