HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Windward Oahu now has its first off-leash dog park, with the grand opening of the Kahua O Waikalua Neighborhood Park in Kaneohe on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The new park, located at the makai end of Kulauli Street, spans about 3 acres and offers separate areas for large and small dogs. In addition to the off-leash dog park, the facility includes a comfort station, picnic tables, benches, shade trees, and both human and pet drinking fountains. Visitors can also enjoy views of the Koolau Mountains, along with parking for vehicles, bicycles, and mopeds. The park will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the dog park area closed for maintenance every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., starting the week after the opening. City and County officials, including City Councilmember Esther Kiaaina, worked with various stakeholders to bring the park to life. The Windward Dog Park Hui, a nonprofit group formed in 2015, advocated for the facility for years. Kilauea Volcano activity increases, no eruption Funding of $250,000 from Kiaaina helped cover costs for fencing, a renovated comfort station, irrigation, and tree trimming. Bay View Golf Course also worked to realign its 7th hole to minimize interference with the park. “This dog park is a long-awaited addition for the community, giving dogs a safe space to run and owners a place to connect,” said Kiaaina. “Parks like these make our neighborhoods better and improve our quality of life.” During the blessing ceremony, the Kaneohe community was joined by state officials, Bay View Golf Course representatives, and local residents, including some very excited dogs. This park marks the 10th off-leash dog park in Honolulu, and the first on Windward Oahu. There are plans to expand more off-leash areas across the island in the future. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news For more information about the city’s dog parks, visit bit.ly/OahuDogParks.