Preparing for the Flight
The first step is ensuring your pet is ready for the long journey. Schedule a vet check-up at least a month in advance to make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. Pack enough of your pet’s regular medication in your carry-on in case bags are delayed.
Pet Carrier Requirements
All pets must travel in FAA-approved carriers that fit completely under the seat in front of you. The carrier should be escape-proof,leak-proof, and allow your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably. Help your pet get used to their carrier before travel day through positive reinforcement training.
Pet Food and Supplies
Bring plenty of your pet’s normal dry or canned food in your carry-on in case of delays. Don’t forget bowls, leashes, waste bags, toys or treats, and vaccination records in an easily accessible spot. Also bring water, as airport drinking fountains may not be accessible in-carrier.
Booking Your Pet’s Flight
Most major carriers allow one pet per passenger in the cabin for a fee, usually 5 each way for dogs and cats under 20 pounds. Larger pets must travel in the cargo hold and have different rules. Research policies for your specific airline well in advance and book early, as some routes may have volume limits.
Hawaiian Inter-Island Flights
If combining islands, be aware pets cannot fly between islands on some smaller inter-island carriers. Stick to major carriers like Hawaiian Airlines, which allows in-cabin pets on all flights within Hawaii.
Arrival Procedures in Hawaii
Have paperwork ready to show agriculture inspection officers upon arrival. Import regulations require pets be at least 4 months old, vaccinated for rabies, and accompanied by a valid health certificate. Make sure to comply fully or risk expensive quarantine!
Health Certificate Timing
The health certificate must be dated within 14 days of arrival. Consult your vet 3-4 weeks ahead of travel to allow processing time. It must affirm your pet has not had symptoms of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, or parvo virus in the past 30 days.
Microchipping Requirement
All dogs and cats over 8 months must be microchipped prior to entry; chips must be ISO-compliant. Have your pet scan-checked by the vet before travel to ensure proper implantation andchip legibility upon inspection.
Accommodation Options in Hawaii
Many hotels and resorts allow well-behaved pets for a fee. However, some have weight limits or do not allow pets in ocean-facing rooms. Here are some top pet-friendly choices:
- Outrigger Hotels (Waikiki): No pet fee, bring bowls and request optional dog bed. Daily room service fee applies.
- Aulani Resort (Ko Olina): Dogs under 30 lbs only, $150 non-refundable fee. Extensive amenities for furry guests.
- Hilton Waikoloa Village (Big Island): All room types pet-friendly for $75/night. Play areas, pools, and beach access available.
- Maui Ocean Club (Maui): Allow pets under 50 lbs for an extra $100 deposit. Pool side gazebos a bonus!
Vacation Rentals
For more space and flexibility, try a vacation rental like VRBO or Airbnb. Carefully screen listings for pet policies before booking to avoid unpleasant surprises. Some condos ban pets or require them to be crated when unsupervised.
Fun Things To Do With Pets in Hawaii
No need to leave your furry friend at the hotel! Many beaches, trails and activities welcome well-behaved dogs on leashes. A few top pet-approved options:
- Waikiki Beach (Oahu): Early mornings before the crowds arrive are perfect for pooch beach time.
- Makapu’u Tidepools (Big Island): Explore the tidepools while Fido splashes nearby, but avoid high surf days.
- Haleakala National Park (Maui): Hike lower elevation trails like Sliding Sands with your pup.
- Koko Head Trail (Oahu): Take the challenging but spectacular coastal trail, just keep pup on leash.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Many restaurant outdoor seating areas are dog-friendly, like the urfer-approved joints below where pups can stay by your side. Just be sure to ask, as indoor dining with dogs is rare.
- Cafe Pualani (Poipu, Kauai): Enjoy island views with your pooch under your table.
- Hula Dog (Kihei, Maui): Their signature pupuccinos are too cute, and dogs get treated too!
- Liliha Bakery (Honolulu): Sit outside for locals-favorite treats and your doggo’s meal.
Transporting Your Pet Between Islands
Interisland flights are an easy way to see multiple Hawaiian islands without a long drive. Here are some tips from experience:
If flying pets between islands on Hawaiian Airlines, book early as only a limited number of pets are allowed in cabin each flight. Cargo hold has stricter size and climate control variables to consider. Ask agents patiently about policies to avoid misunderstandings. Explain your pup’s needs courteously but firmly for best service.
It’s worth hand-carrying your dog onboard if small enough due to unpredictability of baggage transfers between terminals Sometimes planes are swapped at last minute, not always smoothly for cargo. With pup at your side, you have one less stress!
On long island-hopping trips, remember your dog’s needs just like yours – fresh water, potty breaks, stretches, playtime. We tend to get wrapped up in adventure but our companions depend on us. A happy dog makes for happier memories too, I always find.
In closing, with a bit of preparation your dog is sure to have a fun, relaxing Hawaiian vacation just like you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if any other questions arise! Aloha and safe travels to you and your furry friend.
Flying to Hawaii with Your Pets
| Airline | Pet Cabin Fee | Pet Cargo Fee | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines | $100 each way | $150-$300 each way | Under 20 lbs |
| Delta | $125 each way | $200-$400 each way | Under 20 lbs or in carrier under cabin seat |
| United | $125 each way | $200-$400 each way | Under 20 lbs or in carrier under cabin seat |
| American | $125 each way | $200-$400 each way | Under 20 lbs or in carrier under cabin seat |
| Alaska Airlines | Not allowed in cabin | $100-$200 each way | Under 50 lbs |
FAQ
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Can I bring my dog or cat on the plane with me to Hawaii?
Yeah basically airlines will let you bring your small pets along in the cabin as long as they meet certain requirements, like being in a carrier under the seat. But bigger pets usually gotta go in the cargo hold, which gets kinda sketchy in my opinion.
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What documents do I need to bring my pet to Hawaii?
You’ll need your pet’s health certificate from the vet saying they’ve gotten all their shots within a certain timeframe. Plus airline approved carrier and leash. Oh, and Hawaii has a 90 day quarantine if you’re bringing in an outdoor pet, unless they clear agriculture inspection – yikes!
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Is it worth bringing my pet on vacation?
On the one hand, it could be nice having your furry friend with you to keep you company in a new place. But at the same time, flying stresses pets out just like people, plus you gotta make sure they don’t cause any trouble in the hotel! So maybe it’s better to just leave Fido with a petsitter who can give them more attention than you could on vacay.
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What if my pet gets lost in Hawaii?
If the unthinkable happens and your puppy runs off at the beach, don’t panic! Most lost pets in Hawaii get recovered thanks to the awesome community of volunteers at places like Haleki’i Pono no ke Kino. You could also try posting on Lost and Found Pets of Hawaii Facebook group – those folks are amazingly helpful. Fingers crossed your little guy didn’t learn how to surf and ditch you for the luau life!
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Are there any pet-friendly activities in Hawaii?
Lots of beaches allow dogs as long as you clean up any messes. Beyond that, some awesome farms like Kualoa Ranch welcome leashed pets for hiking and horseback riding. You could even sign up for a dog surf lesson if your pup is adventurous! And almost every luau has a “meet the pupus” part where keiki and dogs can play together. Hawaii loves its doggies almost as much as spam musubi.
What if my dog gets car sick on the winding coastal roads?
Buckle up, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride! Seriously though, motionsickness in dogs is pretty common on Hawaii’s curvy roads. Ask your vet about prescription meds you can give ahead of time. Also, try keeping your pup in a doggy seatbelt or crate in the back so they can’t see out windows. Having wet towels handy is also a good idea just in case of any, uh, messes. With a little preparation your pooch should be ride or die for those scenic drives.
What if I run out of dog food during my trip?
No need to panic if Fido’s food bowl is looking sparse – pet stores on every island stock all the usual brands. You can also ask your hotel concierge for recommendations on where to stock up. One cool tip is Nature’s Market, a health food store that happens to carry really high quality organic dog foods too. And as a last resort, there’s always spam – in moderation of course! Aloha and bon appetit pup.