Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Dog Policy
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is Somewhat Dog Friendly
This park on the Big Island protects the Kīlauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, two of the world's most active geological features. Diverse ecosystems range from tropical forests at sea level to barren lava beds at more than 13,000 feet (4,000 m).[1]
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is a somewhat dog friendly park. Dogs are not allowed on any trails, but they are allowed on a number of roads and at one of the campgrounds.
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park also runs the BARK Ranger Program, where you can earn a special dog tag by learning and following responsible practices (see the BARK Ranger section below).
- Website
- https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htm
- Pet Policy Details
- https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/pets.htm
- BARK Ranger
- Yes []
- Area
- 509 mi2
- Annual Visitors
- 589,775
Campground Policy
Dogs are allowed at Nāmakanipaio Campground on a 6' leash.
Dogs are not allowed at Kulanaokuaiki Campground.
Road Policy
Dogs are allowed on most paved roads with a 6' leash.
Dogs are allowed on the following roads:
- Crater Rim Drive (where vehicles are also allowed)
- Chain of Craters Road to Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs
- Mauna Loa Road (aka the Strip Road)
- Highway 11
- Kīlauea Military Camp roads and parking areas
- Kahuku Road - Highway 11 → Gate
- Old Mamalahoa Highway
Dogs are not allowed on the following roads:
- Kulanaokuaiki Campground & parking area
- Hilina Pali Road
- Puʻu o Lokuana
BARK Ranger
Bark Ranger is a really great program that some National Park Service destinations run. The Bark Ranger program teaches dog owners responsible behaviors with their dogs, and in return you get a special dog tag that’s different for each park (note: some parks require you to purchase the tag at the end). You start the program by going to a park office and picking up a checklist. When you complete the checklist (see the link below for more details), you can get your special dog tag.
B.A.R.K. is an acronym for:
- B: Bag your poop
- Help keep the park clean by bagging and picking up your dog poop, and properly disposing of it. Don’t leave your bagged poop on the side of the trail, hanging from branches, or throw it into the woods. Please note dog poop is not a natural fertilizer — it can carry disease that can spread to wildlife or other dogs.
- A: Always wear a leash
- Dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6'. Retractable leashes that extend beyond 6' are not allowed. Not everyone appreciates a dog running up to them, and many people are scared or allergic to dogs — a leash prevents uncomfortable situations between your dog and others. Leashes also help protect your dog from running off if anything spooks them.
- R: Respect wildlife
- Dogs can chase or scare wildlife such as birds and turtles. They can also damage nesting areas. Some parks have wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, or wolves, that can threaten your dog. Please be respectful of wildlife with your dog, and if you do encounter wildlife, keep dog at distance to protect both your dog and the wildlife.
- K: Know where to go
- Know which trails allow dogs, and which don’t. Don’t leave dogs unattended in vehicles while you go off to hike. See the link below for more details.
For more information on the Bark Ranger program, please see: https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/pets.htm
We also have a list of all parks that run the BARK Ranger program.
Location & Map
Hawaii
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Note: Policies can change -- please make sure to check official dog/pet policies prior to making plans or booking travel.
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Credits
[1] Overview text from the Wikipedia article List of national parks of the United States, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
All other text and images, except where noted, copyright ASR Concepts, LLC, all rights reserved.