Information
Landmark: Honolulu ZooCity: Honolulu
Country: USA Hawaii
Continent: North America
Honolulu Zoo, Honolulu, USA Hawaii, North America
Overview
In Waikīkī’s Kapiʻolani Park, the Honolulu Zoo draws families from across Hawaii, offering a beloved spot to wander among shaded paths and watch giraffes stretch toward the trees.The sprawling, well-kept zoo features animals from every corner of the globe, from African lions to bright Pacific parrots, with a special focus on the wildlife native to the Pacific region.At the zoo, families can learn about wildlife and enjoy a day of discovery-watching giraffes stretch for leafy branches-while the park works to protect endangered species.The Honolulu Zoo opened its gates in 1876, earning a place among the oldest zoos in the United States, when visitors first wandered past cages shaded by swaying palm trees.It began as King Kalākaua’s private zoo, tucked into his royal grounds, where peacocks once strutted under the palms.In 1914, the gates opened to the public, and by 1932, the zoo had settled into its home in Kapiʻolani Park.Since then, the zoo has grown, adding new exhibits and bringing in animals from bright-feathered parrots to lumbering tortoises.Over the years, the Honolulu Zoo has also refreshed its grounds and upgraded enclosures to give its residents better care.The zoo keeps its focus on education, conservation, and research, and it’s home to more than 900 animals from over 200 species, from tiny dart frogs to towering giraffes.The exhibits are divided into zones, each spotlighting a distinct type of wildlife and its ecosystem-like a sunlit tank filled with darting tropical fish.First.In the African Savannah exhibit, you’ll see some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife-zebras with sharp black-and-white stripes, towering giraffes, and sleek antelope grazing in the grass.The exhibit recreates the sweeping grasslands of Africa, where visitors watch animals roam in wide, sunlit enclosures dotted with tall grass; among them are warthogs, eland, and flocks of colorful birds.In the Asia and Pacific Islands section, you’ll meet orangutans, tigers, siamang gibbons, and meerkats, along with the rare Hawaiian hoary bat and other species found only in Hawaii-an example of the zoo’s commitment to protecting regional wildlife.The Rainforest immerses you in the dense, humid world of Southeast Asia and South America, alive with the sound of dripping water and rustling leaves.Here, visitors might spot bright-feathered macaws, sleepy sloths, darting bats, and a mix of frogs and reptiles, all surrounded by dense greenery and broad tropical leaves that wrap the air in warm, heavy humidity.The Elephant Exhibit features Asian elephants-one of the zoo’s biggest draws.The elephants live in a spacious, natural-style habitat with sunny open fields and cool pools where they can roam, splash, and mingle.Visitors watch them in action while learning about their habits and the efforts to protect them.Nearby, the Bird Sanctuary shelters both exotic and native species, from bright pink flamingos to chattering parrots and striking hornbills.The zoo houses several Hawaiian bird species, including the nene, their soft gray feathers bright against the greenery, along with other endangered natives.Its bird sanctuary plays a key role in protecting and breeding these island birds.Nearby, the Reptile House showcases snakes, lizards, turtles, and even alligators.Some of the animals here are native to Hawaii, while others hail from far corners of the world.Bright, easy‑to‑read signs explain how reptiles fit into their ecosystems and spotlight efforts to protect endangered species.Just around the corner, the Children’s Zoo invites younger visitors to get hands‑on with the experience.You can pet and spend time with animals-soft-eared goats, woolly sheep, even twitch-nosed rabbits.Playgrounds dot the area, giving families a lively spot to relax while kids laugh on the swings.The zoo’s educators lead hands-on demos-letting children touch a tortoise’s shell or watch a keeper feed the birds-so learning feels close and exciting.Beyond that, the Honolulu Zoo is deeply involved in conservation, especially protecting and breeding endangered species.The zoo takes part in several Species Survival Plans (SSPs), working with accredited zoos to help protect threatened animals-like the slow, watchful red panda.The zoo works to protect Hawaiian species like the nene, with its soft gray feathers, and the endangered Hawaiian monk seal.It also backs worldwide efforts to save animals such as tigers, elephants, and orangutans.For visitors of all ages, the Honolulu Zoo hosts a range of educational programs and events.These include guided tours, where a zoo guide shares rich details about the animals-like how a snow leopard’s fur blends perfectly with the rocky cliffs it calls home.Friendly, well-informed staff lead these tours, sprinkling in fun facts about the zoo’s residents-like how a giraffe’s tongue can reach over a foot long.During Animal Encounters, guests step right up to meet select animals, discovering their quirks, habits, and the work being done to protect them.These sessions aim to teach the public why protecting wildlife matters, while the zoo’s school programs-ranging from lively field trips to hands-on workshops-help students explore animal behavior, biology, and conservation.The Honolulu Zoo welcomes visitors daily, closed only on major holidays.While hours can shift, the zoo’s usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission runs about $19 for adults, $11 for kids ages 3 to 12, and it’s free for children under 3.You’ll find the Honolulu Zoo at 151 Kapahulu Avenue, right next to Kapiʻolani Park and just a short stroll from Waikīkī.It’s easy to get there on foot, by car, or by bus.Inside, you can spread out at the picnic tables, browse the gift shop, or grab a cold drink at the snack bar.You’ll find restrooms scattered around the park, and there’s on-site parking-but it often fills fast on busy days, so hopping on a bus or grabbing a ride-share is your best bet during peak hours.Why visit the Honolulu Zoo?It’s a place where kids can watch flamingos strut and adults can unwind while learning something new.Set in the lush green heart of Kapiʻolani Park, the zoo blends sweeping animal exhibits with a strong focus on conservation and education, making it a must-see for anyone who wants to explore wildlife while soaking in Oʻahu’s ocean breeze.Whether you’re with family, catching up with friends, or exploring on your own, the Honolulu Zoo draws you in with colorful parrots, playful monkeys, and a clear message about caring for wildlife and protecting the planet.
