Honolulu Zoo

The Basics

The Honolulu Zoo is divided into nine different zones, including a very popular African Savanna area and a Sumatran Tiger habitat. After visiting the primates, elephants, and rhinos, make time for one of the zookeepers’ daily talks about various species’ behavior and animal care. Animal lovers can combine a guided tour of the Honolulu Zoo with a visit to Sea Life Park; many cycling and Segway tours of Honolulu include the zoo as well.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Plan to spend at least 90 minutes exploring the zoo.

• Don’t feed the animals, and try to keep your voice down so as not to disturb them.

• Outside food and drink are permitted inside the zoo (including coolers), so feel free to pack a picnic.

• The zoo is both wheelchair and stroller accessible.

How to Get There

The zoo’s entrance is just off a large parking lot on the corner of Kapahulu Avenue and Kalakaua Avenue, Waikiki’s main oceanfront drag. Several bus routes, as well as the popular Waikiki Trolley, stop near the zoo entrance.

When to Get There

The Honolulu Zoo is open daily (except for on Christmas Day) from mid-morning until late afternoon. Visit on a Friday or Saturday evening for a twilight tour of the zoo grounds, when you can learn about some of the residents’ nocturnal behaviors.

Conservation at the Zoo

The Honolulu Zoo has been involved in numerous conservation projects throughout its history, including successful breeding programs for Victoria crowned pigeons, Hawaiian nene, giraffes, and Galápagos tortoises. Several species housed at the zoo are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which helps participating institutions coordinate conservation efforts.

How long should I spend at the Honolulu Zoo?

Plan to spend around 2–3 hours to fully experience the Honolulu Zoo and see most of the animals. Give yourself more time if you want to participate in some activities, such as zookeepers' talks. Guided tours of the zoo last between 45 minutes and one hour.

What kind of animals are at the Honolulu Zoo?

The Honolulu Zoo is home to a wide range of animals, great and small. Some of the most notable mammals on view at the zoo include Asian elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, lions, tigers, orangutans, and hippos. Birds include American flamingos and African penguins; reptiles include Komodo dragons and Galapagos tortoises.

What is special about the Honolulu Zoo?

The Honolulu Zoo is unique because it is the only zoo in the United States that originated in a sovereign monarch's grant of royal lands to the people. In 1876, King David Kalakaua, Monarch of Hawaii, made lands of the Leahi Crown Holdings available to the people of his kingdom.

Can I bring food into the Honolulu Zoo?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks with you to the Honolulu Zoo. You can even bring your cooler to store your snacks. Just remember to dispose of your trash appropriately. You can purchase snacks from the zoo's dining concessions if you fancy something else to eat.

Is there parking at the Honolulu Zoo?

Yes, there is parking available at the Honolulu Zoo. The parking lot entrance is on Kapahulu Avenue, and parking there incurs an hourly fee. Alternatively, if you want to save money, the Waikiki Shell parking lot across the street on Monsarrat Avenue has free parking.

Is the Honolulu Zoo accessible?

Yes, the Honolulu Zoo is accessible for wheelchair users. Wheelchairs and strollers are also available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis from the gift shop. Fully trained service animals are also welcome at the Honolulu Zoo, although they must be declared at the zoo office and are not permitted in certain areas.

Ways to explore

The Honolulu Zoo is divided into nine zones, including an African Savanna area and sections dedicated to reptiles, birds, and primates. Animals you can spot here include rhinos, lions, elephants, hippos, and giraffes. Plan on at least 90 minutes to explore, although some visitors can easily spend half a day or longer here, especially if you attend one of the zoo’s daily events. Check its website ahead of your visit for a current schedule of what’s on, including feedings and keeper talks.

Accessibility

The zoo is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for loan from the gift shop. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None; the zoo is very family-friendly, and infants aged 2 and under enter for free.

What to pack

Picnic, water bottle, sunscreen

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat

Not allowed

Feeding or clapping at the animals, bikes, frisbees, radios, pets, roller blades, skateboards, balloons, alcohol

Amenities

ATMs, playground, picnic area, restrooms, café, snack bar, gift shop

Address

The Honolulu Zoo is located on Kapahulu Avenue in Honolulu. The zoo’s entrance is just off a large parking lot on the corner of Kapahulu Avenue and Kalakaua Avenue—the main oceanfront road in Waikiki.

Driving

The zoo has its own parking lot with an hourly charge. Free parking is available across the road at the Waikiki Shell parking lot.

Public transportation

Several TheBus routes stop near the zoo entrance, including 2, 8, 20, 42, and E. The Blue and Green lines of the Waikiki Trolley also stop at the zoo.

Best times to visit

The zoo is open daily from 10am to 4pm, with the last entry at 3pm. Typically, the animals are more active in the morning than in the heat of the afternoon, so plan an early visit if possible.

Best days to visit

Choose a weekday over a weekend to skip the busiest times at the Honolulu Zoo. Saturdays typically attract the biggest crowds.

Best months to visit

While Honolulu is a popular summer destination, expect crowds. For a more peaceful experience, plan a trip during the shoulder season: May, June, September, or October.

Special events

The Honolulu Zoo hosts many family-friendly events, such as concerts and picnics, along with regular zookeeper talks, animal feedings, and themed tours.