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10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Hawaii You Can Visit in 2023

Rachael Gerkensmeyer

By Rachael Gerkensmeyer

dog hiking with owner

Hiking in Hawaii is a unique experience that enables you to get healthy exercise while taking in a beautiful tropical landscape. If you have a pup that likes to hike too, you might be wondering if there are trails where canines are allowed to accompany you. Yes, there are multiple hiking sites on each of the main Hawaiian Islands that you can traverse with your furry friend! Here are 10 that you donโ€™t want to miss out on!

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The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Hawaii

1. Kuliโ€˜ouโ€˜ou Ridge Trail โ€” Oahu

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address: ๐Ÿ“ Kuliโ€™ouโ€™ou Valley Trail, Honolulu, HI 96821
๐Ÿ• Open Times: 24 hours
๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free
๐Ÿ• Off-leash allowed?: No
  • About 5 miles roundtrip
  • Hunters can be in the area with their own dogs, so stay on the trail
  • Campsites are available for overnight visits
  • Gorgeous open views from the top of the trail
  • Trail gets steep near the top but is relatively stable the rest of the way

2. Nounou Mountain Trail (Sleeping Giant) โ€” Kauai

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address: ๐Ÿ“ 5290 Haleilio Rd, Kapaสปa, HI 96746
๐Ÿ• Open Times: 24 hours
๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free
๐Ÿ• Off-leash allowed?: No
  • 4 miles roundtrip
  • Offers an excellent opportunity to birdwatch while you hike
  • Trees provide much-needed shade
  • No water is available for drinking on site, so bring plenty with you
  • Area tends to stay dry most of the year

3. Likeke Falls Trailhead โ€” Maui

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address: ๐Ÿ“ 45-550 Kionaole Rd. Kaneohe, HI 96744
๐Ÿ• Open Times: 6:00 a.m. โ€” 7:00 p.m.
๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free
๐Ÿ• Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Only 1 mile roundtrip
  • Experience jungle and stream environments
  • Can get muddy and slippery, so wear solid shoes
  • Pups can take a dip in the waterfall base
  • Features breathtaking mountain views

4. Papakลlea Green Sands Beach โ€” Big Island

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address: ๐Ÿ“ Southpoint Naalehu, HI 96722
๐Ÿ• Open Times: 24 hours
๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free
๐Ÿ• Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Trail to the beach is 2.9 miles each way
  • Trail follows the rugged coastline, so no shade is available
  • Enjoy a beautiful green sand beach and amazing views at the end of the trail
  • Dogs are likely to get covered in red-colored sand that covers the trail
  • Located at the southernmost point in the United States (South Point)

5. Pololลซ Valley Trail and Lookout โ€” Big Island

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address: ๐Ÿ“ Pololลซ Trail, Kapaau, HI 96755
๐Ÿ• Open Times: 24 hours
๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free
๐Ÿ• Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Only a .9-mile roundtrip hike
  • Runners frequent the area, so good-quality leashes are important
  • Hike down a steep embankment to a black-sand beach
  • Picnic at the scenic point overlooking the valley
  • Trail can get rocky and slippery

6. West Maui Forest Reserve โ€” Maui

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address: ๐Ÿ“ Wailuku, HI 96793
๐Ÿ• Open Times: 24 hours
๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free
๐Ÿ• Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Multiple trails can be accessed from the preserve
  • Enjoy lush scenery and shady places to rest
  • Free parking available near the reserve
  • Restrooms not available
  • Many steep ledges to traverse

7. Old Nuโ€™uanu Pali Road โ€” Oahu

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address: ๐Ÿ“ 45-550 Kionaole Rd, Kaneohe, HI 96744
๐Ÿ• Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free
๐Ÿ• Off-leash allowed?: No
  • Pass several waterfalls throughout the hike
  • Trail can be accessed from the Pali Lookout
  • Parking costs $3 and is located at the Pali Lookout
  • Road is said to be haunted, making the area spooky in the evening
  • Road is covered in lush vegetation to maneuver around

8. Waihou Spring Trail โ€” Maui

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address: ๐Ÿ“ 2463 Olinda Rd. Makawao, HI 96768
๐Ÿ• Open Times: 7:00 a.m. โ€” 7:00 p.m.
๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free
๐Ÿ• Off-leash allowed?: No
  • 2 miles roundtrip
  • Trail leads to a refreshing natural spring basin
  • The area borders an experimental tree plantation
  • Waterfalls form when the spring downpour is heavy
  • Enjoy the coolness of 4,000-foot elevation

9. Tripler Ridge Trail Loop โ€” Oahu

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address: ๐Ÿ“ Honolulu, HI 96819
๐Ÿ• Open Times: 24 hours
๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free
๐Ÿ• Off-leash allowed?: No
  • About 1.5 miles roundtrip
  • First half of the trek is all uphill
  • Lush scenery and humid environment
  • Connector trails can be accessed from the Tripler trail for a longer adventure
  • Trail can get overgrown during off-season hours

10. Kawainui Marsh Nature Trail โ€” Oahu

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Address: ๐Ÿ“ Kailua, HI 96734
๐Ÿ• Open Times: 7:00 a.m. โ€” 7:00 p.m.
๐Ÿ’ฒ Cost: Free
๐Ÿ• Off-leash allowed?: No
  • 9 miles in length
  • Popular trail that can get busy during the afternoon hours
  • Paved parking available at the north end of the trail on Kaha Street
  • Surface of the trail is gravel, rocky, and somewhat uneven
  • Not much shade to rely on for relief from the sun

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Conclusion

There are many cool places to hike with your dog in Hawaii. Every hiking adventure offers the opportunity to enjoy amazing views, lush landscapes, and even a variety of birds. No matter what island youโ€™re on, there is a hiking trail to access with your pup somewhere nearby!


Featured Image Credit: 2999607, Pixabay

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