Oʻahu: All about visiting the Honolulu Zoo (2024)

The Honolulu Zoo is the wildest place in Waikīkī. Situated in the shadow of Diamond Head crater at the corner of Kapahulu and Kalākaua Avenues, the zoo was stablished in 1877. In fact, it is the only zoo in the United States that originated in a King’s grant of royal lands to his people.

History of the Honolulu Zoo

In 1876, King David Kalākaua, Monarch of Hawai‘i, made lands of the Leahi Crown Holdings available to the people of Hawai‘i. One a year later, King Kalākaua dedicated Kapiolani Regional Park, named for his consort Queen Kapiolani. He also appointed a park association to oversee the 300-acre parcel of fishponds, lagoons, marshlands, and islands. With the help of royal subsidies, the park was developed to display the King’s private bird collection and to feature a horseracing track.

In 1914, the City of Honolulu assumed responsibility for the park. The first Park Director, Ben Hollinger began adding animals to the bird collection. Kapiolani Bird Park grew to include three large aviary complexes and established techniques for breeding and bird care.

In 1947, 42.5 acres within Kapiolani Regional Park were designated as the Honolulu Zoo. the original design arranged animals in taxonomic groupings of bird, reptile, and mammal exhibits.

In 1984, a Tropical Zoological Garden plan re-organized zoo exhibits into tropical ecological zones. Management and staff at the zoo is committed to making the Honolulu Zoo a place of refuge and wonder for residents and visitors alike.

Honolulu Zoo entrance sign – Depositphotos.com

About the Honolulu Zoo

The mission of the Honolulu Zoo is to inspire stewardship of our living world by providing conservation, education, and meaningful experiences to our community.

The 42-acre zoo exhibits are organized into tropical ecological zones: the African Savanna, Asian and American Tropical Forests, and Pacific Islands.The Zoo emphasizes Pacific Tropical ecosystems and Hawaiian values of malama (caring) and ho`okipa (hospitality).

The Honolulu Zoo is home to over 900 different animals. The collection includes mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. You’ll see lions and tigers (but no bears, oh my), elephants, aardvarks, orangutans, monkeys, and more. There are tortoises and turtles and skinks, too. Plus a variety of frogs, snakes, and tropical birds. Many endangered species are represented, including Komodo dragon (world’s largest lizard at 10-feet), the African wild dog, Palm co*ckatoo, and several more.

Visiting the Honolulu Zoo

While visiting the animals, use quiet voices. Be sure to point out something that doesn’t look right to a staff member. The Zoo is the animals’ home, please respect their space. Do not tap on glass or throw things into the exhibits. Definitely do not feed, scream, clap, howl, harass, annoy, torment, pester, badger, heckle, irk, bother, or tease the animals in any way. Mahalo!

Discount admission to Honolulu Zoo

Membership: begins at $50 for two persons (2 adults or 1 adult + 1 child) for one year, plus a newsletter and discount in the café and gift shop. Kamaʻāina admission is $8/adult, $4/keiki. So, a membership pays for itself after 4-5 visits.
Volunteers age 18+ are welcome at the Honolulu Zoo. It is a great way to learn about animals and gain valuable experience, support conservation initiatives, meet new people, and work outdoors in a lush tropical environment. Benefits include: professional training, discounts (gift shop, snack bar, membership), special appreciation events, and more.

Website for more info: Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu Zoo special events

Twilight Tours: see the Zoo After Hours

Ever wonder what the Zoo is like once the visitors leave and the gates close? During these special tours, you are guided by educators on a walking tour. Some of the animals are preparing to sleep, while others are just waking up. Learn about the animals’ biology and behavior, and the role that the Zoo plays in the conservation of endangered species. Twilight Tours occur Saturdays, rain or shine (so, no refunds and dress for sunny/rainy weather). The tour is 2-hours, so wear comfortable shoes.

When: Saturdays year-around
Admission: Regular/kamaʻāina adult $30/$25, child (3-13) $25/$20, age 2 and under are FREE.
Discount admission: Zoo members get $10 discount off regular price.
More info: Tours Honolulu Zoo

Wildest Show summer concert series

The after-hours benefit concert series in summer features a dynamic lineup of local talent, including Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning artists and beloved Hawai’i performers. Usually held on weeknights in June and July. Admission fees are modest and benefit the zoo. More info: Honolulu Zoo: Hawaii Indigenous Species | Best Family Experience

Honolulu Zoo giraffes and zebras – Depositphotos.com

Event calendar of free and affordable things to do

Listed below are all types of free and affordable things to do in the next 30 days.

Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.

You might also like: Hawaiʻi on the Cheap – affordable living and things to do (hawaiionthecheap.com)