The Complete Guide to Bringing Your Dog to Maui
Everything We Wish We Had Known Before Traveling With a Dog
Traveling to Maui is exciting. Traveling to Maui with your dog? That can feel overwhelming. Questions start piling up almost immediately.
What paperwork do I need?
Will my dog have to quarantine?
Which airline should I fly?
Where can my dog stay?
Are there dog-friendly beaches?
Will there be a veterinarian nearby if something happens?
Over the years, we discovered that traveling well with a dog isn't about having the perfect checklist. It's about creating an experience where your companion feels safe, comfortable, and cared for every step of the way.
We always try to find local pros and information on how things actually are. This guide is a living resource. As we learn, we'll continue updating it so fellow dog parents have one trusted place to begin.
Before You Leave
Before booking flights or accommodations, make sure your dog's vaccinations, health certificates, and travel requirements are current. This process can take up to 4 months.
Hawaii has strict animal import requirements designed to protect the islands. While the process requires planning, thousands of dogs arrive safely every year with the right preparation.
Here is the official list of everything you need: https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/aqs-info/
Choosing the Right Airline
Every airline has different policies regarding cabin travel, checked pets, and breed restrictions.
Some dogs travel comfortably in the cabin. Our Swayze was small enough to go in her travel bag, and she slid under the seat.
Others may require different arrangements depending on size, weather, and destination.
We'll be comparing the major airlines that fly to Maui—including Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, Delta, and United—to help you choose the best option for your companion.
Our Recommendation
1. Alaska Airlines
If we were recommending one airline to friends and family traveling with a dog, it would be Alaska Airlines. Their pet policies are easy to understand, reservations are generally straightforward, and they consistently receive high marks from travelers.
2. Hawaiian Airlines
For direct flights to Maui, Hawaiian Airlines is another excellent option. Their staff routinely works with travelers bringing pets to Hawaii and understands the state's unique import requirements.
Before You Book Any Flight
No matter which airline you choose, make sure you:
✓ Reserve your pet's space as soon as you purchase your ticket (most airlines limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin).
✓ Confirm your carrier meets the airline's size requirements.
✓ Review Hawaii's animal import requirements well in advance.
✓ Have your dog's paperwork organized before traveling.
✓ Confirm your reservation a few days before departure.
Helpful Links
Hawaii Animal Quarantine & Import Program - https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/
Hawaii Animal Quarantine Station
Direct Airport Release Program
Official Checklist for Bringing Dogs to Hawaii
Airline Pet Policies
Hawaiian & Alaska Airlines – Traveling with Pets - https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/pets
Southwest Airlines – Pet Policy - https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/pet-policy
Delta Air Lines – Pet Travel - https://www.delta.com/us/en/pet-travel/overview
United Airlines – Traveling with Pets - https://www.united.com/en/us/fly/travel/traveling-with-pets.html
Finding Dog-Friendly Accommodations
Not every hotel or vacation rental welcomes dogs.
Fortunately, Maui has several wonderful options that do.
We'll be building an up-to-date guide featuring dog-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, and neighborhoods that make traveling with your companion easier.
Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea
A wonderful option for travelers looking for extra space and a convenient Wailea location. Extended-stay accommodations make this a great choice for longer visits with your companion. Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea
Andaz Maui at Wailea
One of Wailea's luxury resorts that offers pet-friendly accommodations on select rooms, subject to availability and current policies. It's an excellent option if you're looking for a resort experience with your dog. Andaz Maui at Wailea
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Grand Wailea welcomes pets under its published pet policy. Because fees and restrictions may change, we recommend reviewing the latest policy before booking.
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaʻanapali
The Westin allows one dog (up to its published weight limit) in designated pet-friendly rooms, making it one of the better-known resort options on the west side of the island. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
Maui Beach Hotel
If you're arriving late or departing early, Maui Beach Hotel is one of the most convenient pet-friendly choices near the airport. Their published policy allows dogs in designated rooms with applicable fees and size restrictions.
Pineapple Inn Maui
A charming boutique property offering a quieter experience for travelers who prefer something smaller than a large resort.
Aston Maui Hill Resort
Spacious condominium-style accommodations close to South Maui beaches. Ideal for longer stays and families.
The Hale Pau Hana
Oceanfront condominium accommodations near Kamaole Beach. Some individually managed units welcome dogs, so verify with the property manager before booking.
OUTRIGGER Kāʻanapali Beach Resort
If you're staying on the west side, it's worth contacting the resort directly regarding current pet accommodations.
Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore
A newer hotel close to the airport. Check with the property for current pet accommodations.
Courtyard by Marriott Maui Kahului Airport
A practical choice for overnight airport stays. Confirm the latest pet policy before booking.
Discovering Dog-Friendly Maui
One of our favorite parts of living here is discovering beautiful places to explore with dogs.
Over time, we'll be sharing our favorite:
Beach walks
Quiet parks
Sunrise spots
Sunset walks
Coffee shops
Outdoor restaurants
Hiking trails
Local pet stores
Groomers
Veterinarians
Some you'll recognize. Others are quiet little gems that make island life even more special.
Favorite Sunrise & Sunset Walks
Wailea Oceanfront Path
Our favorite place on the island for peaceful sunrise and sunset walks. This paved coastal path stretches along Wailea's beautiful resorts with incredible ocean views, plenty of sea turtles, and a calm atmosphere that's perfect for a leisurely stroll with your companion. Dogs should remain leashed.
Keawakapu Beach
A wide, peaceful stretch of sand connecting Kihei and Wailea. Early mornings and evenings are especially beautiful here, making it one of our favorite places to enjoy the ocean together before the beaches become busy. Please follow Maui County leash regulations. Keawakapu II Beach Park
Parks We Love
Kamaole Beach Park III
Large grassy areas, ocean views, and plenty of room for a relaxing walk make this one of South Maui's best parks to visit with your dog. It's especially nice for a picnic or an evening stroll. Kamaole Beach Park III
Kenolio Dog Area
One of Maui's dedicated off-leash dog parks where local pups can safely run and play. A great stop if your dog enjoys socializing and stretching their legs after traveling. Kenolio Dog Area
Keopuolani Regional Park
One of Maui's largest community parks with open green space and walking paths. A wonderful place for a longer outing with your companion. Keopuolani Regional Park
Dog-Friendly Coffee Stops
Akamai Coffee – Wailea Village
One of our favorite morning coffee stops in Wailea with outdoor seating that's perfect after a morning walk. Akamai Coffee @ Wailea Village
Lava Java Coffee Roasters
A relaxed South Maui coffee shop with outdoor seating and a welcoming atmosphere for enjoying a slow island morning. Lava Java Coffee Roasters of Maui
Outdoor Restaurants
Monkeypod Kitchen – Wailea
One of Wailea's iconic restaurants with a spacious outdoor lanai. A great place to enjoy lunch or dinner after exploring South Maui. Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman - Wailea, Maui
That's A Wrap Cafe
Fresh wraps, bowls, and smoothies with outdoor seating in Kihei. An easy stop before or after a beach walk. That's A Wrap Cafe
Nalu's South Shore Grill
A local favorite with an inviting outdoor patio that's frequently recommended by Maui dog owners.
Pet Stores
The Pet Shop – Kahului
A convenient stop for food, travel supplies, toys, or anything you may have forgotten to pack. The Pet Shop
Groomers
Doggie Stylz Grooming
A highly rated local groomer serving Maui dog families. Doggie Stylz Grooming
Pampered Pooch
Another trusted option for grooming and boarding services in South Maui. Pampered Pooch
Veterinarians
South Maui Animal Clinic
A trusted veterinary clinic serving the Kihei and Wailea communities.
Kihei Veterinary Clinic
Comprehensive veterinary care conveniently located in South Maui. Kihei Veterinary Clinic
Maui Veterinary Clinic
A long-established animal hospital providing both general and emergency veterinary services. Maui Veterinary Clinic
Traveling Is Easier Than You Think
The first trip is always the most intimidating. After that, it becomes another adventure you get to share. Dogs don't remember how long the flight was; they remember how safe they felt.
They remember your voice. They remember the beach. The new smells. The evening walks. The quiet moments together. Those are the memories that matter.
Through the Heart of Swayze
One of the greatest gifts Swayze gave us was reminding us that experiences are always more meaningful when shared.
If traveling with your dog means creating even one more sunset together, one more beach walk, or one more memory you'll treasure forever, then every bit of preparation is worth it.
We'll continue adding trusted recommendations, local resources, and practical guides to make bringing your companion to Maui as easy as possible.
If there's a question you don't see answered yet, let us know. There's a good chance it's already on our list!
Looking for thoughtful care while you're on Maui?
If your adventures include times when your companion needs a peaceful place to stay, we'd love to welcome them to Wailea Dog Retreat & Boarding.
We provide private, one-family-at-a-time boarding in our home, with personalized care, beach walks, and plenty of quiet companionship so you can enjoy your time on the island knowing they're in caring hands.
