As a pet-friendly neighborhood, Our Kaka‘ako is an ideal place for our four-legged friends to take their daily walks. Thanks to the abundance of green spaces, parks and open-air shopping blocks, it’s easy to find a fun and safe route for you and your pet.
Studies have shown that pets can help decrease blood pressure for owners through regular walking and playing outdoors with pets. Plus, the time that we spend bonding with our pets can manage loneliness and depression, and can even increase the time that we spend socializing with other pet owners.
Don’t forget, protect your beloved pet’s paws from hot pavement by opting to walk through green spaces or shaded areas. You can also buy dog shoes, apply paw wax and always try to choose to walk your dog during cooler times like early morning or in the evening.
1. Spend Time at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako
Depending on where you’re located in the neighborhood, SALT can be a starting point or a destination. Located on Auahi Street, this city block is a fantastic pet-friendly outdoor gathering place with local boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants and more. Consider strolling through the courtyard on the ground floor or taking a detour through the Barn, which is set up with tables and chairs for socializing. We are big fans of setting up a doggy playdate at SALT and grabbing something to drink or eat from one of your favorite shops to stay hydrated before embarking on a walk.
2. Explore Street Murals
Take a longer route with your pet and meander your way past street murals found on Keawe, Coral, Auahi and/or Pohukaina streets. There’s so much to explore: surfers, Totoros, portraits and more. You can walk past The Flats at Pu‘unui and see the “Hōkūle‘a “Mālama Honua” by the Polynesian Voyaging Society and 808 Urban. Take time to appreciate silhouettes of ocean creatures and canoe plants. On Auahi Street, the “Hilo Honu” depicts a giant honu (sea turtle) swimming in the ocean and was created by Hawai‘i Island artist Kai‘ili Kaulukukui. Keiki and pets alike love “Aloha Monsters” on Pohukaina Street, painted by Kevin Lyons – you can’t help but feel cheerful when you see orange, blue, yellow and red monsters running rampant. Nearby is Mother Waldron Park, where you can let your pet explore the grassy green space to stretch out their legs. If you’re bringing keiki, they can spend time playing on the playground.
3. Stroll Down Keauhou Lane
Keauhou Lane is one of Our Kaka‘ako’s green spaces, a walkway lined by lush native plants and trees. It’s a fun short walk with a relaxing and creative energy. It’s the perfect place for you and your pet to people watch, stop by stores and meet up with friends. The commercial shopping area is home to retailers like Blade & Timber, Down to Earth Kaka‘ako, Hibachi, HICRAFT Kitchen, Spa U‘ilani, Sweat + Soul, The Ultimate Foot Store, V Hairstyling and Nails, and Yaya’s Chophouse & Seafood.
Take a weekend walk down to Kaloko‘eli Courtyard, where we’re welcoming pet lovers in Our Kaka‘ako and from around the island to Bark in the Park on Saturday, January 22. You and your furry family will have plenty of fun in the sun at this free event, which will include pet workout classes, pet fire safety talks, pop-up retail vendors, and a photo op wall. Click here for more info.
