69-Year-Old and His Dog Scooby-Doo Complete Maui Island Walk

The journey around the island was split into 34 walks over nearly three months.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:03pm

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Kevin Thompson, a 69-year-old from Minnesota, and his 21-pound sheepadoodle Scooby-Doo completed a 300-mile journey walking around the entire island of Maui. The trek, which they split into 34 walks over nearly three months, was inspired by Thompson's desire to do "something different" and take on a "mission" with his dog. The pair faced logistical challenges, dangerous road conditions, and aggressive dogs along the way, but also made connections with locals and discovered new places on the island.

Why it matters

Thompson's journey highlights the growing trend of people, including seniors, finding joy and purpose in physical challenges like long-distance walks. It also showcases Maui's natural beauty and the island's rich history, including the ancient King's Highway that Thompson and Scooby-Doo were able to partially trace during their trek.

The details

Thompson and Scooby-Doo began their journey on December 9th from Kīhei, walking the mostly lost King's Highway, also known as the Piʻilani Trail, that was established by a 16th century Maui ruler. The route was not straightforward, as Thompson had to backtrack to his Jeep numerous times, adding an additional 80 miles to the total. Scooby-Doo faced his own challenges, refusing to wear boots, carrying a backpack, or walking through stickers and rocks. The pair encountered aggressive dogs, road rage incidents, and dangerous conditions on the Road to Hāna, but also made connections with locals, including relatives of a famous Hawaiian walker named Eddie Pu who had completed the trek 30 times.

  • The journey began on December 9, 2025 from Kīhei.
  • The final 1/4-mile leg was completed on March 2, 2026 in Lahaina.

The players

Kevin Thompson

A 69-year-old from Minnesota who has been coming to Maui for 25 years to manage properties. He embarked on the journey around the island with his dog Scooby-Doo.

Scooby-Doo

Thompson's 21-pound sheepadoodle who accompanied him on the 300-mile trek around Maui.

Eddie Pu

A Native Hawaiian who completed the walk around Maui 30 times in the 1960s and 1970s as a pilgrimage to preserve the island's ancient, sacred lands.

Ward Mardfin

An 18-year-old from Connecticut who in 1962 walked around Maui in 6 days, covering 166 miles.

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What they’re saying

“When I started out, I just looked up about walking around the island. I found people who did it back in the '60s and '70s, and the most impressive one was that Eddie Pu, who did it 30 times.”

— Kevin Thompson

“He spent like $3 on the whole trip. He listed what he was buying, including a can of tuna.”

— Kevin Thompson

“Here we are Scoob. We almost got this baby. Come on. You donʻt have to walk anymore. I can carry you now.”

— Kevin Thompson

What’s next

Thompson said he and Scooby-Doo will now need to find a new mission or challenge to take on together.

The takeaway

Thompson's journey around Maui with his loyal companion Scooby-Doo demonstrates the power of setting ambitious physical goals, even in one's later years, and the joy that can come from exploring the natural beauty of the island through the slow pace of walking.