The Hawaiian Humane Society’s ‘Īlio Explorers program allows volunteers to take a pup on a daylong field trip, which helps alleviate stress for shelter dogs and ready them for adoption.
Photo Essay: These Field Trips Help Hawaiʻi Pups Find Forever Homes
The Hawaiian Humane Society’s ‘Īlio Explorers program allows volunteers to take a pup on a daylong field trip, which helps alleviate stress for shelter dogs and ready them for adoption.
Acorn and Kawenaonalani Correa stroll along the Mānoa Falls Trail on his ‘Īlio Explorers field trip in Honolulu. The program allows volunteers to take a dog off the Hawaiian Humane Society grounds and out into the public. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)
Kawenaonalani Correa watches as Rachel Weymouth gets Acorn ready for his ‘Īlio Explorers field trip Tuesday in Honolulu. Weymouth, who administers the program, begins each field trip with a classroom segment for volunteers. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)‘Īlio Explorers wear this vest while out on a field trip. Each team of explorers gets a vest, harness, GPS locator tag and a backpack for the human stocked with towels, water, bowl, treats, dog waste bags and emergency information and protocols. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)Hawaiian Humane Society Manager of Communications Brandy Shimabukuro takes a photo of Kawenaonalani Correa and Acorn before his ‘Īlio Explorers field trip on a recent Tuesday morning at their Mōʻiliʻili campus. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)
“Field trip programs like ʻĪlio Explorers significantly reduce stress and cortisol levels in shelter dogs, which is exactly what we see with dogs like Acorn,” Hawaiian Humane Society Manager of Communications Brandy Shimabukuro said. “When dogs get a break from the kennel environment to walk, explore and socialize with people, it helps their mental and physical well-being tremendously.”
Kawenaonalani Correa and Acorn begin their hike to the Mānoa Falls Trail during his ‘Īlio Explorers field trip. There were many new smells and new friends to meet there. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)Kawenaonalani Correa and Acorn step out on the Mānoa Falls Trail. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)
“These outings also give Hawaiian Humane valuable insights into their personalities and preferences, which helps them make better matches with adoptive families,” Shimabukuro said. “For dogs who have been with Hawaiian Humane longer, like Acorn, these experiences are especially important for maintaining their emotional health.”
Kawenaonalani Correa gives Acorn some Hawaiian Humane Society-supplied water along the Mānoa Falls Trail. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)Acorn takes having his paws dried off in stride during his ‘Īlio Explorers field trip with Kawenaonalani Correa, left, and Brandy Shimabukuro. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)
“Acorn is a 4-year-old, 69-lb American Pit Bull Terrier mix who has been waiting for a home for 117 days (as of Aug. 12) after being found stray in the Salt Lake area in April 2025,” Shimabukuro said. “This resilient boy has overcome so much in his short life and he’s looking for a home that will give him the love, comfort and joy that he deserves.”
Acorn loves treats and the humans who give them out. ‘Īlio Explorers are supplied with bags of treats and other things for the day’s field trip to be enjoyable for both pup and human. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)
“Acorn is a staff and volunteer favorite, not just for his perseverance, but for his easygoing, lovable personality,” Shimabukuro said.
Kawenaonalani Correa and Acorn patiently wait for shave ice. His calm demeanor put fellow customers at ease. Most didn’t even notice he was there. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)
In the year since its inception, 152 ʻĪlio Explorers have been able to go on these daylong field trips. “International guests from as far away as Canada, Australia, Japan and Germany have participated,” Shimabukuro said.
Acorn laps up his pup-friendly Waiola shave ice during his field trip with Kawenaonalani Correa. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2025)
Interested adopters can meet Acorn at the Hawaiian Humane Society Mōʻiliʻili Campus or sign up online for the Explorer program.
“This mellow boy loves leisurely walks, being your ultimate copilot during car rides,” Shimabukuro said, and soaking up all the cuddles.”
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