Tourists in Hawaii encouraged to borrow shelter dogs to take on ‘field trips’ during vacation

For plenty of travelers, there are not many things strong enough to cut a tropical getaway short — but missing a dog back home can definitely be one of them. In Hawaii, several shelters have found a creative solution: visitors can spend the day with an adoptable dog by joining special excursion programs that let them “borrow” a pup for an outing.

Across the islands, three shelters now offer these experiences: the Kauaʻi Humane Society’s Field Trips for Shelter Dogs, Maui Humane Society’s Beach Buddies, and Hawaiian Humane Society’s ʻĪlio Explorers. Guests usually need to reserve in advance, and each program has its own fee structure. Kauaʻi residents can participate for free, while visitors pay at least $75. Maui charges visitors $75, and Hawaiian Humane asks for a donation, with locals paying $50 and visitors $150.

Beyond being enjoyable, these programs also give tourists a meaningful way to support the local community. Hawaii’s tourism guidance encourages visitors to travel responsibly by helping local organizations, respecting culture, and volunteering where possible. Shelter leaders say these dog outings do more than create fun memories — they give dogs a break from kennel life and provide them with valuable time in the outside world.

Research on shelter dogs has shown that even short trips away from the shelter can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels. These outings can also improve adoption chances, since volunteers learn useful details about each dog’s personality, behavior, and preferences, which can then be shared with future adopters.

One recent participant, Julie Schultz-Wallace from Colorado, spent a day in Maui with Buck, a young sighthound mix. A dedicated dog owner herself, she said the shelter gave them everything needed for the adventure, including treats, toys, water, waste bags, and a map of dog-friendly places. She and her mother took Buck to the beach, where he happily spent the afternoon with them. Schultz-Wallace paid close attention to how he responded to different surroundings so she could report back helpful observations to the shelter.

Buck also wore an “adopt me” collar and bandana, making it easy for people they met to learn that he was looking for a home. In some cases, these temporary adventures turn into permanent matches. Shelter staff say some visitors fall so in love with the dogs they spend time with that they eventually adopt them. Maui Humane Society has even partnered with American Airlines to help transport adoptable dogs to homes in other states.

Shelter leaders say the biggest benefit is simple: dogs do better when they can spend time in real-world settings instead of sitting in kennels. Outings help them become happier, more social, and more adoptable. Programs like these are also becoming more common across the country, offering both tourists and locals the chance to enjoy a dog’s company for a day without committing to long-term fostering.

For Schultz-Wallace, the experience added something special to her vacation. Near the end of the trip, she was already missing her own dogs back home, and spending time with Buck filled that gap in a way only dog lovers truly understand. Even in a place as beautiful as Hawaii, she said, life feels better with a dog by your side.