Guide to Honolulu Zoo

Giraffes in Waikiki? Yep. You’ll see the African animals and many others at the Honolulu Zoo.

The Honolulu Zoo, located in Waikiki, is a fun stop for families visiting Oahu. Our family visited the zoo a couple of times, and we would like to share our guide to the Honolulu Zoo.

Honolulu Zoo Basics

The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with grounds closing at 4 p.m.). We have always seen a line at the admission gates before opening hours. If you want to escape those crowds, a later (after noon) arrival is advised.

It is located at the corner of Kapahulu and Kalakaua Avenues in Waikiki. There is a parking lot at the zoo which charges $1.50 per hour. However, the site is near many Waikiki resorts, making walking easy.

Admission prices are $21 for adults, $13 for children 3-12, and free for infants 2 and younger. There are discount rates for Kama’aina and Active Military and dependents.

The Honolulu Zoo is a short distance from the Waikiki Aquarium, and you can easily visit the two locations in one day.

Honolulu Zoo Layout

The 42-acre site is easily walkable and navigable. While people generally walk through the zoo in a counterclockwise path, there are no restrictions on traversing the grounds.

The habitats are divided into birds, reptiles, primates, and African Savannah. There also is a keiki (baby) zoo and a nene (the Hawaiian state bird) habitat.

There are lush lawn areas with Banyan trees. The zoo has an orchid garden, a cactus garden, a volunteer garden, and more.

Sculpture abound throughout the grounds.

You also find a picnic lawn, a playground, snack shops, and classroom spaces too.

And, of course, there is a gift shop.

How Much Time Do I Need at the Honolulu Zoo?

The zoo has a lot to see and do. However, it still feels like a small zoo.

Time spent at the zoo depends on your personal interests. However, I would say that you will need a half day at most to tour the zoo. When we have visited, we have spent about two hours each trip. That seemed sufficient time for us to see everything we wanted to see, while also stopping and spending time with some of our favorite animals.

However, I think it’s also very practical to devote a half day to the zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium together.  Both are smaller facilities.

Birds

So, I know most people don’t visit zoos to see birds. However, that’s a mistake. At the Honolulu Zoo, you’ll find birds from around the world.

But, you’ll also see the Nene (Hawaii’s State Bird). The Hawaiian goose has been on the endangered animal list. However, preservation efforts resulted in this bird’s numbers rebounding. At the zoo, you get to see Nene and learn about the state bird too.

Most of the bird habitats are located just inside the zoo entrance. And I do see most people rushing through these exhibits, seeking the bigger, flashier animals. That’s why I enjoyed spending some moments walking around this part of the grounds, soaking in the bird calls and the more peaceful environs. If you want a more noisy experience, the next part of the zoo is for you.

Primates

Primates are always a treat. They entertain crowds. I don’t know if they intentionally seek attention or not. But, they do create a spectacle.

The primates tend to be very noisy when the zoo opens and people make their way to these exhibits. The gibbons and the chimpanzees seem to duel for the crowds attentions, barking, howling, and screeching for the admiring crowds.

They bounce and leap from trees, branches, ropes, and more. They are sure to be remembered and photographed and videoed.

Reptiles

After the noise of the primates, you may be ready for a quieter and slower pace. The reptiles will provide that for you.

The animal are docile. And rather slow. There is not a lot of motion and running going on here. Even so, you can see some entertaining species. There are many tortoise species. You also find bearded dragons. monitor lizards, skinks, and more.

Savannah

The African Savannah animals often steal the show. When people think about visiting a zoo, these are the animals they expect to see.

And the Honolulu Zoo does not disappoint. You find giraffes, zebras, warthogs, lions, elephants, bongos and so many others.

Honestly, I love seeing these African animals thriving in the temperate Hawaiian environs. Although we love to visit zoos, I often feel pangs of guilt visiting zoos with harsher winter climes. Although I know those animals are well taken care of, I still feel saddened to see giraffes hunkered down in warm enclosures during those frigid days.

In Honolulu, the temperatures are never cold, so these animals can really thrive.

Gardens

Zoos are about animals. But, more and more, zoo staff create gardens and environments pleasant for both the animals and the zoo guests.

That’s true at Honolulu Zoo. There are a number of specialty gardens and lawns throughout the grounds. These gardens offer respites to sit, relax, and enjoy a quieter space while most guests zip through in search of the next animals.

Zoo Conservation

The Honolulu Zoo is all about education and conservation. Staff work tirelessly to ensure animals are in the best health and given proper foods. Staff work to provide positive physical and intellectual stimulation for the animals.

That includes the animal health center, where species can be cared for and treated by trained professionals.

Honolulu Zoo also partners with a number of conservation groups to provide the best resources for the animals both on site and throughout the islands.

You Might Also Enjoy:

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Visit Rolling Hills Zoo in Kansas.

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