Dog rules in Honolulu and Hawaii County
Hawaii counties write their own dog rules, so what is legal on Oahu may not match Hawaii Island.
01At a glance
| Topic | Honolulu | Hawaii County |
|---|---|---|
| ID | Microchip replaces the license; dogs three months and older | County code references a state dog license for dangerous dog cases |
| Leash | Leashed on public property except off-leash parks | County parks and public places: leash no longer than six feet |
| Dangerous dog | Owner conditions in Revised Ordinances ch. 7 | Penalties in County Code 4-4-32 (felony levels disputed) |
02Honolulu
The Hawaiian Humane Society pet ID page says Honolulu replaced the dog licensing system with a microchip requirement for pet dogs three months and older. The Hawaiian Humane Society FAQ says dogs must be leashed on all public property except off-leash dog parks, including on beaches. The Honolulu Ordinance 20-1 sets conditions for owners of dogs after an attack, including that outside the premises the dog be attended, on a leash no longer than six feet, and under an adult.
03Hawaii County
The HB 2058 testimony, including Hawaii County Code excerpts includes excerpts of Hawaii County Code section 4-4-29 requiring a leash not longer than six feet for dogs in county parks, school grounds and public places, and it records that state law may preempt the felony penalties added in 2022. Check the current code before relying on it.
04Maui and Kauai
The Hawaii House Resolution 128 (2022) says all four counties require leashes in public areas, with a limited number of enclosed off-leash parks. Call county animal control for details.
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