Located on the island of Maui in the Hawaiian Island chain, Lahaina is a unique place to bring your dog on vacation. However, that does not mean you have to forfeit a trip to Maui and Lahaina in particular. As long as you know the quarantine laws and what to expect, you should be able to enjoy a pleasant vacation with your pet.
The Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Process
The Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Process is designed to keep the state rabies-free. In the past, dogs that traveled into Hawaii or Maui needed to undergo a quarantine stay of up to 120 days. However, immediate release at the Kahului Airport on the island of Maui can now be arranged.
You will need to contact a direct release liaison to facilitate the process. Therefore, trip planning should occur about five months ahead of time. Contact a Maui satellite quarantine station, such as South Shore Veterinary Care (808-874-3422), for further details.
The Main Pet-friendly Hotel and Resort in Lahaina
Once the quarantine process is completed, you can start enjoying excursions on Maui and in Lahaina with your dog. Lahaina hotels in Maui are numerous. However, the Westin Hotel Resort and Spa is especially friendly to dogs, where pets 40 pounds and under are welcome. Another hotel, which is worth considering when you are not traveling with your canine companion, is the Honua Kai Resort & Spa.
Pet-friendly Trails
Rent a car and travel with your canine companion from the resort to Kahana and witness the Great Outdoors. The Nakoa Trail is a dog-friendly attraction that caters to humans and dogs. You and your pet can explore a 2.5 mile loop that features a lush green mix of Hawaiian forest and flora. Remember to bring along water for you and your pet to stay hydrated during the two hour trek.
Leashes for dogs should not span any more than six inches and waste disposal bags must be carried to clean up after pets on any of the forested trails you visit. Some other dog-friendly trails, all located in nearby Kula, include the Redwood Trail and Haleakala Ridge Trail, which are situated in the Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area. Each of the 1.5 miles trails join to form a three mile hiking adventure.
A Dog-friendly Restaurant
The small town of Lahaina offers a number of places to eat, including the Penne Pasta Café, which allows dog visitors on its outside dining patio during the summer season. Located at 180 Dickenson Street, the restaurant features pizza, salads and sandwiches at budget-friendly prices.
While it may be difficult to find cheap hotels in Lahaina, the upscale resort town’s Westin Resort offers pet-friendly accommodations which enable you to spend quality time with your dog. However, Lahaina is not as pet-friendly as some locations due to the state’s quarantine measures, all which are made necessary by the additional expenses involved with providing rabies vaccinations throughout the island network. Nevertheless, you will find plenty of Lahaina resort hotels, such as the Aston Kaanapali Shores, that will accommodate your specific travel needs, whether you are traveling with your dog or another companion.
Diane Nassy
Monday 3rd of August 2015
I'm not a dog owner myself, but this is such a great resource for people who want to travel with their dogs.
Melissa Pezza
Monday 3rd of August 2015
This is such a great resource for any traveler with dogs. I have a friend who won't go anywhere if she can't bring her dogs.
Denise C.
Sunday 2nd of August 2015
I know a lot of people who are very attached to their pets. I'll have to suggest Hawaii as a vacation destination for them!
Del
Sunday 2nd of August 2015
Hi, were you intending to post a picture of a beach in Lahaina, island of Maui or just a picture of a Hawaii beach in general? The picture you have is actually Lanikai beach located on the windward side, Island of Oahu. It's a beach friendly place for dogs too.
Aimee Fauci
Sunday 2nd of August 2015
We travel with our dog everywhere. She would love this. Now to find the funds to go to this beautiful area.