The mission of the Honolulu Zoo is to inspire stewardship of our living world by providing conservation, education, and meaningful experiences to our community. The Zoo emphasizes Pacific tropical island ecosystems and our traditional values of malama (caring) and ho'okipa (hospitality).
The Honolulu Zoo is unique in that it is the only zoo in the United States to be established by grants made by a sovereign monarch.
In 1914, the City of Honolulu assumed responsibility for Kapi`olani Park and Ben Hollinger, the first Park Director for Kapi`olani Park, began collecting animals “for the children of Hawai`i.” His collection began with a monkey, bear and an African elephant. In 1947, 42.5 acres within Kapi`olani Park, was designated as the Honolulu Zoo. A Master Plan in 1984, was developed for a Tropical Zoological Garden. All exhibits were organized into three tropical ecological zones: the African Savanna, Asian and American Tropical Forests, and Pacific Islands.
There are approximately 900 different animals from the tropics that now reside at the Honolulu Zoo. Komodo Dragons, orangutans, elephants, primates, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a variety of African animals can be viewed in their specially-designed habitats daily.
Open daily, closed on Christmas Day
from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
(Zoo grounds closes at 4:00 p.m.)
The Honolulu Zoo is located between the slopes of Diamond Head and Waikiki at the corner of Kapahulu Avenue and Kalakaua Avenue.
(808) 971-7171
13 years & older
3 - 12 years (with an accompanying adult)
13 years & older (VALID I.D. REQUIRED PER ADULT)
3 -12 years (with an accompanying adult)
Alcohol, balloons, ball playing, barbeques, bicycles, bubbles, electronic cigarettes (vapes), drones, feeding of animals, frisbees, loud radios/speakers, motorized vehicles, pets, roller blades/skates, scooters, skate boards, smoking, tree climbing, tricycles, whistles.
The Honolulu Zoo allows service animals accompanying individuals with disabilities. Please check-in with our ticket booth staff to go over the policy.
Lost and found items will be turned into our ticket booth staff daily. To inquire about a lost item, please call zoo administration (808) 971-7174.
First aid is located with our ticket booth staff or one of our security personnel on grounds. For emergencies, please call zoo administration at (808) 971-7174.
The Honolulu Zoological Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to support the Honolulu Zoo.
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