Activities For Dogs In Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
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Introduction
Interested in volcanoes? Want to visit a whole park of volcanoes and learn all about the magnificent natural landscape changers? Well, why not do all this in a tropical location at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park? The best part is that you can bring your dog along for the ride as well. There are many sections of this National Park where dogs are allowed and this guide will show you all the activities for you and your pup inside Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Camping
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
24 hrs
Items needed
Fresh Water
Dog Food
Blankets
Sleeping Bag
Tent
Activity description
Wouldn't it be amazing to spend the night near an active volcano with your dog by your side to add to the excitement? Well, you can do just that in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park! Since the volcano is not currently overflowing with lava, camping is quite safe and you will be provided with some amazing views from your campsite. While there are a few different campgrounds in the park, only the Namakanipaio Campground allows pets - now you don't have to choose which site to stay at as the choice is made for you! It is quite inexpensive to camp but make reservations ahead of time. The consistent Hawaiian weather makes camping great year round.
Step
1
Camp set up
When you arrive at your campsite, pitch your tent and then take your dog for a quick walk around the campground. Let your dog sniff a lot so that they are familiar with their surroundings. Keep your dog on their leash to comply by park regulations. Once back at your campground, start making the area feel like home.
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2
Get cozy
Spend the day at your campsite with your pup. Take some pictures with the tall Eucalyptus trees that line the campground or make some food on one of the provided barbecues (your pup will surely like some food too). Mainly, just relax! As the sun sets, you may want to bundle up as the temperatures will be in the 40's to 50's.
Step
3
Goodnight
While you may like the idea of sleeping under the stars, you will have to settle for sleeping inside a tent under the stars when you have your dog with you. You will want to zip your tent closed and sleep with your dog safely inside so they do not wander at night. Make sure your dog has plenty of blankets and is nice and comfortable, making for a calm sleep.
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Scenic Drive
Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Dog Blanket
Water
Leash
waste bags
Activity description
If you are looking to see a lot while visiting the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park with your dog, your best bet may be to take a scenic drive. Dogs aren't allowed on a lot of the official hiking trails which means many of the more iconic views are off limits. Yet, driving to those picturesque spots with your dog is totally doable! You can definitely do this activity in any weather but a sunny day will grant you the best views. It is also fairly cheap to take a pretty drive through the park; you'll just have to pay for the gas! Make sure your dog is safely secured in the car and head out to see the sights.
Step
1
Chain of Craters Road
One of the best drives that you can take through the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is to cruise the Chain of Craters Road. The sometimes windy road will pull you past craters and other scenic overlooks. At the end of the 38 mile road, you'll find the Holei Sea Arch which is about as iconic of a view as you can get! Take a few pics and be sure to get one with you and your dog!
Step
2
Mauna Loa Road
The Mauna Loa Road is a beautiful drive especially if you are a big fan of jungle flora. This road takes you straight through the jungle and ends at a high peak where you will get a good view of some volcanoes. While you may not see much volcano action while on the drive as the road is away from any major craters, it is worth going to the top in time for the sunset.
Step
3
Crater Rim Drive
This eleven mile drive does exactly as you might think - goes around the rim of a crater. This drive will provide you with a wide range of views from volcanos to dense forests, to wildlife like the Apapane bird. Crater Rim Drive will lead you to the most active volcano spots where you and your pup can view some hot lava flowing or even lava shooting in the air if the volcano is particularly active. Keep your pup in the car or on a leash at least - you don't want them going too close to lava!
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Dog Hotel
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Easy
24 hrs
Items needed
Fresh Water
Dog Food
Dog Blankets
Dog Crate
Leash
Activity description
When visiting the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, you may want to stay for a few nights and not in a place where you have to pitch a tent outside to get shelter.. Luckily, there are many dog-friendly hotels in the area that will welcome you and your dog. It is also a great idea to use a hotel when visiting the area as you can opt to leave your dog safe and sound in their crate inside the hotel room while you go to the park. Hotels are a little more expensive than camping but you can stay anytime and in any weather which makes them easier and more comfortable for you and your dog.
Step
1
Pick a spot
There are many dog-friendly hotels in the vicinity of Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park so finding one won't be a problem. Look for one in your budget that has the amenities you would prefer. Do you need a pool or is room service a priority? Or are you just fine as long as it is safe and has four walls? All of these options are available for you and your dog!
Step
2
Arrival
When you arrive at the hotel, let your dog run around the room and sniff everything. Then, put your pup back on the leash and take them for a walk to do some more sniffing. Walk around your hotel and observe where you are while your dog excitedly takes in all the new sights, smells and sounds
Step
3
Relax
Enjoy your night at the hotel with your dog. If your dog is feeling comfortable and has settled right in, consider going to explore the Volcanoes National Park while your dog gets some sleep. Bring back a bone or some treats for your dog so that they know you were thinking about them while you were gone! A hotel definitely does offer a safe and cozy place for your dog to rest while you explore, as long as they do not bark in your absence.
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More Fun Ideas...
Hikes
While the Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park does not allow dogs on the main trails, you and your dog can walk down any scenic road you'd like! Go for a nice walk on one of the roads to see some great views.
Photo Shoot
Drive your dog to all the photo opp places in the park and snap a few pics. Blow up your favorites and hang them on the wall when you get home to remember the epic volcano trip you and your dog had.
Conclusion
The Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is quite an exciting place to visit. With lush tropical jungles to craggy volcanoes that may just spray lava at any minute, you and your dog definitely won't get bored in this park. Start planning your trip to the area and plan to camp with your dog, drive with your dog and relax in a hotel room with your dog. Whatever you choose to do, your vacation will be unforgettable.