Originally designed to house the king's exotic bird collection, and a horseracing track, this zoo is now home to a fascinating population of 905 different animals.
Step through the turnstile and enter the lush green world of Honolulu Zoo. The zoo’s 16 hectares are divided into three main parts: the Tropical Forests, Pacific Islands, and African Savannah sections, each of which houses its share of exotic, and often endangered, creatures in parcels of land designed to replicate the animals' natural habitats as closely as possible.
The zoo's origin as a sanctuary for the king's birds is immediately apparent, with bright and beautiful winged creatures around every corner. As you enter, you may catch the flamingos as they preen their impressive pink plumage, and that is just the beginning over 160 other species of tropical bird strut their stuff amid the rich greenery of the park.
The birds are not the only stars of the zoo, with a variety of reptiles, such as the Komodo dragon, and mammals, such as giraffes and meerkats to see, as well as the ever-popular elephants and big cats. For something a little different, take a trip to see the nene, an endangered local goose, or pay a visit to the Galápagos tortoise enclosure. The Galápagos is the largest breed of tortoise in the world, and can live for well over 100 years! One area of the zoo which is well worth a visit is the Keiki Zoo, situated right in the middle. This part of the zoo is especially for children and allows them to interact with and pet the animals, as well as having a playground.
Visitors to the zoo can bring their own food and drink if they so wish, or can make use of the great-value Kapahulu Market, where each drink purchased entitles you to free refills for the duration of your visit.
Between June and August, Honolulu Zoo is also a great place to spend the evening, with its varied programme of nighttime concerts. Details of upcoming events can be found on the zoo's website.
Located in Kapiolani Park, between Waikiki and Diamond Head, the zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Tickets are reasonably priced and the zoo is easily accessible by bus and on foot from the centre of Honolulu.
