Pet Friendly Living in Kakaako

Our deep love of pets is almost as old as humanity itself! Tens of thousands of years ago, before the internet, before the industrial revolution, before the bronze age, even before the advent of agriculture, history shows we humans had cats in Asia as pets and made our first friendship with the grey wolf. Approximately 14,000 years ago, in western Eurasia, it is believed that these wolves were domesticated and this connection has evolved into what everyone knows today as our dogs, or “mans best friend.”

Kakaako is one of the best places to live if you love your pets!

Howard Hughes, whose 80-acre master plan community, Ward Village even says it’s “almost primal in nature” for us to love our pets! These developers realize how many people love their pets and Kakaako has some of the most pet friendly buildings on Oahu! There are 30 pet friendly buildings in this neighborhood registered so far! Most have pet amenities which were part of the building’s project plans, rather than implemented them after the building was built. In addition to each building having their own dog park within their property grounds, the neighborhood of Kakaako has 157.77 acres of parks and open areas, planned over the next 10-20 years, between the commitments of Hawaii Community Development Authority (HCDA), Kamehameha Schools, Castle & Cook, Alexander & Baldwin & Howard Hughes: Ala Moana Beach Park, Magic Island State Park, Kakako Waterfront Park, Kewalo Basin Park, Gateway Mauka Park, Gateway Makai Park, Kolowalu Mauka Park, Kolowalu Makai Park, Mother Waldron Park, Queen Street Parks & Admiral Thomas Park.

Kakaako’s mixed use urban neighborhoods of Ward Village, Ala Moana, the upcoming Waterfront development and SALT at Kakaako are planned communities with pets in mind, where one can grab coffee, then go for a walk, run, or swim or frisbee park session with their pet!  Most of the restaurants have an outdoor, casual setting area that is pet friendly and parks seem to surround all the buildings, restaurants, retail, and entertainment areas!

Please note, each building does have different house rules and regulations regarding pets, in regards to size, weight, number of pets allowed, noise, safety and some even specify areas for them. For instance, some buildings have weight restrictions for pets, up to 10 lbs, 25 lbs or 40 lbs; some buildings say you must carry your pet in common areas, or must have them leashed; some buildings even say pets must use the service elevators, etc.

Building House Rules

Be aware of them. It’s always better to work within the system rather than break the rules and get in trouble, even if you didn’t know you did! For example, a friend of mine told me that when he first moved here and bought his first condo, he had this girlfriend who came over and brought her dog all the time. He never thought much about it because he loves animals. He also never checked his mailbox there at the building, because all his important work mail went to his office. When he decided to sell his condo, he discovered all these fines over many years, from the building, for all the times there was a dog on premise, against the house rules, which implemented fines! Thousands of dollars later, he settled these fines in order to sell his condo! So needless to say, the next home he bought in a complex was “pet friendly.”

Renters

Renters in certain buildings may even have more restrictions. Even if the building allows pets, the renter is at the discretion of the unit owner whether pets will be allowed with their rental. Usually, a pet deposit is required on top of the renters’ security deposit to move in. Please do your research before signing a lease! If the building you are living in or interested in buying is not a “pet friendly” building yet, you may be able to bridge more possibilities by connecting with other residents, other buildings over time. The Hawaii Humane Society is a great resource for any questions, information, and community.

Affordable Housing Amidst Luxury Condos

If you don’t think you can afford to buy a condo in Kakaako, you may be mistaken! Check out these pet friendly and Affordable Developments for first time home buyers: KeKilohana, Keahou Place, Kapiolani Residence, and more are coming to Kakaako!

Relocating

Moving, returning to the islands or renting first? Make sure you check the State of Hawaii’s quarantine laws and details, months before, you get on the plane!

Kaka’ako’s Pet Friendly Buildings

• ‘A’Ailii (upcoming)
• A’eo
• Anaha
• Ala Moana Tower
• Admiral Thomas
• Gateway Towers (upcoming)
• Hawaiki Tower
• Hokua at 1288 Ala Moana Blvd.
• Ke Kilohana
• Keahou
• Keola La’i
• Koolani
• Moana Pacific
• Nauru Tower
• One Ala Moana
• One Waterfront Tower
• Pacifica Honolulu
• Pacificana Atlas
• Royal Capitol Plaza
• Sandalwood
• Sunset Towers
• Symphony Honolulu
• The Collection
• Waiea
• Waihonua
• 620 Sheridan
• 680 Ala Moana
• 801 South Street
• 909 Kapiolani
• 1350 Ala Moana Blvd.