A complete guide to traveling with your dog to Hawaii!

Traveling with Pets Pet Situation by Country

The clear blue ocean, the soothing trade winds, and special memories with your dog. Traveling with your dog in Hawaii is a dream of many people.

In fact, Hawaii has one of the most well-developed environments for traveling with your dog of any foreign country that you can visit from Japan. With its mild year-round climate, excellent pet-friendly facilities, and clear quarantine system, you and your dog can enjoy your trip with peace of mind, as long as you are well prepared. However, preparation requires care and time. In this article, we will thoroughly explain everything you need to know about taking your dog to Hawaii, from preparation to how to spend your time there.

Why Hawaii is the destination of choice for travel with your dog

I want to take my dog abroad, but I'm worried about the long flight..."
The immigration process seems complicated..."
Many of you may have such concerns.

However, Hawaii has a number of major attractions that other international destinations do not.

Well-developed acceptance system

Hawaii's quarantine system has clear procedures and smooth entry into the state if the required documents are in order. In particular, the "quarantine" system is very clear in that it is not necessary to haveDirect Airport ReleaseWith the "Sightseeing with Your Dog" program, you can start sightseeing with your dog as soon as you arrive.

Comfortable climate throughout the year

With an average annual temperature of 20 to 28 degrees Celsius, the climate is comfortable for both dogs and people. It is also a great place to avoid the hot and humid summers and cold winters of Japan and relax in a comfortable environment.

well-developed infrastructure

The number of pet-friendly hotels and restaurants is increasing each year, providing a comfortable environment for you and your dog. In the event of an emergency, there are several veterinary hospitals that are available 24 hours a day for your peace of mind.

Preparation for travel: complete timeline

Preparation for a trip to Hawaii with your dog should begin at least four months in advance. Below are the necessary preparations in chronological order.

What to do 4 months before departure

  • Check if the microchip conforms to ISO standards, and if not, fit it.
  • First rabies vaccination administered (vaccination record in English).
  • Started researching passport acquisition and airline tickets for the owner.

Preparation 3 months prior to travel

  • After the second rabies vaccination is administered, a blood sample is taken for antibody testing at least 30 days after the second rabies vaccination (a minimum of 0.5 IU/ml is required).
  • Book airlines and hotels. Don't forget to apply in advance and reserve a seat for your pet.
  • Started prior consultation with Japanese animal quarantine office.

Specific Flow upon Arrival in Hawaii

Immediately after plane arrival

Before picking up your baggage, head to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS). It is located on the first floor of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, just before the customs area, where document verification and medical examinations are conducted. The process takes about 30 minutes to one hour, so if you have a connecting flight, please be sure to allow plenty of time to complete the process.

Immigration and Customs

After completing the procedures at the quarantine station, proceed to the general immigration procedures. Please keep the issued quarantine certificate in a safe place during your stay, as you will need it when you return to your home country.

Staying in Hawaii: A Complete Guide to Fun with Your Dog

How to Choose Accommodations

When choosing a pet-friendly hotel in Hawaii, consider location, facilities, and pet policy in general. Whether or not the hotel has a kitchen is important, especially if you are considering a long-term stay or managing your dog's diet.

Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Image source: Booking.com

High-rise hotel located right in front of Waikiki Beach. All rooms have ocean view and 1 minute walk to the beach.
Pet Policy:Accepts up to two small dogs per room weighing up to approximately 11 kg for an additional $75 per night. Welcome amenities such as dog beds and treats are provided.

Hyatt Place Waikiki Beach

Image source: Booking.com

Image source: agoda

Reasonably priced hotel to stay. Free breakfast, 24-hour front desk service, and a 5-minute walk to Waikiki Beach.
Caution:Rooms are not equipped with kitchens. Pets are allowed, but if you want a room with a kitchen, consider another hotel.

Ohia Waikiki Studio Suites

Image source: Rakuten Travel

This condominium-type hotel facing Kuhio Street is popular with those who wish to stay for long periods of time or to prepare their own meals.
Facilities and Services:
- All rooms have full kitchens:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Pets allowed (with additional fee):contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Outdoor swimming pool, coin-operated laundry, 24-hour front desk
- Walking distance to shopping and restaurants

The ability to cook for yourself makes it easy to manage your dog's diet.

Residence Inn Maui Wailea

Image source: Residence Inn official

Image source: marriotto

Although not on Oahu, this extended-stay hotel is located in Wailea, Maui. All rooms are suites and are equipped with a kitchen and dining area for self-catering:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Pet Policy:Dogs and cats are welcome to accompany you. According to Romingo's information, there is a pet fee of $100 per stay, and there is no limit on the number of dogs or their weight:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Other features:Facilities include an outdoor pool, BBQ grill, gym, and free breakfast. With easy access to the beautiful beaches of Wailea, this is a great choice for those who want to spend a relaxing time on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Early reservations and advance confirmation are important, as the number of pet-friendly hotels with kitchens is limited.

Points to consider when choosing a restaurant

In Hawaii, you can enjoy dining with your dog mainly at restaurants with terrace seating. It is better to check the pet policy in advance and avoid crowded hours.

Barefoot Beach Café

Image source: Tripadvisor

Recommended POINT- Beachfront terrace seating
- Equipped with water bowls for dogs
- Wide variety of Hawaiian food to healthy menu
- Courteous staff.

Activities and Attractions

There are plenty of activities you can enjoy with your dog in Hawaii. Because of restrictions on public beaches, choose a dog park or hiking trail.

Hawaii Kai Dog Park (Oahu)

Image source: Yelp

This oceanfront dog park is about a 30-minute drive from central Honolulu. Facilities include freshwater showers, water fountains, sunshade areas, and a small dog-only area.

Diamond Head Trail (Oahu)

Image Source: Hawaiian Airlines

This is a popular course where you can enjoy hiking with your dog if you put on a leash. The round trip takes about 2 hours, and early morning is recommended for cooler weather. Be sure to hydrate frequently and pay attention to the temperature of the ground during hot weather.

Kailua Beach Park (Oahu)

Image source: Kailua Beach Park

With a well-maintained boardwalk and plenty of shade trees, this beach is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with your dog. There are also pet stores and cafes nearby for your convenience.

Troubleshooting and returning home

Importance of heat protection

Even in temperate Hawaii, temperatures can exceed 30°C (86°F) during the day. Be sure to take precautions against the heat, such as taking early morning or evening walks, drinking plenty of water, and preparing cooling mats and portable fans.

Points to keep in mind when managing your physical condition

  • Switching water brought from Japan to local water in stages
  • Adjust food intake to 80% of normal
  • Set the air conditioner at the same level as in Japan.
  • Checking body temperature every morning and evening

Procedures upon returning home

Procedures required before returning home

  1. Obtain a health certificate issued by the State of Hawaii (examined within 10 days of departure and issued by a state-certified veterinarian).
  2. Advance notification to the Japanese animal quarantine office (apply online or by fax at least 40 days prior to scheduled arrival). Print out the acceptance form and bring it with you.
  3. Reconfirmation with the airline (reapplication to accompany the pet and final confirmation of required documents).

Finally: general advice for a pleasant trip

Pre-health check

Before departure, a comprehensive physical examination at your veterinary clinic and, in the case of older dogs, blood tests are also reassuring.

How to spend your time locally

On the first day of arrival, both dog and owner are tired, so take time to rest. The key is to gradually increase the amount of activity as they become accustomed to their environment.

must-have items

  • Regular medications (if you have any pre-existing medical conditions)
  • Regular meals (about 7 days)
  • Favorite toy or towel
  • Leads and spare leads

Traveling to Hawaii with your dog can be a lot of work, but the memories will be very special. This article will help you make the best of your trip.

Safe and secure overseas travel with pets.

Traveling abroad with your pet, a precious member of the family. PetAir JPN will support you from the planning of the trip to the arrival of your pet, taking care of such concerns.
PetAir Support DetailsProposal of the best plan according to the regulations of the destination country
Support in preparing necessary procedures and documents
■ Safe and comfortable transportation options
Reliable support until arrival

Reliable Support System✓ Courteous and experienced staff
✓ Understand and respond to the latest regulatory information from each country
✓ Thorough safety management during transportation

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Please share your experiences and opinions!

Do you have any experiences or questions about traveling abroad with your pet?

If you have actually experienced this, please share with us the points you took care of in your preparation and any problems you had while traveling. We also welcome questions from those who are thinking of traveling to Japan in the future.

Is it possible to move to this country? How long do I have to prepare?

Please feel free to comment if you have any concerns such as the following. Your comments will be of great help to those who are suffering from the same problems. Please feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below!

Risako Seto|PetAirJPN Business Manager, Pet International Transportation Specialist

She has loved animals since she was a child, and her desire to "protect the lives of animals" led her to become a pet nurse. Currently, she is using her experience as an international pet transportation specialist and business manager of PetAirJPN to support many pets and their families to relocate or travel abroad.
We help owners fulfill their wish to "be with their pets, their precious family members, no matter where they are in the world. We strive to provide a transportation plan that is as stress-free as possible, according to the personality and physical condition of each individual pet. We will support you wholeheartedly so that both you and your pet can start a new life with peace of mind.

[Qualifications]
pet nurse
Animal Health Technician (AHT)
Veterinary Technician (VT)

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