KAKAAKO, Hawaii (KHON2) — After months of anticipation, Kakaako residents will have a place to let their four-legged friends run around and have fun.

The Kolowalu Dog Park is expected to open on Saturday, Feb. 8. A blessing ceremony is planned for 9 a.m. followed by the grand opening at 9:30 a.m.

The proposed off-leash Kolowalu Mauka Park would be separated into two sides, one for smaller dogs and another for bigger ones.

Dog owners who plan on bringing their dogs to the park should make sure their pets are comfortable mingling with other animals.

In a 2022 interview, Kailua Aminal Clinic Medical Director Candice Denham suggested taking your dog walking on a leash first and making sure it is comfortable being greeted by other dogs.

Denham added that owners should train their dogs to listen to them when they are called.

Her final piece of advice: make sure your pet is fully vaccinated to prevent it from potentially catching anything at the park.

The area is the final component of Kolowalu Park, which reopened its upgraded children’s playground in November 2024.