Hawai‘i Island Humane Society

Based on the Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Island Humane Society is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that offers lifesaving programs and community outreach services. Our organization, established in 1965, serves Hawaii Island's community with limited admission shelters in Keaau and the Animal Community Center in Kona. With a focus on completing families by adopting out social, friendly animals, and preserving families by keeping pets in loving homes, Hawaii Island Humane Society is dedicated to advancing animal welfare in the County of Hawaii

Our organization, established in 1965, serves Hawaii Island's community with limited admission shelters in Keaau and the Animal Community Center in Kona. HIHS operates two limited admission animal shelters: The Keaau Shelter and The Animal Community Center in Kona. Healthy, treatable, and manageable animals are accepted into our care when space and resources allow. HIHS does not place any limits on our animals and does not euthanize animals for time nor space. In 2025, HIHS maintained a live release rate of 95.4%; the national standard to be considered a ''no kill shelter'' is 90% or higher. In 2022, HIHS was recognized by Best Friends Animal Society as a ''no kill shelter'', however, the term ''no kill'' can be confusing. Although HIHS fits the criteria of ''no kill'', the HIHS leadership team and Board of Directors have made a conscious decision to not utilize the term ''no kill'' as part of our identity

Mission — The mission of Hawaii Island Humane Society is to prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the bond between humans and animals