Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park

Any visitor or resident of the gorgeous islands of Hawaii is lucky to be close to such pristine beauty. Traveling with dogs in Hawaii can be challenging though, but luckily dogs in Kailua Kona can check out the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. Featuring 1,200 acres along the base of Hualälai Volcano and along the Kona coast of the big island of Hawaii, this park welcomes your dog to stretch their legs, on leash of course. 

When you get to the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park, you will find that the park is quite heavily restricted to visitation. In fact, the historic park was established to protect, preserve and interpret the traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture, and was the site of several critical Hawaiian settlements before the arrival of European settlers. Today, the park protects several valuable features including three large fishponds, coastal areas, and archeological remnants like an original house site. Amenities at the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park are quite limited, but this does not prevent some visitors from enjoying several recreational activities like fishing, hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming.

For you and your pup, you'll be happy to know that you can explore the beaches and trails. So long as you keep your dog under control and on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length, you can experience these spectacularly beautiful places. One of the beaches, Honokohau Beach, features white sand that contrasts beautifully against the black lava. Take a stroll and check out the ancient temple at the end of the sand. Sea turtles frequent this stretch of beach, so be sure to give them plenty of room if you encounter one. Take the Ala Hele Ike Trail from the Visitor's Center to get to this pawrific beach, enjoying ancient stone walls and native plants along the way. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Hawaiians along the Mamalahoa Trail. Or take the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail to see the remains of house platforms. 

The park is open year round, and has no fee for entrance. And while technically, visitors are allowed to stay in the park past 4 PM, parking can be an issue. The Hale Ho'okipa Visitor Center parking area closes at 4 PM, while the Kaloko road gate closes at 5 PM daily, so plan accordingly.

Pack appropriately for a day outside by bringing drinking water to share with your pup. Always have clean-up bags on hand, and pick up whatever your dog lays down to help keep this ancestral land pristine.

For a truly unique adventure, check out the Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park with your dog!