Honolulu Zoo

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.