Oʻahu: All about visiting the Honolulu Zoo (hawaiionthecheap.com)

The Honolulu Zoo is the wildest place in Waikīkī. Situated in the shadow of Diamond Head crater at the corner of Kapahulu and Kalākaua Avenues, the zoo was stablished in 1877. In fact, it is the only zoo in the United States that originated in a King’s grant of royal lands to his people.

History of the Honolulu Zoo

In 1876, King David Kalākaua, Monarch of Hawai‘i, made lands of the Leahi Crown Holdings available to the people of Hawai‘i. One a year later, King Kalākaua dedicated Kapiolani Regional Park, named for his consort Queen Kapiolani. He also appointed a park association to oversee the 300-acre parcel of fishponds, lagoons, marshlands, and islands. With the help of royal subsidies, the park was developed to display the King’s private bird collection and to feature a horseracing track.

In 1914, the City of Honolulu assumed responsibility for the park. The first Park Director, Ben Hollinger began adding animals to the bird collection. Kapiolani Bird Park grew to include three large aviary complexes and established techniques for breeding and bird care.

In 1947, 42.5 acres within Kapiolani Regional Park were designated as the Honolulu Zoo. the original design arranged animals in taxonomic groupings of bird, reptile, and mammal exhibits.

In 1984, a Tropical Zoological Garden plan re-organized zoo exhibits into tropical ecological zones. Management and staff at the zoo is committed to making the Honolulu Zoo a place of refuge and wonder for residents and visitors alike.

Honolulu Zoo entrance sign – Depositphotos.com

About the Honolulu Zoo

The mission of the Honolulu Zoo is to inspire stewardship of our living world by providing conservation, education, and meaningful experiences to our community.

The 42-acre zoo exhibits are organized into tropical ecological zones: the African Savanna, Asian and American Tropical Forests, and Pacific Islands. The Zoo emphasizes Pacific Tropical ecosystems and Hawaiian values of malama (caring) and ho`okipa (hospitality).

The Honolulu Zoo is home to over 900 different animals. The collection includes mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. You’ll see lions and tigers (but no bears, oh my), elephants, aardvarks, orangutans, monkeys, and more. There are tortoises and turtles and skinks, too. Plus a variety of frogs, snakes, and tropical birds. Many endangered species are represented, including Komodo dragon (world’s largest lizard at 10-feet), the African wild dog, Palm Cockatoo, and several more.

Sumatran tiger eyes – stock photo via Depositphotos.com

Visiting the Honolulu Zoo

While visiting the animals, use quiet voices. Be sure to point out something that doesn’t look right to a staff member. The Zoo is the animals’ home, please respect their space. Do not tap on glass or throw things into the exhibits. Definitely do not feed, scream, clap, howl, harass, annoy, torment, pester, badger, heckle, irk, bother, or tease the animals in any way. Mahalo!

Address: Honolulu Zoo, 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
Hours: Daily 10AM-6PM. Closed Christmas Day.
Parking: Entrance is on Kapahulu Avenue and charges $1.50 per hour (4-hour max) cash or card at machines. Waikiki Shell parking lot across the street on Monsarrat Avenue has free parking.
General admission: $19/adult (age 13+), $11/keiki (age 3-12). Children 2 and under are free. Kama‘āina/Military: $8.

Discount admission to Honolulu Zoo

Membership: begins at $50 for two persons (2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child) for one year, plus a newsletter and discount in the café and gift shop. Kamaʻāina admission is $8/adult, $4/keiki. So, a membership pays for itself after 4-5 visits.
Volunteers age 18+ are welcome at the Honolulu Zoo. It is a great way to learn about animals and gain valuable experience, support conservation initiatives, meet new people, and work outdoors in a lush tropical environment. Benefits include: professional training, discounts (gift shop, snack bar, membership), special appreciation events, and more.

Website for more info: Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu Zoo special events

Honolulu Zoo giraffes and zebras – Depositphotos.com

Twilight Tours: see the Zoo After Hours

Ever wonder what the Zoo is like once the visitors leave and the gates close? During these special tours, you are guided by educators on a walking tour. Some of the animals are preparing to sleep, while others are just waking up. Learn about the animals’ biology and behavior, and the role that the Zoo plays in the conservation of endangered species. Twilight Tours occur rain or shine (so, no refunds and dress for sunny/rainy weather). The tour is 2-hours, so wear comfortable shoes.

When: Saturdays in April – September 5:30-7:30pm and October – March 4:30-6:30pm.
Admission: Regular adult $30, child (3-13) $25, under age 2 are FREE.
Discount admission: Zoo members get $10 discount off regular prices.

More info: Tours Honolulu Zoo

Wildest Show summer concert series

Summer is wilder at the Honolulu Zoo Society’s annual Wildest Show summer concert series. These after-hours concert features live local entertainment from Na Hoku award-winning musical artists and popular Hawaiʻi performers live on the Zoo’s Great Lawn. Sit back with your family and friends to enjoy music, pre-concert family activities, and more while helping raise funds to support Zoo projects.

2023 Wildest Show concert series

Come early to enjoy the pre-show activities. Food and beverage will be available for purchase.

When: Wednesday evenings, June 14 to July 26, 2023 (except for July 5) from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: On the Great Lawn inside Honolulu Zoo.
Admission: $15/adult (age 13+), $5/keiki (ages 3-12), free for age 2 and under.
Zoo Member Admission: $10/adult.

More info: Wildest Show 2023 – Honolulu Zoo Society

Calendar of events

Listed below are upcoming events at attractions and museums across the Hawaiian Islands.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

When and where to watch whales for free in Hawaiʻi

FREE | multiple locations

Hawaiʻi: Annual Christmas wreath exhibit in Volcano

9:00 am to 5:00 pm | FREE | Volcano Art Center, 19-4074 Old Volcano Road, Volcano, HI 96785