Honolulu Zoo, Oahu

Honolulu Zoo at a Glance

The Honolulu Zoo, located right across from popular Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu, is home to hundreds of animals from around the world. Not only is it the largest zoo within a 2,300-mile radius, but it’s also the only zoo in the U.S. that had its origins in a grant given by a king.

Back in 1876, King Kalakaua made 300 acres of land available for lease. The Honolulu Zoo started out as a grand public park carved out of marshes and lagoons in this area, which was later named Queen Kapiolani Park. King Kalakaua did not only succeed in beautifying this park, but also used it to keep his personal collection of exotic birds and horses. The first animals, including a monkey, a honey bear and a few lion cubs, arrived in the early 1900s.

Today, more than 750,000 people visit the 42-acre Honolulu Zoo each year to see the more than 1,230 animals that live here. Animal habitats in the zoo include an African Savannah, a Tropical Forest and Pacific Islands birds and reptiles.

A popular activity is the Twilight Tour, where parents and kids get to observe these exotic animals at night and find out what they do after dark. This tour takes place Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Another great activity is the “Snooze in the Zoo” adventure. Imagine the entire family on a camping trip in a jungle full of wild animals. The night begins with a buffet dinner and continues with a guided walking tour of the zoo after dark. Later you’ll have s’mores around a campfire. You may pitch your tent on one of the zoo’s lawns or just bring a sleeping bag to snooze under the stars. Camp-outs begin at 5:30 pm and end the following morning at 9 am. Reservations are limited. Check the Honolulu Zoo website for the exact dates, honoluluzoo.org.

Honolulu Zoo in Bullet Points

Hawaii's largest zoo is located right in Waikiki
The Honolulu Zoo has many educational programs for adults and children
It is 42 acres big and home to many animals, including birds, giraffes, elephants, tigers, reptiles, fish, monkeys a honey bear and many more
The zoo parking lot entrance is on Kapahulu Ave and charges 25 cents per hour. The Waikiki Shell parking lot across the street on Monsarrat Ave has free parking.
Accessible to all people (wheelchairs and strollers available)
Concession stands throughout the zoo

Honolulu Zoo Hours

9 am to 4:30 pm daily (closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25)

Honolulu Zoo Admission

General Admission (13 years and older): $8
Kamaaina (13 years and older with local I.D.): $4
Children (6-12 years with adult 18 years and older): $1
Children (5 years and under with adult) free.

Local I.D. required for kamaaina price.

Driving Directions to the Honolulu Zoo / Location

The Honolulu Zoo is located in Waikiki between Kapahulu Avenue and Monsarrat Avenue. It is in walking distance of all Waikiki hotels.

Address: 151 Kapahulu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815

Honolulu Zoo Map (top)

Honolulu Zoo Weather (top)

Now
84°F
Windchill:
84°F
Partly Cloudy
Location: Honolulu, HI, US
Wind: 17 mph NE
Humidity: 55%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 29.93 in falling
Sunrise: 6:37 am
Sunset: 5:52 pm Sat
Hi: 84°F
Low: 71°F
Partly Cloudy
Sun
Hi: 85°F
Low: 72°F
Mostly Cloudy