Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area Beach

The beach at the Waimanalo Bay Recreation Area is arguably the most beautiful of the Hawaiian Islands' beaches. Its soft white sand, which makes walking and doggy-digging delightful, and its barktiful azure ocean are part of its appeal. The beach features showers and restrooms, ample free parking, and a relatively calm sea. Its small breakers are pawrfect for beginning boogie-board and body surfers, and the 3.5-mile long strand means lots of room to spread out. Island visitors seldom know about this beach because it isn't as obvious as some from the highway. It's pupular with the locals on weekends and for weddings, though.

Behind the beach is a park with tables and benches under thick ironwood trees, a forest locally known as "Sherwood Forest." Picnics with pups are common, but you must bring food, beverages and anything else you might need. There is no concession stand, and no dog-friendly restaurants nearby. On the subject of things you need: don't forget clean up bags and water to share.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach itself between the high tide line, often marked by a debris and seaweed line, and the ocean. 

Portuguese Man-of-War jellyfish inhabit the waters in the bay and are often washed by the current into shore. They inflict nasty, painful stings on contact with their long tails, so it's important to know where they are. One clue is if there are more than one or two on the beach, there are likely many more in the water. Another is the signage that warns against swimming because of these beautiful, but dangerous creatures. When they're on the sand they can still sting, so keep an eye on the pupper and the keiko (kids.)

Known for its furbulous sunrises, the beach loses direct sun in the afternoon when it drops behind the magnificent lava mountains of the Koolau Range that provide a dramatic backdrop. When the sun disappears, consider taking a short, 30-minute hike on the out-and-back trail in the recreation area behind the beach. Its gentle path through the trees is only about a mile, but can be a refreshing change after long hours basking in the sun, and Spot will love the walk! 

If you're a local you probably already know about this lovely beach and park. Whether local or visitor, it's well worth the short trek from Honolulu with your pooch in tow.