The Bark Park
If you’re searching for an off-leash dog park in the Honolulu area, look no further than the Bark Park. The park is located here, near the entrance to the Diamond Head state monument. It’s a great place to unwind while your dogs socialize and exercise. The park is entirely maintained by volunteers. They do an excellent job of cleaning the park and keeping the peace. There is a great crowd of (mostly) friendly dogs and owners. In fact, we’ve made some of our best friends at the Bark Park.
The Bark Park is often very dry due to its Kaimuki location. In the unlikely event that it does rain, bring a towel. The volcanic red dirt turns to a muddy mess very fast. Actually, I would avoid wearing white altogether at the park, rain or shine.
We have found the occasional tick on our dogs. However, it’s likely the tick was a result of hiking, and not the park. Regardless, it’s wise to use some kind of flea and tick treatment on your dogs before taking them to the Bark Park, or anywhere outside for that matter.
Although there is a section of the Bark Park gated for small dogs, it’s seldom used for that purpose. There is a good mix of large and small dog breeds, but the larger dogs tend to dominate the park a little more. Most of the dogs play nice and have responsible owners, but, like any dog park, there’s bound to be a scuffle from time to time.
The Bark Park was donated to the community by Clark Hatch, founder of the Clark Hatch Fitness Center, and dedicated to his late Beagle, Buster. The park often hosts potlucks, celebrations and even dog costume contests for Halloween. To learn more about the park visit the Web site, www.barkparkhonolulu.com.
So bring your dog to the Bark Park for some exercise and social interactivity, and you just may find a group of great friends in the process. If you’ve recently gotten a puppy, you’ll be the main attraction of the park with everyone wanting to get their grubby paws all over your new family member. Just make sure they’re up to date on their shots, because you’ll be asked from everyone.
I can not begin to say how much this park means to me. When I first moved to Hawaii, I had a very hard time meeting people. Going to Bark Park has not only introduced my pup to many new friends, it also helped me make friends. It’s a great place to socialize and everyone bonds quickly. There is a sense of ownership at the park and regulars are quick to spread the aloha.
Living in a cramped condo, my pouch is home all day long in a small area. I try to take her daily to Bark Park. It’s wonderful for them to get out and run around. It assists in releasing their energy and helps them be better behaved dogs at home.
This beautiful park is full of flowers and plants. It’s very relaxing and my favorite time to go is on weekend mornings when it’s quite and I can just sit with a good book while my pup plays. If you are looking to socialize your dog, the best time to go is on weekdays around 5:30pm when the workday crowd is taking there dogs out. Usually at this time there are around 20 plus dogs there.
Poop bags are provided and owners MUST pick up after their pets. There’s a water fountain for people and for pets, lots of benches for sitting and even a community board where you can post messages.
Parking is across the street in the lot shared by Bark Park and The Red Cross. It is free to anyone who is going to these locations.
Owners with agressive dogs should not bring them to the park. Friendly and socialized dogs only please!
See you there!