Picture it: sparkling blue waves, unadulterated sand, the most perfect horizon you’ve ever laid eyes on…and all you want is a belly rub.
Life as an island dog can be rough. From Kailua to Honolulu, choosing between the dog-friendly beaches in Oahu is a dog’s conundrum. Will you have to stay on leash? Can you adequately splash about in the surf? Will you have free reign to dig? Check out our picks and find the perfect Oahu sandbar to rest your beach bum.
Kailua Beach
First up is Kailua Beach. A gorgeous, white sand oasis, Kailua may be a top contender for best dog beach in Oahu–or even the entire U.S.! However, this is a competitive beach bunch, and we must judge each piece of coastal heaven on its merit. So, let’s get down to brass tacks:
Can your pooch access all areas of Kailua Beach?
Yes!
What (if any) are the restrictions?
Out in the water, dogs are welcome to swim to their heart’s content. Unfortunately, the sand is leash-only. But don’t get your tail in a bunch. Dogs of all water inclinations will have a blast in waves that are notably calmer than the North Shore.
Lanikai Beach
When people fall in love with Hawaii, this is the place that ensures they will never leave. A serene, unparalleled paradise, the only thing that could make Lanikai any better is spending it with your best friend. Luckily, Lanikai is for dog lovers thanks to these dog-friendly facts:
Can your pooch access all areas of Lanikai Beach?
Yes!
What (if any) are the restrictions?
Same as Kailua, dogs must remain on leash while on the Lanikai sand, but let the sea be their playground. Another calm shore far from the tourist stretch of Waikiki, Lanikai is a perfect spot for pets and pet parents to frolic in the waves. Just be sure to bring plenty of water and a towel for you and your pal to lie on.
Duke Kahanamoku (Fort DeRussy Beach)
Duke Kahanamoku beach is popular with travelers and locals alike. In fact, it was recently named top beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach, or Stephen Leatherman, a professor of environmental sciences at Florida International University. The white sand lazily stretches beneath the surf, making it an excellent swim spot protected by natural reef. Perfect for digging holes and splashing in the waves, Duke Kahanamoku is an OK dog beach, provided your definition of “OK” includes ambrosial tropical paradise. Before we get too starry-eyed, let’s breaks down some of the dog-beach basics:
Can your pooch access all areas of Duke Kahanamoku Beach?
Unfortunately, this beach is partially restricted so people can lounge about without canine interruption. But not to fear, Fido is still welcome to have a blast below high-tide line.
What (if any) are the restrictions below high-tide line?
As long as you keep your dog within bounds, your pet is welcome to play to his or her heart’s content. Once again, dogs must remain on leash while on the sand, but don’t let that keep you from getting your paws wet.
So, there you have it! We hope you and your pal enjoy our picks for off-the-beaten-path, dog-friendly beaches in Oahu. However, if you’ve got a hankering for a bit more beach hopping, feel free to take a peek at the Hawaiian Humane Society’s go-to list of dog-friendly beaches. Of course, there may also be times to head inland for a bit of dog-free respite. On the off-chance you plan to explore the human-only nooks of the Hawaiian islands, don’t worry! Rover’s selection of loving dog sitters in Hawaii will say “Mahalo” for the opportunity to care for your pet while you’re away.
Top image by Justinrudd Justin Rudd! (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons]
