It's pet owners who make a sudden move to the islands or who fail to research the requirements whose animals end up in quarantine for the 120 days, said Isaac Maeda, a veterinarian and manager of the animal quarantine station. Quarantine for animals began in 1912 when rabies became endemic in California.

The Kahala resort manager, Tim Lee, started the dog program there last year after helping launch a similar pet pampering program at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, where celebrities regularly brought their purse-size pups.

"Even the dogs want to be pampered," said Lee. "It's all a matter of service."

The Kahala, 10 minutes outside Waikiki in one of the richest neighborhoods on Oahu, charges $150 per pet. The hotel also offers dog walking, pet pillows alongside guest beds and a card that guests can use to teach their dogs commands in Hawaiian. "Noho," for example, is sit. The Sheraton Princess Kaiulani in Waikiki and Four Seasons Resort Maui also allow small pets as extra amenities to attract visitors to their upscale hotels. Several bed and breakfasts, vacation homes and Harbor Shores Apartment Hotel in Aiea welcome pets.

At W Honolulu in Diamond Head, cats and dogs under 40 pounds are welcome. Owners pay an extra $25 a day at the W plus a $100 cleaning fee at the end of their visit.

Upon arrival, they get special water bowls, pet-size beds and goodie bags packed with a rawhide treat or chew toy.

"It makes the experience for pets just like it is for humans," said general manager Lyle Takeuchi.