It’s no surprise that Hawaii represents the quintessential vacation destination for visitors of all ages. With over 304,000 visitors in January 2018 alone, the Hawaiian Islands continues to be America’s number one destination for weddings, retirements, and year-round vacations. Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, is the tropical state’s largest and most tourist-accessible island is Honolulu. And not only is it the perfect destination for visitors of all ages, its dog-friendly, too!
As an island surrounded by the beautiful Pacific, Honolulu is naturally a city of seafood. That means that locally sourced and owned restaurants are a stone’s throw away in every direction in Honolulu. And better yet – many encourage you to bring your furry friends! After a day of swimming, cruising, exploring, or any of the other multitudes of adventures Honolulu has in store, plan some quality time to bring your buddy to one of the many open, dog-friendly restaurants and enjoy good company, good food, and “good boys.”
Nico’s Pier 38
There’s nothing more local that fish caught by resident fishermen. Head towards the piers and stop by Nico’s Pier 38. Park your pooch on their scenic patio that overlooks the water and take in a sunset as you sample their regional seafood dishes, such as Sesame Crusted Ahi Tataki or Daily Pupu Special Even more exciting, Nico’s Pier is open for all three meals of the day. That means exciting seafood spins on omelets in the morning along with classics like French toast and pancakes. Nico’s also schedules live music performances, so check their website to see if you can get a table when it’s both dinner and a show.
Arancino di Mare
Undoubtedly, you’re going to visit Hawaii and expect some Hawaiian culture. But if you feel a little homesick for the more traditional, do not be afraid! That’s where Arancino di Mare comes in. For the nights where you and your furry friend want to feel a little more sophisticated, stop in and grab a seat on their patio overlooking the world-famous Waikiki beach. Here they specialize in Italian cuisine with a little bit of Honolulu styles, such as their colorful Insalata Misticanza or the fruity Arancino cocktail.
Barefoot Beach Café
If you and your dog are looking for spectacle, then head on down to the Diamond Head end of Waikiki Beach and check out the Barefoot Beach Café. During the weekdays it’s a casual restaurant right on the beachfront where you can see surfers at one of Hawaii’s most popular surf spots. You and your dog will love the atmosphere, the gentle ocean breeze, the Kapiolani Park, located a few blocks away, with plenty of space for you and your pet to explore. But be wary of your pet’s tolerance to loud noises, because every Friday the Barefoot Beach Café hosts fireworks and live music by local musicians, with dinner specials all weekend.
The Nook Honolulu
The Nook Honolulu is one of the highest-rated dog-friendly restaurants in Honolulu, and for a good reason. As one of Honolulu’s most popular brunch spots, The Nook provides a hip, modern atmosphere that is unparalleled by any other restaurant in Honolulu. Styling itself a “boozy bistro,” the Nook also serves a selection of morning and evening cocktails, giving you that flexibility of when and how you want to start imbibing on your trip through Honolulu.
Egghead Café
If you’re looking for something a little more breakfast specific than these all-day establishments, and if that’s the case, look no further than the Egghead Café. They’re open only for breakfast and lunch but offer some of the best local takes on your favorite breakfast classics. Even better, they’re heavily invested in the best coffee experience you can get on the island. Try out their Hawaiian and Pacific-style blends to ingrain yourself in the feel of a local Honolulu breakfast, and a few extra flairs took right out of places like Taiwan.
Hiking Hawaii Café
After all these delicious options, you’re going to feel the need to stretch your legs. Luckily, you won’t have to look too hard – check out the Hiking Hawaii Café. This café is both a hiking tour business and a place to try delicious, locally-supplied healthy food. You and your pet can enjoy a full experience of the island on a local tour guide and learn all about local culture and the beautiful scenery. Afterward, return and nourish yourselves with some of their fast-casual dining options. The café prides itself on providing food only the experienced guides would eat to properly fuel the adventures across several miles of the island, ranging several thousand feet in elevation across each trail. You and your dog can have a delicious yet active time on your vacation!
Visitors from around the world make a point to visit Honolulu every year to experience the joys found only on these Pacific Islands. On top of the sun, sand, surf, and scenery, Hawaiians take pride in their one-of-a-kind culinary experiences. So, enjoy all of Honolulu’s great cuisine, dog in tow, and make the most of your visit to Oahu.