If you're visiting Hawaii, chances are you left your fuzzies (i.e., pets) at home, where they are whimpering, sad-faced, longing for your return.
I know, pets make it rough to go anywhere. My cat, Jack, crawls into the suitcase the minute I open it up, digs in his claws and refuses to be extracted, offering up a piercing MEOW when I do. It'd be adorable if it weren't so pathetic.
But you can get a doggie fix while you're here enjoying paradise. People here love their dogs, especially in Hawaii Kai. (I think they issue one to you when you move to the 96826 area code.) Hawaii Kai has stores like Bark Avenue and Pacific Paws Resort & Spa that additionally cater to pampered pooches.
The dog park is open from dawn till dusk daily except Tuesdays, when it is closed from 7 a.m. to noon for mowing and maintenance. There's a large area where all dogs can romp, and a fenced-off area for smaller dogs, with a few shady trees. Park etiquette dictates you don't bring food, for yourselves or the dogs: it is preferred that you would enjoy a picnic at a human park rather than incite the neighborhood dogs into fits of begging. You also shouldn't pick up anyone else's dog without permission. Be advised that the only ones allowed inside the fenced areas of the park are the dogs, their handlers, and those accompanying them. But you can certainly watch the dogs frolic from the fences.
I shot this video of the Makapuu Lighthouse Trail a couple months ago without thought to getting dogs in the shot, but they made it there anyway: They and their humans are all over this easy, paved path that takes you to the easternmost point on Oahu, just above the red-domed lighthouse. Because of the gently sloping trail and the stability of the paved road, this is a favorite of families and pets: You're sure to see plenty of both.
