Animal shelters in Hawaii
Our directory lists 31 animal shelters and rescues in Hawaii, spread across 4 counties and 20 cities and towns. Identified types include 13 humane societies (42%), 6 animal sanctuaries (19%) and 4 animal rescues (13%). 9 are registered with the IRS as a tax-exempt animal welfare charity. Haiku has the highest number of listings of any city in the state, with 3. 30 listings include a phone number or website.
Featured animal shelters in Hawaii
- Maui Humane SocietyMehameha Loop, KīheiHumane society
- Maui Pig Sanctuary222 Kahakapao Rd, MakawaoAnimal sanctuary
- Hawaiian Humane Society2700 Waialae Ave, HonoluluHumane society
- Hawaii Wildlife Center53-324 Lighthouse Rd, KapaauWildlife rehabilitation
- Rainbow Friends Animal Sanctuary17-382 13 Mile Rd, KurtistownAnimal sanctuary
- Hawaii Island Humane Society78-6767 Mamalahoa Hwy, HōlualoaHumane society
- Ho’omaluhia Horse Rescue Hawaii67-209 Waialua Beach Rd, WaialuaAnimal rescue
- Hawai'i Dog Foundation111 Hekili St Ste A606, KailuaAnimal shelter
- Humane Society-Hawaii Island74-5225 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy, Kailua-KonaHumane society
- Oahu SPCA823 Olive Ave, WahiawāSPCA
- East Maui Animal Refuge25 Maluaina Pl, HaikuAnimal rescue
- The Hawaii SPCA of Maili87-120 Kaukamana Rd, WaianaeSPCA
Ranked by how complete the record is (address, phone, website, opening hours), not by size or popularity.
Types and features in Hawaii
Animal control and animal services
Humane societies
- Maui Humane SocietyMehameha Loop, Kīhei, HIHumane society
- Hawaiian Humane Society2700 Waialae Ave, Honolulu, HIHumane society
- Hawaii Island Humane Society78-6767 Mamalahoa Hwy, Hōlualoa, HIHumane society
- Humane Society-Hawaii Island74-5225 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HIHumane society
- Molokai Humane Society3104 Maunaloa Hwy, Hoolehua, HIHumane society
- Hawaii Island Humane Society16-873 Keaau-Pahoa Rd, Keaau, HIHumane society
- Kauai Humane Society's Blooming Tails Resale Store3-3178 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HIHumane society
- Hawaii Island Humane Society16-873 Keaau Pahoa Highway, Keaau, HIHumane society
Cities with the most animal shelters
Animal shelters by county
Frequently asked questions
How many animal shelters are there in Hawaii?
Our directory currently lists 31 animal shelters and rescues in Hawaii, across 4 counties. The count covers municipal animal control shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, rescues, sanctuaries and wildlife rehabilitators found in public map data. Records can be out of date, so please call ahead to confirm hours.
Are there animal rescues in Hawaii?
Yes. We list 4 rescue organizations in Hawaii, based on the source classification or the organization's name. Many rescues are foster-based and have no public shelter building, so they adopt by appointment or at adoption events; check their website before you visit.
Are there dog or cat rescues in Hawaii?
Yes. We have identified 2 cat rescues and shelters, 2 dog rescues and shelters, 1 farm animal sanctuary and 1 horse rescue in Hawaii, based on the organization's name or source record. Most general shelters take in both dogs and cats, so they are worth checking even when they are not listed under a specific animal.
How do I adopt a pet in Hawaii?
Start on the shelter's or rescue's own website: most post their adoptable animals there and on Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet. Visit or call to meet an animal, then fill in an adoption application. Expect to show a photo ID, and if you rent, proof that your landlord allows pets. The adoption fee usually covers spay or neuter surgery, first vaccinations and a microchip. Fees vary by organization and by animal, so ask the shelter directly.
I found a stray animal. What should I do?
If the animal is friendly and safe to approach, check for an ID tag and take it to any vet or shelter to scan for a microchip. Report the found animal to your local animal control or municipal shelter, since that is where owners look first, and post it on local lost-and-found pet pages. Many cities require found pets to be reported or brought to the shelter within a few days. For injured or orphaned wildlife, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead of handling the animal.
Related guides
- Pet Adoption Fees ExplainedTypical adoption fees for dogs, cats and other pets, what the fee usually covers, and why prices differ between shelters and rescues.
- Shelter vs Rescue vs Humane SocietyHow municipal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs and foster-based rescues differ in funding, intake and adoption.
- How to Adopt a DogWhere to look, how the application, meet-and-greet and home check work, what it costs, and how to pick a dog that fits your life.
- Pet Adoption ChecklistWhat to prepare before you apply, what to bring on adoption day, the supplies to buy and how to pet-proof your home.