Are you looking for things to do in Honolulu with kids? Keep scrolling for my top tips and tricks for visiting the Honolulu Zoo and why it’s a top thing to do on Oahu with toddlers.
This guide to visiting the Honolulu Zoo was co-written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Guest post by local Oahu mom Kate Tekurio
Do you have kids and are looking for a fun activity to do on Oahu? Have you tried visiting the Honolulu Zoo?
If so, the Honolulu Zoo is a must-see! It’s one of the best things to do on Oahu with kids. The zoo is small and easy to get around, plus it has many great features for toddlers and preschoolers.
Visitors can enjoy unique zoo experiences you’ll go wild for, making it an exciting adventure for all ages. Families will love the two-hour walking tour options, which are perfect for kids and adults to learn about the animals and their behaviors.
Here’s your ultimate guide to getting the best experience visiting the Hawaii Zoo! With various sections, including a few exotic animals and endangered species, the zoo offers both entertainment and education for young minds.
For families planning to visit the zoo, the location is perfect for combining fun and learning in one place. Plus, it’s a place where you can learn about the animals and the role that the zoo plays in conservation efforts.
This unique zoo offers fun activities, making it an amazing family vacation destination in Honolulu Hawaii. Plus, it is easy to get there from many Waikiki hotels.
The Honolulu Zoo boasts a variety of animals from around the world, providing a global adventure right in the heart of the city. You can explore the zoo grounds and discover animals in their tropical ecological zones, making every visit a new and exciting experience.
So, let’s review everything you need to know before planning your trip! The Honolulu Zoo is one of the top things to do with kids in Oahu, offering memorable experiences and a chance to see different animals in a beautiful setting. Whether you are a local or a visitor, the Honolulu Zoo promises a day filled with fun and learning for the whole family.
Want to skip all the planning and just access my detailed Oahu Itinerary, complete with daily schedules, kid-friendly activities, and travel hacks? Click the button below.
Honolulu Zoo FAQs
Yes, the Honolulu Zoo is worth it! The animals are so fun to visit and explore, and your kids will love experiencing a zoo in Hawaii! It is really quite special to see penguins living in Hawaii! Additionally, families can take part in twilight tours to observe how animals prepare to sleep and how some creatures become active as the day winds down.
Only service dogs for those with disabilities are allowed. All other dogs are not allowed at the Honolulu Zoo.
Even though it’s a fairly small zoo, they still have more than 1200 animal species. Here you can find tigers, monkeys, elephants, penguins, sloths, and much more. Many of these animals are housed in specially designed habitats that mimic their natural environments and encourage natural behaviors.
Where is the Zoo in Hawaii?
The only zoo is located in Oahu, Honolulu. Because it is so close to Waikiki, some will call it the Waikiki Zoo. Its address, 151 Kapahulu Avenue, makes it easy to find and access.
This is the only typical zoo in the US that is located in a tropical climate, offering a unique experience compared to mainland zoos.
All other “zoos” or places to visit animals on the other islands are different zoos, such as the Rainforest Zoo on the Big Island and Sea Life Park also on Oahu.
Visiting the Honolulu Zoo: What to Expect
Here is what to expect when you go to visit the zoo and explore the Honolulu Zoo. You’ll quickly see why it’s one of the best Oahu activities for families.
Guided by dedicated staff and volunteers, families can embark on a two-hour walking tour to learn about the animals and their behaviors while exploring the beautifully maintained grounds.
The zoo’s layout is divided into different zones, and the Honolulu Zoo map is a helpful tool to navigate its specially designed habitats that replicate the natural environments of animals from the Amazon River Basin region to African savannas.
Learn all about parking, ticket info, what animals to expect, and lots of tips to have a super fun day with your family at the zoo! We think it’s one of the top things to do in Honolulu with toddlers and preschoolers.
Parking
You actually have to pay for parking if you park in the Honolulu Zoo parking lot; it is not added to the ticket cost. It costs $1.50 per hour to park there. It is best to pay for two to three hours, especially if there is a line to enter the zoo.
There are places close to the zoo where you might find free parking, but that’s not any assurance. There are parks with street parking that may have free parking or different stores nearby as well. The Shell parking lot on Monsarrat Avenue has free parking if you can find a spot there!
For the most convenient experience, arrive early to ensure you secure a parking space, as Honolulu Zoo parking fills up quickly.
What time does the Honolulu Zoo open and close?
The Honolulu Zoo opens at 10:00 am and closes at 4:00 pm. But you can only get tickets until 3:00 pm. You do not have to have a reservation; you are welcome to come and go as you please! Honolulu Zoo hours make it convenient for families to plan their visits without a rush.
Membership vs. Day Admission
You can’t purchase your Honolulu Zoo tickets online, only at the gate. There are a few different options for tickets.
General Admission:
- Adults 13 and older are $19.00
- Children 3 to 12 years old are $11.00
- Children 2 and under are free!
Kama‘aina / U.S. Military Admission:
- Adults 13 and older are $8.00
- Children 3 to 12 years old are $4.00
- Children 2 and under are free!
The Honolulu Zoo kamaʻāina rate is for those who live on the island and have a valid ID to prove it.
Memberships:
You can also become a member of the Honolulu Zoo Society to get extra discounts. You can enter the zoo however many times you want, with your own membership line for an entire year.
You will get discounts at the gift shop, snack bar, and other deals. Plus, becoming a member helps in supporting the Honolulu Zoo and its conservation initiatives.
This might not be the best option if you only plan to vacation once in Oahu for the year. Plus, when we went, the membership line was longer than the general admission line!
Stroller Rentals
If you forget to bring your own, stroller rentals are available! They have double and single strollers. You must pay a $10 refundable deposit if you wish to rent.
You can also rent a wheelchair if needed!
Playground Area
In the middle of the zoo, there is a fun Honolulu Zoo playground area for the kids. While children love to look at all the animals and explore, they also need to wiggle and run around to let out some of their energy.
This playground is perfect! It has slides, swings, ropes to climb, pretty much a child’s dream. There are picnic benches and tons of shaded grass for parents to sit down on. You can even enjoy a nice picnic lunch out there too!
Families can plan their visit using the Honolulu Zoo map to make sure they don’t miss this area. It’s a highlight for kids, providing an opportunity to recharge before continuing with their zoo experiences you’ll go wild for.
Gift Shop
Right at the entrance is the Honolulu Zoo gift shop. It has fuzzy animal toys, postcards, and other fun wildlife souvenirs. You can also find some snacks, water, and even a fan if you get too hot.
The shop also features a selection of items aimed at helping to support conservation efforts. Purchasing souvenirs is a small way to contribute to the zoo’s mission of protecting endangered species and enhancing the conservation of our endangered animals.
What animals does the Honolulu Zoo have?
There are over 1200 animals at the Honolulu Zoo! It is a 42-acre zoo, so there is room for plenty of fun animals for you to explore.
All animals have signs so you can identify their real names and where they come from. Most of the animals’ habitats are also fun facts about each individual animal. There are also volunteers around some shelters who share the animals’ names and how old they are!
The Honolulu Zoo features animals in specially designed habitats that replicate their natural environments. You can find animals from regions like the Amazon River Basin region, which highlight the diversity of species found in tropical ecosystems.
There is a huge variety of animals at this zoo. That’s part of why it’s one of the most fun things to do in Oahu with kids. They have a few main sections in correlation to each part of the world:
Birds
When you first enter the Honolulu Zoo, there are bird habitats. You will see and hear so many exotic birds! Have fun talking with the parrots, watching a stunning black swan swim around, and seeing a huge variety of birds.
You can see some pretty cute sloths here, too! One sloth just had a baby back in March of 2021, and it is so cute!
Primates of the World
This is probably the favorite part of the Honolulu Zoo for the kids! You will definitely hear this section way before you see it. Here you will see some very active spider monkeys, golden lion tamarins, lemurs, white-handed gibbons, siamangs, and chimpanzees!
These animals are so fun to watch climb everywhere as they squeal and play with one another. Then, you can see beautiful orangutans too! There are two that are kept in their own habitat behind the glass. They usually like to stay close to the glass and are friendly, so you can see them very close up!
African Savanna
In section of the Honolulu Zoo, you will find many of the animals you will see in traditional zoos, with a few fun exceptions. Here are some animals to explore in the African Savanna section:
- Elephants
- Penguins
- Hippo: The hippos are enclosed in a section where you can look and see them. When we went, he was right up against the glass!
- Flamingos
- Aardvarks
- Giraffes: There is a fun giraffe sculpture to take pictures of, too!
- Zebras
- Amongst other animals
This was our favorite section of the zoo, where we spent the majority of our time. This area also highlights the conservation of our endangered animals, ensuring species at risk of becoming extinct in its former habitats are protected in a controlled environment.
Arusha Town
The last main section of the Honolulu Zoo is Arusha Town. Here is where you will see a lion, along with:
- African Wild Dogs
- Meerkats
- Reptiles
- Baboon
- And many others
Compared to the other sections, this one was smaller and went pretty fast. A lot of these animals slept during the day, so we couldn’t see very much.
These are just some of the fun animals to explore here, but there is so much more! Some can also see tigers and cheetahs, alligators in the swamp sections, and a huge python!
Some animals aren’t available to see during some parts of the day. Many sleep and go where you cannot see them. But the majority are out and ready for visits!
This highlights how the zoo showcases the behavior and the role of animals in their natural settings, even as they adjust to their specially designed habitats.
How long should I plan to visit the Honolulu Zoo?
You should plan about 2-3 hours to experience the Honolulu Zoo fully. We got to see almost all the animals in around two hours, but we did not stop at the playground or eat any food.
Two and a half hours will allow you to fully explore the entire zoo and get the most out of your visit.
The Honolulu Zoo also offers unique experiences, such as twilight tours on Saturday evenings to find out how animals behave as the day transitions to night. During this time, you can learn about how animals prepare to sleep and observe others who are just waking up.
The two-hour walking tour guided by educators is another excellent option for families who want to delve deeper into the biology and behavior of the zoo’s most intriguing animals. These tours offer an enriching experience for both children and adults.
Tips for Visiting the Honolulu Zoo
Here are just a few tips to make the most out of your visit to the Hawaii Zoo:
- Bring and apply sunscreen: We forgot and got a little burned during the few hours we were there!
- Bring bug spray: Because there is a lot of wildlife, lakes, and grassy areas, there are also a lot of bugs. Bring bug spray so you don’t get bit by a lot of mosquitos!
- Bring a hat: While there is some shade, many animals are out in the open. Wear a hat to protect you and keep you cooler.
- Bring a fan: Make sure to bring a small portable handheld fan with you, especially if you have children. They will get hot!
- Bring a wagon: Strollers are great, too, but we brought our foldable wagon, and it was so easy to get around everywhere!
- Arrive before the zoo starts: We arrived right at 10:00 am and grabbed the last zoo parking spot. We had to wait in a long line for about 15 minutes. If you plan to go in the morning, arrive earlier, so you don’t have to wait much in line!
- Bring water: It gets really hot walking around in the sun, so bring plenty of water for you and your kids!
If you plan on staying for the twilight tours or other special programs like camp zoo programs, consider packing extra snacks or a light dinner. These experiences provide a unique way to see the zoo, as some animals become more active after the gates close to regular visitors.
For locals, taking advantage of the Honolulu Zoo kamaʻāina rate or exploring options for the gift of membership could make repeat visits more accessible and budget-friendly.
Honolulu Zoo in Hawaii Wrap-Up
The Honolulu Zoo is unlike other zoos in Hawaii. Because of its beautiful location and unique animals, be sure to plan a visit to this Hawaiian zoo during your next vacation to Oahu!
Your kids will have so much fun learning about all the animals, and it makes for a great day out in the sun! Honolulu Zoo offers an engaging and educational experience while also showcasing the role that the zoo plays in conservation efforts for endangered species.
Whether you’re visiting for a family birthday party, enjoying the twilight tours, or taking a walking tour to learn about the fascinating animals from around the world, the Honolulu Zoo offers something for everyone. Plus, you’ll leave knowing that your visit is helping to support conservation and the enrichment for our animals.
And now you know what to do with kids who love animals in Honolulu! It’s one of the best Waikiki activities for families with young children. Give the gift of enjoyment and fun by planning a visit for your family.
For more tips on what to do in Oahu aside from Honolulu Zoo, here is a budget-friendly itinerary for you and your family to enjoy!
About Kate
Kate Tekurio lives on Oahu with her husband and toddler. They love exploring the island and sharing their best tips with other families traveling to Hawaii.