Are you an owner of a dog who lives in the 50th state of the United States?
Are you looking for a place to board your dog while you’re away for a while?
Continue reading to learn about 10 top providers of dog boarding in Hawaii.
1. Tradewinds Pet Suites
Tradewinds is a family-run kennel in beautiful Oahu, where all dogs can feel at home – or even better! All suites are of generous sizing, so that your dog can relax in a private, spacious kennel with some gentle music playing. They also have outdoor runs, for when the sun comes out and it’s time to sunbathe.
Although Tradewinds staff do not allow dogs to mingle, it may not necessarily be a bad thing. Instead of socialising, your dog can feel what it’s like to be given full attention of the caregiver, not to mention the huge play yard, which they will have to their own without any extra expenses! This may be a good place for your dog, if they have a lot of brothers and sisters demanding attention and perhaps need to be shown some love and care every once in a while.
The boarding rates start at $54 per day, and go up accordingly with the kennel standard.
Prior requirements: A certificate of current vaccinations (Distemper, Parvo, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis, Bordetella) is required. All new guests must be parasite-free. Bear in mind the minimum stay at Tradewinds is three full days.
Before you make a booking, fill out the dog boarding agreement. Once you’ve done that, you can find the contact details here.
2. Affordable Pet Boarding
It’s in the name – this boarding facility will provide a clean, safe, air-conditioned environment for your pet without breaking your bank. Located in Nanakuli, it’s a nice, open space with spectacular views. Kennel sizes are matched to the breed’s individual needs, so if your dog is medium-sized but struggles to sit in one place and paces around a bit, they can get one that’s big enough for them.
Playtime three times daily is included in the standard price ($30 for a medium-sized dog, can go up or down depending on your pup), but the kennels also offer plenty of additional services you may want to consider, such as a pet shuttle, basic grooming or training.
Prior requirements: Upon arrival, your dog’s temperament will be evaluated to rule out any aggressive behaviour. Current Bordetella vaccination is required, and you’ll also need to fill out a boarding agreement.
For further information regarding reservations go to the dedicated page. For first-timers, there’s also an FAQ section. If that’s easier for you, simply call the facility at 808 664-1367. They’ll be happy to answer any queries you may have and welcome your pooch to a Hawaiian boarding experience!
3. Lucky D Kennel, Inc.
Ohana means family, and for those who run the Lucky D Kennel that also means animals. The ranch-based boarding facility is located in Kailua-Kona and can offer your dog 24-hour supervision, plenty of outdoor space to run freely, as well as over 32 years of experience in caring for all breeds and personalities on the planet.
Dog boarding at Lucky D is all-inclusive, which means food, play and sleeping arrangements are all covered by one fee. The basic rate is $30 per day, but there’s a discount if you bring multiple puppers – the more, the merrier!
Prior requirements: Flea and tick preventative medication is required if you want your dog to be accepted at Lucky D.
Boarding services operate by appointment only, so please contact the kennels during their opening hours to schedule a visit. It’s free to tour the facility, they’re looking forward to meeting you and your four-legged friend!
4. Hilo Kennels and DayCamp
Located in Waiakea Uka, Hilo Kennels and DayCamp has been serving local dogs since 2010, making sure they have a fun, but safe time away from their family home.
The staff truly care about assigning dogs to playgroups according to their temperament, age and size, so that socialising is pleasant for everyone. Hilo Kennels also provides an unusual service of tailoring their boarding experience to dogs with special needs, such as old age, disabilities or medical issues.
Basic boarding for smaller dogs costs $27 per night, while a full day of daycare is $18. All guests are entitled to blankets and beds, meals and treats, some relaxing music and plenty of cuddles and good company. What else could a dog ask for?
Prior requirements: A proof of current vaccinations (Bordetella, DHPP, Leptospirosis) is always required. Dogs must also be nice and clean, on parasite control and wearing an ID tag.
The suites at Hilo Kennels are in high demand, so make sure to reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and guarantee your pooch a place to stay!
5. Alpha K-9 Kennels
A Hakalau-based German Shepherd breeder Laurel, also provides pet boarding services for East Hawaii residents.
Alpha K-9 offers plenty of services, which you can add to the basic boarding package and create an adventure stay for your beloved dog. A standard boarding rate is $20 for a medium-sized dog, however exercise time in a play yard, as well as a private walk with a caretaker, are both charged extra. You must also provide your own food. If you wish, you may also purchase an exit bath or some minor grooming too.
Prior requirements: Flea and tick prevention must be applied prior to your arrival at the kennels. You may wish to contact the kennels directly to inquire about vaccinations and other matters if it’s your first time.
Visiting the kennels prior to booking is possible, but you have to make an appointment. You can find all necessary contact details here.
6. Nalowinds Boarding Kennels
Located in the peaceful village of Waimanalo, Nalowinds Boarding Kennels has been voted Hawaii’s Best a few years ago – and we can see why!
Apart from the huge playtime park (not a yard, but a whole park!), the furry guests have air-conditioned runs and different outdoor areas at their disposal. All breeds are accepted and surrounded with love at Nalowinds, where there’s no such thing as stranger dogs – every paw is family. The kennels, as in most of Hawaii, are family-run, so whatever happens, they’ll be there.
What’s top-notch quality at Nalowinds is the hygiene. As dog breeders, they know how important it is to maintain sanitary conditions, so that there’s no dirt, humidity or bacteria – all squeaky clean for the guests!
For medium dogs the boarding experience starts at $41 and includes a private run, three exercise sessions daily, Eukanuba premium feed, as well as a bath if they’re staying for longer than eight days.
Prior requirements: A proof of vaccinations against Distemper, Parvovirus, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis is required. Dogs must also be clean and parasite-free. A boarding contract must also be filled in and returned to the kennels prior to booking.
Visit the contact page for all necessary details, opening hours and directions.
7. Camp Waggin Tails
This dog boarding facility is all about that personal touch and individual approach to every single animal. Based in Makawao, Maui, it’s been running for over a decade, making local dogs comfortable, safe and happy.
All Camp Waggin Tails residents are fed twice daily and can relax while listening to music in their runs. The biggest priority, as at most regular camps, is the physical activity combined with socialising – lots of supervised fun, running and games will make your pup sleep like a baby.
The personal approach also means plenty of belly rubs, and even reassuring texts sent to you if you’re away and anxious about your fur baby. It’s a bit like a kindergarten/nanny combination, where dogs receive gentle supervision but are also encouraged to bond with friends in a calm, safe place.
All dogs board at the same price, which is $40 per night. There are no extra or hidden charges.
Prior requirements: Due to dogs’ delicate stomachs, the staff ask you to provide your own food. Flea and tick treatments are required, as are Bordetella, Distemper and Parvo vaccines. Further information can be found here.
Site visits are usually scheduled between 10-3pm, so you can definitely make an appointment if you’d like a tour. Should you be interested in any of the services offered by Camp Waggin Tails, visit their contact page to get in touch.
8. Pampered Pets Hawaii LLC
Everyone deserves a little pamper session every once in a while – especially our devoted, four-legged companions. If you’re going on holiday this summer, why not provide them with excellent care too?
Pampered Pets Hawaii has three different locations on the island of Oahu, so you can choose the most convenient for you. Instead of being the caretakers, the kennels staff prefer to introduce themselves as companions – after all, that’s what your dog will be missing the most when you go on holiday, your loving companionship.
Additionally, all boarding is cage-free so your pet can really make themselves at home, completely stress-free. Cuddled, well fed and properly exercised, your pooch may not even realise you’re gone – that’s how nicely pampered they will feel. A complimentary bath for all just before they leave the facility means you will get back a happy, well-rested, lovely smelling dog. All of that from $34 a day, depending on dog’s weight.
Prior requirements: For information regarding vaccinations, medication, as well as any items you may/may not have to bring with you, it’s best to contact the facility directly.
If you’d like to get in touch, you can fill out a contact form here and someone will get back to you soon!
9. Paws University
Another Kailua-Kona facility, the Paws University kennels started out as a training centre, but now offer boarding and daycare as well.
Instead of cages, Paws offers their boarders luxury ‘dorm rooms,’ where the furry students can rest after a whole day of learning new things and making both human and dog friends. The packages, which range from Freshman to Senior, include standard rooms and daily activities, with additional services on top should you wish to purchase one of the higher packages.
Daily brushing, one-on-one playtime or an introduction to obedience classes? Since the standard rate is only $32, you may wish to consider making the time your dog spends at Paws even more memorable.
Prior requirements: DHLPP and Bordetella vaccinations are required at this facility. All guests need to pass a screening procedure as well, where their immunity to parasites and general health will be assessed. Should you wish to do so, you can bring your own food – otherwise, it will be provided with no additional charges.
Fancy getting in touch? Visit the contact page for opening hours, e-mail address and phone number. Make sure you also read the section dedicated to boarding, so you know what to expect.
Are you aware of any other providers of dog boarding in Hawaii? Please tell us about them in the comments box below!
Zofia Filipowicz is a freelance journalist living in Poland. She has graduated from De Montfort University in Britain, with a first class degree in Journalism and English Literature. Since then, she’s worked with different print and digital publications. Currently open for commission.
