At the edge of Waikiki, Honolulu Zoo sits in Queen Kapiʻolani Park, with tropical gardens and animal habitats spread across 42 acres. Follow the zones through the African Savanna, Asian and American Tropical Forests, and Pacific Islands. Look for giraffes, elephants, rhinos and Komodo dragons, then give children time at the playground or Keiki Zoo, the hands-on area with goats, sheep and guinea pigs. Some animals rest out of sight, especially in the heat, so allow a few hours and enjoy the grounds as you walk between exhibits.
From royal land to public zoo
The Honolulu Zoo stands in Queen Kapiʻolani Park, near the edge of Waikiki. Its story begins in 1876, when King David Kalākaua made land available for public use. The park that grew from this land was dedicated the following year and named for Queen Kapiʻolani.
Animals appeared on the grounds in the early 1900s, but the zoo was formally established in 1947. The first collection associated with Kalākaua included exotic birds and racehorses. Later, in 1914, Ben Hollinger worked to expand the animal displays, which included bears and lions. The arrival of an elephant named Daisy helped give the site the character of a zoo.
That history gives the visit a setting beyond the animal exhibits: the grounds are part of a public park with royal origins. The zoo covers 42 acres, and its landscaped paths take you through garden areas as well as animal habitats.
Habitats and animals to look for
The exhibits are arranged around tropical ecological zones: the African Savanna, Asian and American Tropical Forests, and Pacific Islands. This layout gives you a way to explore by habitat as you move around the grounds.
Animals named among the zoo’s highlights include black rhinos, giraffes, lions, Sumatran tigers, orangutans, flamingos and Komodo dragons. The African Savanna is a notable stop for its giraffe habitat. The zoo also has an Ectotherm Complex for reptiles and amphibians, including turtles, frogs, lizards and snakes. A Kipuka Nene Sanctuary is another place to look for the Hawaiian nene, the state bird.
Not every animal will be easy to spot at every visit. Some rest in the shade or stay out of view, and warm weather can make that more likely. Take your time at each habitat rather than expecting every animal to be visible at once. Exhibit work and maintenance can also affect what is open, so a particular area may not be available on the day.
A visit with children
The Keiki Zoo is a hands-on area with goats, sheep and guinea pigs. The playground gives children room to pause between exhibits, while the rest of the grounds provide a walk through gardens and animal habitats. Families with younger children can ask about stroller rentals.
The paths and exhibits make this a several-hour outing if you want to see the whole zoo. One visitor estimated three to four hours for a complete visit, so leave room for breaks, time at the playground and slower stops where animals are resting. If you have less time, choose a few habitats and animal highlights rather than trying to cover every path.
Parking is a practical consideration. The spaces near the zoo can fill quickly, so an early arrival can help. The Shell parking lot on Monsarrat Avenue and metered street parking are also listed as options. Food is available on site, but the visit information notes that it can be costly; bringing snacks or eating before or after the zoo can help you plan.
Häufige Fragen
How long do you need at Honolulu Zoo?
Allow three to four hours if you want to see all the animals. You can shorten the visit by choosing a few habitats and highlights.
Where is Honolulu Zoo?
The zoo is at 151 Kapahulu Avenue in Waikiki, within Queen Kapiʻolani Park.
What can children do at Honolulu Zoo?
Children can visit the Keiki Zoo, which has goats, sheep and guinea pigs, and take a break at the playground. Stroller rentals are available.
Which animal habitats can you see?
The zoo is organized into the African Savanna, Asian and American Tropical Forests, and Pacific Islands. Its exhibits include animals such as giraffes, elephants, rhinos and Komodo dragons.
