Get Wild
Close encounters at the Honolulu Zoo. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Tor Johnson
Located next to Kapi‘olani Park, the Honolulu Zoo is a little jungle escape in the midst of Waikiki’s resort environs. It was established in 1876 as part of King Kalakaua’s grant of royal lands to the people (the only such U.S. zoo with such origins).
The zoo features 1,230 animals in specially designed habitats. It’s an ideal place to explore with the family, learning about the creatures that inhabit the African Savanna, Asian and American Tropical Forests and the Pacific Islands.
Visitors can fill a day at the zoo. Seek out the popular elephants Mari and Vagai, or snake your way through the reptile exhibit. Peek at the hippopotamus or watch the monkeys at play. The newest addition to the Honolulu Zoo is the black and white (descented!) skunk, Pepe. Scheduled to come out of quarantine mid-February, he’ll be a part of the Keiki Zoo’s encounter program, where kids can see animals up-close, however are not allowed to touch them.
The Honolulu Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Ask about the special programs such as the Twilight Tours each Friday and Saturday night, once-a-month Stargazing at the Zoo events and Keiki’s Night Out on Friday nights (good idea for a parents’ date night!).
Honolulu Zoo
151 Kapahulu Ave.
[C:12 Waikiki Map]
(808) 971-7171
www.honoluluzoo.org
