Honolulu Zoo

If you are looking for something fun to do for a couple of hours, the Honolulu Zoo is the perfect place to go. It is conveniently located in Waikiki. It is small enough to see everything without wearing you down, but large enough to make the trip worthwhile. The animal enclosures are relatively small compared to larger zoos. That means the animals are often closer to you and easier to see.

The Honolulu Zoo is divided into three main habitats: African Savannah (rhinos, hippos, zebras, giraffes, lizards, crocodiles...); Tropical Forest (elephants, orangutans, monkeys, Komodo dragons, tortoises); Pacific Islands (variety of birds, Galapagos Tortoise, tree skink).

There is a fun section of the Honolulu Zoo just for kids called "The Keiki Zoo". Here kids can pet goats, see llamas and miniature horses up close, crawl inside tunnels, turn a water wheel, and engage in other interactive activities. There is a nice outdoor restaurant with shaded tables and a children's playground. A good bargain for $12.00 per adult and $3.00 for kids 4-12.

For a printable version of the Honolulu Zoo map, click here.

The Honolulu Zoo is open daily from 9AM to 4:30 PM. It's closed on Christmas Day. For 24 hour visitor information: (808) 971-7171

Official Website:   http://www.honolululzoo.org

Tips:

* Weekdays seem to be less crowded than weekends. Give yourself a couple of hours to see everything.

* If you are planning to park in the zoo's metered lot, avoid trying to do that on the weekend. Competition for parking spots can be intense since beachgoers like to use that lot due to its close proximity to the beach.

* The best time to visit is when the zoo first opens in the morning. You'll beat the crowds (although it is never really that crowded ...) plus it's cooler and the animals seem more active.

* The zoo allows visitors to bring in their own coolers and food for a picnic on zoo grounds.

* Don't forget to check out the well-stocked gift shop.

Explore the Honolulu Zoo using Google Street View

Position your mouse over the image below and click on the circles to navigate around the zoo. See if you can find the peacocks walking along the sidewalk. Click on the upper right corner to view it in full-screen mode.

Getting there:
The Honolulu Zoo is located between the slopes of Diamond Head and Waikiki at the corner of Kapahulu Ave. and Kalakaua Blvd. It's a nice walk from most of the Waikiki hotels. If you drive, the Zoo metered parking lot entrance is on Kapahulu Ave and charges one dollar per hour. The Shell parking lot across the street on Monsarrat Ave has free parking.

Video of the Honolulu Zoo