For National Make a Dog's Day this year, we're rounding up our favorite places on the island to spend with our furry friends. Overwhelmingly one of the most dog-friendly states in the country, Maui has everything from playful beaches, winding trails, laid-back outdoor dining, undiscovered beaten paths, countless parks for fetch, and chilled surf towns that are popular among the dog parents on the island!
Keep reading for ideas on crafting the perfect day to celebrate the pup in your life. All while outside and under the Maui sun.
Breakfast at Kihei Caffe
Famously known as the best brekfast in Kihei, Kihei Caffe is the place to have a relaxing morning with your pup, sipping coffee and enjoying delicious local cuisine.
Opening their doors as early as 5am, you can start your day early with their delicious Kalua Pork Loco Moco, Huevos Rancheros, famous cinnamon rolls, or Belgian Waffle, to name a few. Then, sneak your furry buddy some bacon and eggs, and you two are ready to take on anything Maui sends your way (hopefully, it's good surf)!
Explore Haleakala National Park
Haleakala National Park is one of the island's most sacred and stunning places. With millions of people flocking to witness the breathtaking sunrises and flourishing volcanic views, who's to say our loved pets don't deserve the same experiences? Lucky for us, at Haleakala National park, dogs are permitted in the park's paved pathways, roads, and drive-up campgrounds.
Some of the best places to adventure and explore the astounding vistas and natural life are around the walking trails at Kalahaku, and Leleiwi overlook as well as the visitor's center.
Tide Pools at Ho'okipa Beach Park
The best beach for laying on the sand with your best friend and maybe spotting a turtle or two! Dogs have to be leashed on this beach, but the little tide pools make it easy to swim alongside your pup in a safe and fun way.
You and your furry friend will have a front seat to some of the most giant waves and best surfers on the island. Never will you feel more relaxed and at ease than witnessing the wildness and thrill of Maui's biggest and most breathtaking wave breaks with your best friend.
Dinner at Down The Hatch
Treating yourself to farm-fresh and organic dishes while spending the day and evening with your furry friend is the best way to spend the day if you ask us. Down The Hatch serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes curated and perfected to reflect the island around us. Bursting with flavor, this is our favorite place to eat delicious seafood, explore the finest southern aloha cuisine, and listen to live music all day! Not only do they welcome Maui's pups, but they've also been voted Best Bar On Maui 2022. What else could you need?
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaanapali
Sometimes all you need is a 5-star vacation at one of Maui's more desirable resorts with your favorite pooch. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa at Kaanapali embodies the essence of Maui luxury while offering some of the most exquisite activities! Steps from the stunning crystal waters and white sandy beaches of Kaanapali while having the majestic west Maui mountains as the resort backdrop, it's like living in a painting.
Splurge on delicious cuisine, hang by the stunning pool or explore the tropical grounds, all with your furry friend right by your side. At the Westin, dogs up to 40lbs are welcome for no additional fee! The resort supplies dog beds, water bowls, and special treats. Only one dog is allowed per room and must be vaccinated per the Hawaii quarantine rules.
The Pet Shop in Kahului
Where all dog parents go shopping, we're letting you in on our best-kept secret and favorite place to get a delicious snack for our furry friends. The Pet Shop in Kahului has been the island's favorite pet shop since 1973. Not only are they equipped with that friendly aloha service, but they are your one-stop shop for everything from cages or carriers, quality food, grooming essentials, pet doors, lighting and warming, educational products, pet-proofing, enrichment, and more!
It doesn't matter if your best friend is a dog, parrot, bunny, reptile, fish, cat, turtle, or other loveable species; the Pet Shop is ready to supply you with all the goodies you'll need.
Maui Humane Society's Beach Buddies
Ever go on vacation and spend the whole time missing your fur babies at home? Or maybe you live in Maui and want to fill your days with doggie cuddles but don't live in a dog-friendly space? The Maui Humane Society offers the perfect program for people to get their doggie fix in (possibly meet their forever best friend) while allowing a shelter dog to enjoy a relaxing adventure outside!
"The Beach Buddies & Dog on Demand programs allow visitors (and kama’āina) to take a shelter dog out for a fun day from 11am – 3pm! Our Beach Buddies program is oriented towards visitors and is on Wednesdays & Fridays. After you sign up, arrive at 10:45am on your selected day for a brief introduction. Then, it's off on your adventure to the cooler temperatures of Upcountry to explore forested hikes or splash around on the beach or even grab lunch at a dog-friendly restaurant.
If you are kama’āina (resident) looking to participate in our Beach Buddies program, please go here."
