Hilo Zoo, Big Island

Hilo Zoo at a Glance

Who says zoos are just for kids? At the Hilo Zoo, it doesn’t matter if you’re six or sixty-there’s something here for everyone. Also called the Pana`ewa Rainforest Zoo, the complex spans over 12 acres and is home to over 80 species of animals. But what really sets it apart is its location: the Hilo Zoo is the only one in the U.S. set in a real tropical rainforest.

Among the biggest draws of the zoo are the nene, the state bird of Hawaii, and a white Bengal tiger named Namaste. Peacocks roam the ground freely on the rainforest area, often walking among the visitors. If you’re lucky, you can catch one of the males spread his feathers in a mating dance, a sight you definitely shouldn’t miss. Better have your camera ready!

The Hilo Zoo also doubles as a botanical reserve. Volunteers from various local organizations have built a growing plant collection which includes orchids, ferns, clumping bamboos, and rhododendrons. Many are native to Hawaii or the Pacific islands, such as the crown flower and snow bush. There are also over 100 varieties of palm which provide excellent shade for picnics.

But here’s the best thing about the Hilo Zoo: admission is free! The grounds are open every day of the year except Christmas and New Year’s Day, from 9am to 4pm. Try to come on a Saturday to catch the limited hours at the petting zoo, or at 3:30 on weekdays to take part in the tiger feeding.

Hilo Zoo in Bullet Points

Hilo Zoo Location

Address: 25 Aupuni St, Hilo, HI 96720

Hilo Zoo Map (top)

Hilo Weather (top)

Now
74°F
Windchill:
74°F
Cloudy
Location: Hilo, HI, US
Wind: 0 mph N
Humidity: 71%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.07 in rising
Sunrise: 6:31 am
Sunset: 5:40 pm Fri
Hi: 78°F
Low: 66°F
Showers
Sat
Hi: 79°F
Low: 67°F
Showers