Last updated: March 22, 2025
Thing to Do
Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
NPS/M. Tadio
Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site welcomes all visitors to the park with their fur buddies. The B.A.R.K. Ranger Program encourages dogs (and other family fur friends) and their humans to complete at least one B.A.R.K. Code activity geared toward teaching and practicing the etiquette needed when dogs visit historical sites like Pu'ukoholā Heiau. This self-guided program is as easy as B.A.R.K.!
• Bag your dog’s waste and remove it.
• Always leash your dog. Keep your dog on a six-foot leash and under control at all times.
• Respect wildlife. The park is home to many native species, most notably the State Bird of Hawaiʻi, the nēnē.
• Know where you can go.
After completing one or more activities, a free 5"x7" certificate will be signed by a park ranger, to honor the commitments between handlers, their dogs, and Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.
In addition to the certificate, the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program has a limited edition "Dog Tag" that is included as a reward for participation. This program is offered on Thursdays starting around 9:00 am at the visitor center. This is a the half mile looped (paved) trail walk and talk with B.A.R.K. Ranger O'Shen and Park Ranger. The walk and talk will start at the visitor center. We are working with our partners (Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association) in stalking the park store with B.A.R.K. Ranger Dog Tags and or other cool products for purchase in the future.
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in many areas of the park for safety reasons, and for the protection of threatened and endangered native species. B.A.R.K. Rangers and their humans know where they can go (always on a leash). Don’t end up in the dog house, visit the website for a complete list of pawsibilites with rules and regulations. Check the Superintendent’s Compendium for exemptions regarding authorized service animals. All pets and service animals in the park must be leashed at all times.
• Bag your dog’s waste and remove it.
• Always leash your dog. Keep your dog on a six-foot leash and under control at all times.
• Respect wildlife. The park is home to many native species, most notably the State Bird of Hawaiʻi, the nēnē.
• Know where you can go.
After completing one or more activities, a free 5"x7" certificate will be signed by a park ranger, to honor the commitments between handlers, their dogs, and Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.
In addition to the certificate, the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program has a limited edition "Dog Tag" that is included as a reward for participation. This program is offered on Thursdays starting around 9:00 am at the visitor center. This is a the half mile looped (paved) trail walk and talk with B.A.R.K. Ranger O'Shen and Park Ranger. The walk and talk will start at the visitor center. We are working with our partners (Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association) in stalking the park store with B.A.R.K. Ranger Dog Tags and or other cool products for purchase in the future.
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in many areas of the park for safety reasons, and for the protection of threatened and endangered native species. B.A.R.K. Rangers and their humans know where they can go (always on a leash). Don’t end up in the dog house, visit the website for a complete list of pawsibilites with rules and regulations. Check the Superintendent’s Compendium for exemptions regarding authorized service animals. All pets and service animals in the park must be leashed at all times.
Details
Duration
30-60 Minutes
The program walk and talk could take a minimum of 20 minutes to a miximum of 35 minutes. It all depends on the group and questions asked if wanting a more detailed story of the park and or program.
Activity
Guided Tours
B.A.R.K. Program walk and talk will be on a paved half mile looped trail with a couple areas where there are 8-10 flights of stairs. Participants with their fur buddies must bring water as necessary, a leash no longer than 6 feet, and a "pawsitive" attitude. Weather conditions may vary, please check social media posting for any changes or rescheduling. Learn more about regulations and policies regarding pets at Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.
Age(s)
This program is open to all ages (must be able to handle their own animal).
Pets Allowed
Yes
All fur buddies are welcome to participate in this program. We would like to invite your pet with their handler to be apart of our National Park Service animal friendly park Ohana (family).
B.A.R.K. Code
Bag your pet’s poop.
Always keep your pet on a leash.
Respect wildlife.
Know where you can go.
As long as the pet and handler follows the B.A.R.K. Ranger code, you and your leashed fur buddy may explore designated areas open within the park. Enjoy the outdoors and please share the trail with others.
B.A.R.K. Code
Bag your pet’s poop.
Always keep your pet on a leash.
Respect wildlife.
Know where you can go.
As long as the pet and handler follows the B.A.R.K. Ranger code, you and your leashed fur buddy may explore designated areas open within the park. Enjoy the outdoors and please share the trail with others.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Pu'uhokola Visitor Center Half Mile Loop Trail
B.A.R.K. Ranger walk and talk tours will begin at 9:00 am starting outside the visitor center lawn area on the backside of the center facing makai (ocean).
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
The B.A.R.K. Ranger Program walk and talk tour will begin at 9:00 am HST. Contact park staff for further information at 808-882-7218 ext 1011.
Accessibility Information
A half mile looped trail starting from the visitor center heading north to the base of Pu'ukoholā Heiau, this paved path has two sections of the trail with a little decline with 8-10 flights of steps and continuing on the paved path along the shoreline, here is another area with a slight incline with 8-10 flights of steps that will take you on a journey along the coastal part of the trail and looping back to the visitor center to complete this half mile loop trail that is accessible for walking. Wheelchair path accessible to the base of Pu'ukoholā Heiau and Mailekini Heiau.