Hawaii is well-known for its pristine beaches and balmy weather. While all beaches are public and accessible by residents and tourists alike, many don’t allow dogs to be present, leashed or not. So, it’s not a good idea to just head to a beach and hope that your dog is allowed to be there. Here’s a list of the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in Hawaii so you know exactly where you can take your furry family member for a romp on the sand and in the ocean.
Top 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 |
- Close to shops, restaurants, and gas stations
- Dogs must be leashed
- Free restrooms and showers are available
2. Kāhala Beach
| ️ Address: | Honolulu, HI 96816 |
| Open Times: | 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Calm water makes it easy for dogs to swim
- Shade trees are available at the edge of the beach
- Rocky spaces provide extra fun and challenges to dogs
3. Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmf7CjxgBSg/
| ️ Address: | Hawaii |
| Open Times: | 24 hours a day, year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Turtles often hang out on the sand
- Ocean entry can be a bit rocky
- Restroom access is not conveniently located
4. Lanikai Beach
| ️ Address: | Kailua, HI 96734 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours, year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Features panoramic views
- Perfect place to watch the sunrise
- Open 24 hours a day
5. Turtle Beach
| ️ Address: | Kahuku, HI 96731 |
| Open Times: | 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- You’ll likely see a turtle or two during your visit
- The beach is usually full of people
- Free parking is available above the beach
6. ʻEwa Beach Park
| ️ Address: | 91-955 N Rd. Ewa Beach, HI 96706 |
| Open Times: | 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Perfect place to picnic or even celebrate a special event
- The place is usually crowded in the middle of the day
- Parking is roadside
7. Diamond Head Beach Park
| ️ Address: | 3300 Diamond Head Rd. Honolulu, HI 96815 |
| Open Times: | 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Spectacular views of the Diamond Head Lighthouse
- Easy water access for swimming with your dog
- Parking can be sparse
8. Mākua Beach
| ️ Address: | Hawaii |
| Open Times: | 24 hours a day, year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- A secluded location means the beach is rarely crowded
- No restrooms or showers are available
- The military trains right behind the beach
9. Manners Beach
| ️ Address: | Hawaii 96707 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours a day, year-round |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Dogs are allowed without leashes
- No public amenities are available
- Camping is permitted
10. Kahuku Golf Course Beach
| ️ Address: | Kahuku, HI 96731 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset daily |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Extremely excluded from crowds
- Features fun sandy paths to explore
- Must walk through the golf course between the parking lot and the beach
Final Thoughts
With so many beaches that dogs can explore throughout Hawaii, you can mix things up and ensure that your excursions are never boring. Pay attention to the rules whenever visiting a dog-friendly beach, though, because there may be leash regulations to adhere to and certain areas where you shouldn’t take your dog.
Featured Image Credit: Radek Ziemniewicz, Shutterstock
