The Waikiki Report: City Dogs Rock!

Aloha nui loa,

Just returned from a trip to Oahu, the busy Isle! Waikiki was teaming with city dogs, mostly toy or small Chihuahua mixed breed. Local dog owners get lots of exercise by the seaside and in the many lush green parks of Honolulu. It is soooo pretty there, one of my favorite cities overall--because it is clean and populated with folks who keep themselves and pets fit. For a bustling city, the vast open spaces and parks are remarkable. People and dogs are happy, and we saw a lot of kapuna (elderly local men and women), walking with their dogs and out bussing it or shopping- the wahine kapuna are so cute, they have straw hats with bands of feathers or flowers and dress-up in Mumu's or colorful clothing, holding bright shade umbrella's as they get from place to place. Some local's carry toy dogs in straw baskets or in hand held bags.

A few bigger mixed breed canines were seen too, getting around town--we saw one Catahoula /Wired Shorthaired Terrier mix that was very handsome, spotted and roughhaired, but medium sized with those adorable Terrier ears! Another white and black Pitbull, was walking proudly with her owner near Waikiki, and a few Hula dogs (lei adorned) were also seen near the Duke at the beach in Waikiki.

High end pet couture shops were abundant, selling everything from fancy collars and leashes to pet clothing(bikini's?) for every occasion, although we did not see any "well dressed" pooches in or around the city....maybe the tourists take presents home for the pet's who got left behind!

Many hotels in Waikiki are now catering to the so called "pet vacationing" craze, with special rates and accommodations for dogs and cats. This would have had to be instigated mainly by the local inter-island travelers as dogs and cats from other places are not allowed on the Hawaiian Islands until after a four month wait(at home or in quarentine in Honolulu) and proper vaccination for rabies has been administered.

Dog culture is evident everywhere it seems, now, more than ever! Personally, I think it more stressful for the dogs who must travel via cargo, than to just stay put until the owners return. I prefer to lounge around home with my three poi dogs, taking the daily outing to the park or beach as a treat outside the norm. Some folks take their dogs right on the plane as carry -on, which might work out better, but, most airlines require that the pet be under 20 lbs. and be able to fit under the front passengers seat.
Does anyone have experience with that mode of travel? I would like to hear about your experiences in the friendly skies with your dog. Is travel as care- free as some say?


Mahalo and A hui hou!

Jane

bye!