Honolulu Zoo: Your Weekend Household Vacation spot

The Honolulu Zoo has all the time held a particular place in my coronary heart for my household. When my daughter, now eight, and my son, now 5, had been toddlers, we might pack lunch and drive to Waikīkī nearly each week. They’d their favorites—my daughter all the time admired the sleek giraffes, whereas my son discovered the scaly reptiles fascinating.Again then, as a stay-at-home mother, the Honolulu Zoo was our little escape. Whilst my youngsters are getting older, the zoo and its playground continues to be our go-to spot for weekend playdates. The zoo’s dedication to conservation makes it a useful enjoyable and academic expertise for the entire household. And when he grows up, my son has even expressed curiosity in volunteering with the Honolulu Zoo Society, the nonprofit that helps zoo operations.

Whether or not you might be visiting for the primary time or are an area, the Honolulu Zoo is a superb place to get pleasure from. Right here’s a have a look at why it’s a must-see attraction in Oahu.

For extra family-friendly actions on O’ahu, try our Top 15 Activities for Kids on O‘ahu. ​

Concerning the Honolulu Zoo

Nestled within the coronary heart of Queen Kapiʻolani Park on the nook of Kapahulu Avenue and Kalākaua Boulevard in Waikīkī, the Honolulu Zoo is a 42-acre haven for animal lovers and households. What units this zoo aside is its distinctive origin—it’s the one zoo in the USA established by grants from a sovereign monarch. With over 1,230 animals, together with unique birds, mammals, and reptiles, the zoo affords a captivating glimpse into the dwelling world. Every animal resides in specifically designed habitats that mimic their pure environments, guaranteeing their well-being and offering an academic expertise for guests. The zoo is managed by the Metropolis & County of Honolulu by means of the Division of Enterprise Providers, with the Honolulu Zoo Society (HZS) enjoying an important function in supporting its packages and initiatives.

Giraffes on the Honolulu Zoo’s African Savanna Exhibit (Shutterstock)

A Temporary Historical past of the Honolulu Zoo

The origins of the Honolulu Zoo date again to 1877, when King David Kalākaua made lands in Waikīkī obtainable for a public park. By 1947, it formally turned the Honolulu Zoo. Immediately, the zoo’s mission focuses on conservation, schooling, and sustainability. The zoo’s initiatives purpose to safeguard susceptible species and promote consciousness of wildlife preservation.

Through the years, the Honolulu Zoo has had many renovations and expansions. The modifications upgraded the animal habitats and enriched the customer expertise. Efforts in conservation, breeding packages, and partnerships with worldwide wildlife teams deal with defending endangered species. Immediately, the zoo shouldn’t be solely a spot for vacationers but in addition an academic middle and wildlife preservation.

Be taught extra in regards to the State’s efforts in direction of wildlife conservation here.

Plan Your Go to to the Honolulu Zoo

Open day by day from 10 AM to three PM, the zoo welcomes guests of all ages and pursuits. Common admission is $21 for adults, $13 for teenagers aged Three to 12, and free for youngsters 2 and beneath. Conveniently situated on Kapahulu Avenue, the closest zoo car parking zone fees $1.50 per hour. For these trying to save on parking, the Waikiki Shell car parking zone on Monsarrat Avenue affords free parking, only a brief stroll away. As soon as inside, you may discover quite a lot of sights, together with the Keiki (Children) Zoo, picnic garden, playground, gardens, snack bar, and restrooms.

Exploring the Honolulu Zoo: What to Anticipate

Navigating the Honolulu Zoo in Oahu is easy. It affords shaded walkways, relaxation stops, and commentary factors. The amenities enable visitors to view animals up shut and study in regards to the animals’ habitats and behaviors, all throughout the zoo’s fastidiously designed setting. To boost your expertise, comply with the directional indicators alongside the trail.

Bookmark the Honolulu Zoo map that can assist you put together to your go to.

The Keiki Zoo

Probably the most common reveals is the Keiki Zoo. A petting zoo for youngsters options enjoyable, interactive reveals. The zoo’s academic packages and birthday celebration packages make it a well-liked selection for households. Children can crawl by means of tunnels, see farm animals up shut, and study completely different species in a enjoyable means. The Keiki Zoo additionally affords academic packages and birthday celebration bundle.

“My youngsters had the most effective time on the Keiki Zoo! So many hands-on actions and cute animals. Extremely advocate! – @IslandMama on Twitter”

Meet Rusti and Violet: Honolulu’s Well-known Orangutans

A spotlight of the primate part is Rusti, a well-liked orangutan. He’s joined by his mate Violet, who lately moved from the San Diego Zoo. The 2 have turn into a beloved pair, delighting guests with their playful antics and showcasing the intelligence of orangutans.

The African Savanna: A Glimpse of the Wild

The African Savanna exhibit covers a large 12 acres. Made to appear to be the pure properties of Africa’s most well-known animals. Guests can see giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, lions, rhinos, Nile crocodiles, noticed hyenas, and higher kudus. These creatures reside in outside habitats that provide a extra genuine expertise.

Hawaiian Native Species: Conservation in Motion

The zoo focuses on Hawaiian native species, showcasing the zoo’s dedication to conservation. This consists of the nēnē goose, which is Hawaiʻi’s state fowl, and different uncommon forest birds. The nēnē was as soon as near extinction. It has made an ideal restoration because of conservation efforts at locations just like the Honolulu Zoo.

Nene endemic hawaiian goose (Shutterstock)

Reptile Encounters: Komodo Dragons and Extra

For these fascinated by reptiles, the zoo is house to Komodo dragons, one of many world’s largest lizard species. Golden lion tamarins are small, colourful monkeys from Brazil. They’re common and assist with international conservation efforts.

Academic Experiences and Particular Occasions

All through the day, guests can attend feeding demonstrations and academic talks led by zookeepers. The zoo’s academic initiatives make it an ideal studying expertise for all ages. The zoo additionally hosts seasonal occasions, reminiscent of Twilight Excursions, the place visitors can discover the zoo at nightfall and observe nocturnal animals in motion.

“The Twilight Tour on the Honolulu Zoo was an unforgettable expertise! Seeing nocturnal animals up shut was a spotlight of our journey! – @TravelWithAloha on Instagram”

Discover extra methods to have family fun in Hawai’i.

Honolulu Zoo Journey Ideas

When visiting the Honolulu Zoo, there are a couple of necessities to bear in mind to make sure a clean and satisfying expertise. Situated throughout from the southern finish of Waikīkī, close to the enduring Diamond Head, the zoo grounds function shaded pathways, fantastically landscaped gardens, and a serene environment. It’s vital to respect the animals by not feeding, screaming, clapping, or in any other case disturbing them. Moreover, sure gadgets and actions are prohibited, together with balloons, ball enjoying, barbecuing, bicycles, chalk, feeding birds, frisbees, kite flying, mini motorized autos, loud radios, pets, curler blades, skateboards, tree climbing, tricycles, and skates. The zoo affords a variety of academic packages and interactive reveals, making it an ideal studying expertise for all ages. For any inquiries, name the zoo’s 24-hour customer support line at 808-971-7171.

Professional Tricks to Improve Your Expertise:

1. Arrive Early

Honolulu Zoo hours are 10 AM to Four PM day by day, and closed on Christmas.

For those who arrive early, you’ll get pleasure from cooler climate and fewer crowds. Additionally, you will have a greater probability to see the animals when they’re most energetic. You may spend the morning on the zoo and stroll to the seashore within the afternoon.

Learn extra about our top five beaches on O‘ahu here. 

2. Parking and Transportation

The Honolulu Zoo entrance is inside strolling distance of most Waikīkī resorts. The Honolulu Zoo car parking zone prices $1.50 per hour. Nonetheless, free parking is offered on the Waikiki Shell car parking zone if you happen to don’t thoughts a brief stroll.

On the lookout for a spot to remain? Listed here are family-friendly hotels on O‘ahu. 

3. Admission Costs

Common admission Honolulu Zoo tickets are $21 for adults (13+ years outdated), $13 for youngsters (3-12 years outdated). Honolulu Zoo admission is free for youngsters 2 years and beneath. Kamaʻāina (Hawaiʻi residents with ID) and U.S. navy personnel can get reductions on admission tickets.

4. Put on Comfy Footwear

The zoo covers 42 acres, so be ready to stroll rather a lot. Comfy footwear is important for an satisfying go to.

5. Keep Hydrated and Solar-Protected

Waikīkī can get sizzling, and shaded areas are restricted. Carry water and sunscreen to remain comfy all through the day.

6. Pack a Small Backpack

Necessities like hats, sun shades, and lightweight snacks could make your go to extra satisfying. Be happy to pack your personal lunch and have a picnic within the designated space.

7. Contemplate a Stroller for Younger Children

Households with younger kids might need to carry a stroller, as little ones can get drained after strolling the massive grounds. Stroller and wheelchair leases are additionally obtainable.

8. Examine for Particular Occasions

The Honolulu Zoo hosts varied particular occasions all year long, together with Zoo Camps for teenagers and holiday-themed actions. Examine the zoo’s official web site earlier than your go to so that you don’t miss something.

“A lot enjoyable at Zoo Camp! My youngsters cherished studying about animals in such a hands-on means! – @HawaiiAdventures on Fb”

Past the Honolulu Zoo

The encircling space affords a wealth of sights and actions. Queen Kapiʻolani Park, the place the zoo is situated, was established in 1876 by King Kalākaua, who devoted royal lands close to the slopes of Lē‘ahi for public enjoyment. Opened in 1877, the park options picnic areas, playgrounds, and strolling trails, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely day trip. Only a stone’s throw away, the colourful Waikīkī space beckons with its array of procuring, eating, and leisure choices. Whether or not you’re soaking within the historical past or having fun with the trendy facilities, the realm across the Honolulu Zoo affords one thing for everybody.

Time spent on the zoo isn’t a waste for my household. For extra info, go to the Honolulu Zoo website and plan your journey right this moment.