Dog-Friendly Kihei, Hawaii
A practical 2026 guide to staying, dining, and exploring South Maui with your dog in and around Kihei.
Kihei, HI
Best for stays
One of the closest full-service luxury resorts to Kihei that officially welcomes one dog up to 50 pounds.
Modern Wailea option with one of the clearest published pet policies near Kihei: up to two pets, 50-pound max.
Best dog-friendly dining
Open-air Kihei favorite with easygoing counter service and outdoor seating that works well for dogs.
Explicitly describes itself as kid and dog friendly, with lanai seating in Kihei Kalama Village.
Large brewery-restaurant with a spacious outdoor setup and easy parking in central Kihei.
Best outings
Large North Kihei beach park with open lawn, shoreline access, and room for on-leash walks.
Central Kihei park across from shops and cafes, useful for a walk before breakfast or sunset.
A memorable Maui experience where visitors can take a shelter dog on an outing for the day.
Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Kihei
Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Luxury Wailea resort just south of Kihei with a published dog policy and extensive grounds for leashed walks.
3850 Wailea Alanui Drive, Kihei, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteAC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea
Stylish newer Wailea hotel near Kihei with one of the most transparent pet policies in South Maui.
88 Wailea Ike Place, Wailea, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteAndaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Upscale beachfront resort near Kihei that welcomes dogs with advance notice in pet-friendly rooms.
3550 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteFairmont Kea Lani, Maui
All-suite Wailea resort with a stricter small-dog policy that can work for travelers with compact breeds.
4100 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteFour Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
High-end Wailea stay often listed as pet friendly for travelers who want luxury close to Kihei beaches and dining.
3900 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants in Kihei
Nalu’s South Shore Grill
Popular Kihei breakfast-to-dinner spot with open-air seating, live music, and a relaxed setup that suits dogs on leash.
1280 South Kihei Road, Ste 132, Kihei, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteSouth Shore Tiki Lounge
Casual Kihei hangout with pizza, tiki drinks, and a lanai the business explicitly describes as dog friendly.
1913-J S. Kihei Rd., Kihei, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteMaui Brewing Co. Kihei
Large brewery and restaurant with plenty of outdoor space, good parking, and a convenient central Kihei location.
605 Lipoa Parkway, Kihei, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteKihei Caffe
Beloved breakfast stop across from Kalama Park, ideal for grabbing an early meal after a beach or park walk.
1945 South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteMulligans on the Blue
Scenic Wailea pub with expansive outdoor seating and ocean views, frequently recommended for dog-friendly patio dining near Kihei.
100 Kaukahi Street, Kihei, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteMaui Fish’n Chips
Casual seafood option in Kihei often noted for a covered outdoor patio where dogs can join you.
1455 S Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks & Activities Around Kihei
Waipu'ilani Park
Large county park in North Kihei with shoreline access, open grass, and room for a long on-leash walk.
Waipuilani Rd., Kihei, Maui, HI 96793
Visit WebsiteKalama Park
Central Kihei park with beach access, lawns, courts, and easy access to nearby cafes for a walk-and-breakfast routine.
South Kihei Road, Kihei, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteKenolio Dog Park
North Kihei off-leash dog park opened by Maui County, giving local dogs a legal fenced place to run.
Kenolio area, North Kihei, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteWailea Dog Park
Small off-leash community dog park in Wailea, useful if you are staying at the nearby resorts south of Kihei.
Wailea, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteMaui Humane Society Beach Buddies
Unique outing program that lets visitors take a shelter dog on an adventure, including beach walks and lunch at dog-friendly patios.
Maui Humane Society, Puunene, HI 96784
Visit WebsiteKeālia Coastal Boardwalk
Beautiful birding boardwalk north of Kihei for humans, but note that pets are not allowed on the refuge, so this is a humans-only side trip.
North Kihei Highway, Kihei, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Kihei
This itinerary keeps beach heat, leash rules, and patio-friendly timing in mind.
Day 1: Arrival and easy South Kihei evening
Arrive in Kihei or Wailea and check into a pet-welcoming hotel such as AC Hotel Maui Wailea or Grand Wailea after confirming your dog’s paperwork and room assignment.
Take an easy decompression walk at Waipu'ilani Park, where the open lawn and shoreline make a good first stop after travel.
Have dinner at Nalu’s South Shore Grill or South Shore Tiki Lounge and keep your dog leashed in the outdoor seating area.
Day 2: Parks, breakfast, and sunset patio time
Start with breakfast from Kihei Caffe, then walk Kalama Park before the day gets hot.
If your dog needs off-leash time, head to Kenolio Dog Park or Wailea Dog Park. If you want a special Maui animal experience, book the Maui Humane Society Beach Buddies program in advance.
Settle in at Maui Brewing Co. Kihei for a relaxed dinner and drinks, then take a short sunset stroll along South Kihei Road.
Day 3: Scenic wrap-up before departure
Enjoy one more beach-park walk at Waipu'ilani Park and a coffee stop nearby.
If you are traveling without your dog for a short stretch, visit Keālia Coastal Boardwalk, where pets are not allowed but the birding is excellent. Otherwise, stay dog-focused and revisit your favorite park or patio.
Pick up an early dinner, rinse off sandy paws, and head to the airport or your next Maui stop.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Wailea
5-10 minutesUpscale resort area just south of Kihei with pet-friendly hotels, coastal walks, and dining patios.
Kahului
25-35 minutesUseful for airport access, errands, and additional dog-friendly services on central Maui.
Wailuku
35-45 minutesHistoric town with a more local feel and access to central Maui parks and services.
Lahaina
1 hour 10 minutesA longer drive from South Maui, but still a classic day-trip base for West Maui scenery and dining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in Kihei?
Yes, many Kihei restaurants can allow dogs in outdoor dining areas under Hawaii’s updated food-safety rules, but the setup must meet specific requirements such as separate outdoor access and leash control. Policies still vary by business, so call ahead.
Is there an off-leash dog beach in Kihei?
No official off-leash beach in Kihei is widely published. Plan on keeping your dog leashed at beach parks unless you are in a designated dog park.
What is the best area to stay with a dog near Kihei?
For the most reliable published hotel pet policies, look at Wailea properties just south of Kihei, especially AC Hotel Maui Wailea, Grand Wailea, Andaz Maui, and Fairmont Kea Lani.
Are dogs allowed at Keālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge?
No. Pets are not allowed on the refuge or boardwalk because of wildlife protection rules.
What should I know before flying to Maui with a dog?
Hawaii has strict animal entry requirements and quarantine rules. Confirm all current state requirements well before travel, and also verify your hotel’s pet policy directly before booking.
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