Dog-Friendly Makawao, Hawaii
Explore Upcountry Maui with your dog, from shady forest walks and local patios to pet-friendly stays within easy driving distance of Makawao.
Makawao, HI
Best for walks
Makawao’s main off-leash option for local dogs, located at Eddie Tam Memorial Park.
Cooler-elevation trails and forest roads make this a favorite for leashed walks and trail runs.
A nearby leashed hike through pine forest with a moderate climb and cooler Upcountry temperatures.
Best dog-friendly bites
One of the clearest dog-friendly dining picks in town, with outdoor seating and a dog menu.
Popular dinner spot in the heart of town with a central Makawao location.
Longtime Makawao favorite for lunch and dinner near the town crossroads.
Know before you go
Hawaii allows participating food establishments to permit dogs in outdoor dining areas, but it is still venue-specific.
Outside designated dog parks, Maui County requires dogs to be restrained by a leash or lead no longer than six feet in county parks.
If you plan a Haleakala side trip, pets are not permitted on park trails.
Dog-Friendly Hotels Near Makawao
Residence Inn by Marriott Maui Wailea
A reliable pet-friendly base in Wailea with suites, kitchens, and a straightforward pet policy for travelers who want more space than a standard room.
75 Wailea Ike Drive, Wailea, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteAC Hotel by Marriott Maui Wailea
Modern Wailea stay with a current pet policy that works well for travelers pairing beach time with Upcountry day trips to Makawao.
88 Wailea Ike Place, Wailea, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteAndaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Luxury resort option for travelers who want a higher-end Maui stay while still bringing a dog, with advance notice required for pet-friendly rooms.
3550 Wailea Alanui Drive, Wailea, HI 96753
Visit WebsiteHampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore
Convenient Kahului option closer to the airport, useful for shorter stays or early flights while keeping Makawao within an easy drive.
130 West Kaahumanu Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732
Visit WebsiteOUTRIGGER Kaanapali Beach Resort
West Maui resort that accepts pets, best for travelers combining Makawao with Kaanapali beach time and resort amenities.
2525 Kaanapali Parkway, Lahaina, HI 96761
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants in and Near Makawao
Freshies Maui
The standout dog-friendly dining stop in Makawao, with outdoor seating and a dedicated dog-friendly message from the restaurant, plus a special menu for pups.
3620 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768
Visit WebsiteMakawao Public House
A stylish dinner option right in town, good for an evening meal after a forest walk or Upcountry drive.
3612 Baldwin Ave, Makawao, HI 96768
Visit WebsitePolli's Mexican Restaurant
A longtime Makawao staple for enchiladas, margaritas, and casual meals near the center of town.
1202 Makawao Ave, Makawao, HI 96768
Visit WebsiteCasanova Makawao
Historic Makawao favorite known for pizza, pasta, and a long-running presence at the town crossroads.
1188 Makawao Avenue, Makawao, HI 96768
Visit WebsiteThe Palms Bar & Bites
At Hampton Inn & Suites Maui North Shore, this casual spot serves food outdoors and poolside, making it a practical stop if you are staying in Kahului with your dog.
130 West Kaahumanu Avenue, Kahului, HI 96732
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Activities and Parks Around Makawao
Upcountry Dog Park
Makawao’s main off-leash dog park at Eddie Tam Memorial Park, with separate community use from the surrounding park area. Check county alerts before visiting in case of temporary closures.
Eddie Tam Memorial Park, Makawao, HI 96768
Visit WebsiteMakawao Forest Reserve
A cooler, greener Upcountry escape with trails and forest roads popular for leashed walks, hikes, and trail running.
Makawao Forest Reserve, Makawao, HI 96768
Visit WebsiteKahakapao Loop Trail
One of the best-known routes in Makawao Forest Reserve, suitable for active dogs on leash and owners comfortable with mixed-use trail conditions.
Makawao Forest Reserve, Makawao, HI 96768
Visit WebsiteWaihou Spring Trail
Nearby leashed trail through pine forest with a moderate climb and spring overlook, ideal for dogs that enjoy cooler hiking conditions.
Waihou Spring Forest Reserve, Pukalani, HI 96768
Visit WebsiteMaui Humane Society Dog on Demand
A unique Maui outing program that lets visitors take an adoptable shelter dog out for the day, often for beach trips, walks, and Upcountry adventures.
Maui Humane Society, Puunene, HI 96784
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Makawao
This sample plan mixes Upcountry walks, relaxed meals, and easy drives to pet-friendly parts of Maui while avoiding places with stricter pet rules like Haleakala National Park trails.
Day 1: Arrive and settle into Upcountry
Arrive on Maui and check into a pet-friendly hotel in Wailea or Kahului before driving Upcountry to Makawao.
Grab lunch at Freshies Maui and let your dog relax at the outdoor seating area. Then stroll historic Makawao town and browse the sidewalks and shops that welcome leashed dogs outside.
Head back to your hotel for sunset and a relaxed dinner, or stay in town for dinner at Makawao Public House after confirming patio seating for dogs.
Day 2: Forest trails and town dining
Start early with a leashed walk in Makawao Forest Reserve or on Kahakapao Loop Trail while temperatures are cool.
Visit Upcountry Dog Park for off-leash play if it is open, then refuel with a casual lunch in town at Polli's or another patio-friendly stop after calling ahead.
Drive to Wailea for a quieter evening, beachside paths, and dinner near your hotel.
Day 3: Nearby adventure day
Take a leashed hike on Waihou Spring Trail, or book a Maui Humane Society Dog on Demand outing if you want a meaningful animal-focused experience.
Enjoy one last Makawao coffee or brunch stop, then pick up road snacks and begin your drive back toward Kahului.
Depart Maui or extend your stay with another pet-friendly night near the airport for an easier next-day flight.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Paia
10 milesNorth Shore surf town with walkable streets, casual patios, and easy access from Makawao.
Kahului
12 milesPractical base near the airport with pet-friendly lodging and shopping.
Wailea
18 milesUpscale South Maui area with several pet-friendly hotels and resort amenities.
Kihei
19 milesSunny beach town with more dining choices and easy access to South Maui.
Lahaina
33 milesWest Maui base for resort stays and coastal walks, depending on current recovery conditions and venue reopenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Makawao a good place to visit with a dog?
Yes. Makawao works especially well for travelers who prefer cooler temperatures, forest walks, and a quieter Upcountry base rather than a beach-only trip. The town itself is small, but it pairs well with pet-friendly lodging in Wailea or Kahului.
Are dogs allowed at restaurants in Makawao?
Some restaurants may allow dogs in outdoor dining areas, but policies vary by business. Hawaii permits participating food establishments to allow dogs outdoors, so it is best to call ahead and confirm current patio rules before you go.
Is there an off-leash dog park in Makawao?
Yes. Upcountry Dog Park at Eddie Tam Memorial Park is the main off-leash option in Makawao. Check Maui County alerts before visiting because temporary closures can happen.
Can I take my dog hiking near Makawao?
Yes, leashed hiking is possible in places like Makawao Forest Reserve and nearby Waihou Spring Trail. Always keep your dog leashed where required and bring water, since trail conditions can change quickly.
Are dogs allowed in Haleakala National Park?
Not on park trails. Haleakala National Park allows pets only in limited developed areas, and dogs are not permitted on trails or at Hosmer Grove Campground.
Keep Exploring Dog-Friendly Hawaii
Browse more city guides to find pet-friendly stays, patios, and parks across Maui and beyond.
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