Hawaii Zoos and Aquariums: Complete Visitor Guide

Discover Hawaii's unique collection of zoos, aquariums, and marine life parks featuring over 900 species across multiple islands. From the only AZA-accredited Honolulu Zoo to world-class aquariums showcasing Hawaiian marine ecosystems, explore the islands' diverse wildlife attractions.

10+

Zoos & Aquariums

1

AZA-Accredited Zoo

3

Major Aquariums

FREE

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo

Table of Contents

Oahu Zoos & Aquariums

Waikiki Aquarium

Address: 2777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96815
Website: www.waikikiaquarium.org
Phone: (808) 923-9741

Hours:
Daily: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closes at 5:00 PM)
Thanksgiving (Nov 27, 2025): 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
New Year's Day (Jan 1, 2026): 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed: Dec 14, 2025 (Honolulu Marathon)
Closed: Dec 25, 2025 (Christmas)

Admission:
Adults: $12
Youths (13-17): $5
Juniors (4-12): $5
Children 3 and under: Free
Includes free mobile audio guide

Home to almost 500 species of marine plants and animals representing over 420 aquatic species. Roughly 350,000 visitors annually. Features colorful coral, tiny seahorses, endangered Hawaiian monk seals, and green sea turtles. Indoor exhibits include large tanks with reef sharks, jellyfish exhibits, and creatures using jet propulsion (nautilus, octopi, squid). Interactive programs for kids.

Sea Life Park Hawaii IMATA Accredited 2024

Address: 41-202 Kalanianaole Highway, Waimanalo, HI 96795
Website: www.sealifeparkhawaii.com

Hours:
Daily: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Location:
15 miles from Waikiki at Makapuu Point
Between Ko'olau Mountains and Makapu'u Beach

Nestled along the stunning coastline of Waimanalo, Sea Life Park offers marine life conservation, education, and care. Features dolphins, sea lions, native Hawaiian marine species, penguins, and seabirds. Interactive programs include shark, stingray, and seal encounters. Received IMATA accreditation in 2024 for exceptional animal care training systems.

Daily Show Schedule:

  • 10:15 AM - Honu Turtle Feeding and Talk Story
  • 10:45 AM - Sea Lion Presentation
  • 11:00 AM - Feathered Friends Talk Story (Penguins)
  • 11:15 AM - Seabird Sanctuary Talk Story
  • 11:30 AM - Hawaiian Monk Seal Talk Story
  • 12:15 PM - Aloha Nai'a (Dolphin Lagoon Show)
  • 2:00 PM - Shark Cave Feeding Frenzy
  • 3:30 PM - Sea Lion Presentation

Schedule subject to change. Roundtrip transportation from Waikiki available.

Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm

Aquatic touch pool and extensive collection of seahorses from around the world. Focus on seahorse conservation to stop poaching of native seahorses. Developed a strain of seahorses viable for home aquariums. Tours show the entire operation from raising brine shrimp through various growth stages. Highlight: holding a seahorse as it wraps its tail around your finger.

Note: Open Monday through Friday only - plan accordingly.

Maui Wildlife Attractions

Maui Animal Farm

Website: www.mauianimalfarm.com

Premier petting zoo offering engaging tours, birthday celebrations, volunteer opportunities, and animal-assisted therapy for children on the Autism Spectrum. Interactive tours feature cuddly rabbits and gentle goats amidst Maui's breathtaking landscapes.

Admission: $25 + tax per person

Lahaina Animal Farm

Location: Launiupoko, Lahaina (6-acre property, 10 minutes south of Lahaina town)
Website: www.lahainaanimalfarm.com

Petting zoo with beautiful panoramic mountain and ocean views. 90-minute tours every morning except Sundays featuring miniature horses ("Surprise" and "Makani Ua"), pint-sized cows, small goats, mini pigs ("Pua"), rescued wild pig ("Honey Girl"), and free-roaming bunnies with rabbit holes.

Pacific Primate Sanctuary

Address: 500A Haloa Road, Haiku, Maui, HI
Website: Pacific Primate Sanctuary

Federally authorized, nonprofit wildlife conservation organization providing refuge to New World monkeys in Maui, Hawaii.

Big Island Wildlife Facilities

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

Address: 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Papaikou, HI 96781
Website: htbg.com

Hours:
Daily: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission:
Adults: $30
Children (6-12): $22
Children under 6: Free
Kamaaina rates: Adults $22, Keiki $15

501(c)(3) scientific and educational nonprofit serving as nature preserve, sanctuary, living seed bank, and study center for tropical world plants. Over 2,000 species representing 125+ families and 750+ genera in a 40-acre valley natural greenhouse with fertile volcanic soil. Features numerous trails, streams, waterfalls, bird aviary, orchid garden, and ocean vistas.

Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary

Website: www.threeringranch.org

Founded in 1998, Hawaii's only fully-accredited, USDA licensed, exotic animal sanctuary located on five acres above Kona. Home to zebras, nene (Hawaiian geese), hawks, owls, flamingos, reptiles, and many rare, endangered, and exotic creatures.

Wildlife Conservation Centers

Hawai'i Wildlife Center

Website: www.hawaiiwildlifecenter.org

501(c)(3) nonprofit and the first organization providing state-of-the-art care and rehabilitation for native birds and bats. Comprehensive wildlife rescue training and public education programs. Dedicated partner of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Admission: FREE (Ho'opulama Science and Discovery Center)

Hawai'i Wildlife Discovery Center

Location: Whalers Village, Ka'anapali, Maui
Website: www.hawaiiwildlifediscoverycenter.org

Operated by Hawaii Wildlife Fund since 2021. Extraordinary multimedia interactive venue with stunning murals, photos, and videos featuring native marine wildlife. "Kids Zone" learn & play area with 30+ exhibits on conservation, marine debris, whaling era, and Hawaiian cultural values.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program

Keauhou Bird Conservation Center runs programs for critically endangered species including Puaiohi, Palila, 'Akikiki, 'Akeke'e, and Kiwikiu (all IUCN Red List Critically Endangered). Successfully released 222 puaiohi back into wild (1999-2012), increasing wild population to 500-800 birds.

The Dolphin Institute

Website: www.dolphin-institute.com

Hawaii-based 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to study and preservation of dolphins, whales, and other marine mammals. Conducts humpback whale and dolphin research with education programs focused on attitudes and activities affecting marine mammal survival.

Petting Zoos & Farm Animal Experiences

Lawrence Lovestock (Oahu)

Location: Kahalu'u, Oahu
Website: www.lawrencelovestock.com

Rescue petting farm on 10-acre property at foot of Koolau Mountains. Animals saved from slaughter, euthanization, or re-homed. Interact with goats, lambs, rabbits, chickens, parrots, and pot-bellied pigs. Family compound in use for six generations.

Tours: Saturdays and Sundays after 1:00 PM
Price: $50 for up to 5 guests

Keiki & Plow (Oahu)

Location: Hawaii Kai, Oahu

Family-run farm with Open Farm days featuring digging pit, mud kitchen, giant slide, pirate ship, chickens, ducks, bunnies, goats, and sheep. U-Pick Baskets for organically grown produce.

Admission:
Adults: $12
Keiki: $10
Children 2 and under: Free

Kualoa Ranch (Oahu)

Website: www.kualoa.com

Established 1850. 4,000-acre private nature reserve and working cattle ranch. More than 600 head of cattle, 120 horses, 200 pigs, 100 sheep. Educational programs feature chickens, bunnies, cows, goats, miniature horse. Free kids animal exhibit with access to 120 beautiful horses. Aquaculture operations include oyster and shrimp farms.

Waimanalo Country Farms (Oahu)

Family-friendly ranch offering mini pony rides, family rides, horseback riding lessons. Visit mini goat Kaia and baby sheep (Bo, Cotton, Peter).

Visiting Tips for Hawaii Zoos

Best Time to Visit

Optimal timing: Early morning on weekdays (closest to opening time). Avoid biggest crowds and see animals when most active before heat of day gets intense.

Alternative: Special Twilight Tours at Honolulu Zoo (Saturdays, 5:30-7:30 PM April-August, 4:30-6:30 PM September-March) offer cooler temperatures, expert insight, and nocturnal animal viewing.

What to Bring

  • Hats and sunscreen (can be very hot)
  • Water bottles (stay hydrated)
  • Snacks to maintain energy
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera for memorable photos

Time to Allocate

  • Honolulu Zoo: 2-4 hours (2 hours covers most exhibits, 3-4 hours for full experience)
  • Waikiki Aquarium: 30 minutes to 1 hour
  • Maui Ocean Center: 2-3 hours
  • Panaewa Rainforest Zoo: 1-2 hours
  • Sea Life Park: 3-4 hours (includes shows)

Parking Tips

Honolulu Zoo weekends: Metered lot also used by beachgoers due to proximity to sand - very difficult to find spots. Best bet: walk, take taxi, Uber, or Lyft. Alternative: free parking at Waikiki Shell lot across street on Monsarrat Avenue.

Weekdays: Zoo lot ($1.50/hour, 4-hour max) usually has availability. Metered street parking on Kapahulu Avenue (6 AM-10 PM, 2-hour limit).

For Families with Kids

  • Honolulu Zoo petting zoo with farm animals (sheep and goats)
  • Panaewa Rainforest Zoo petting area (Saturdays 1:30-2:30 PM) plus playground
  • Waikiki Aquarium interactive programs for kids
  • Sea Life Park daily show schedule with multiple presentations

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu Zoo is the only AZA-accredited zoo in Hawaii, accredited through March 2026. As of September 2025, there are 240 AZA-accredited institutions worldwide out of approximately 2,800 USDA-licensed animal exhibitors (less than 10%). AZA accreditation recognizes facilities meeting highest professional standards for animal welfare, scientific education, and staff training through detailed applications and multi-day on-site inspections by expert teams.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens in Hilo was free until September 2025. New admission fees (effective Sept 1, 2025): Hawaii Island residents pay $4 for adults 18-59 (seniors 60+ and children under 18 free); non-residents pay $12 for adults 18+ and $5 for children 3-17 (under 3 free). Hawaii Island residents can purchase annual passes for $25. The Hawaii Wildlife Center's Ho'opulama Science and Discovery Center in Hilo remains free (open Tuesday-Saturday 9 AM-3 PM).

Maui Ocean Center is the largest aquarium in Hawaii and the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The 3-acre facility features a 750,000-gallon Open Ocean tank with an underwater tunnel, over 60 exhibits, and exclusively displays marine life found in Hawaiian waters. It showcases 40+ Hawaiian coral species (many raised since 1998) and houses one of only four land-based coral nurseries in the United States through MOC Marine Institute.

Due to Hawaii's remote island location, most native animals are birds or marine species. At Honolulu Zoo: nene (Hawaiian geese - state bird and rarest goose in world), Hawaiian hawks, Kolea (golden plover), Hawaiian ducks, and pueo (Hawaiian owl). At aquariums: endangered Hawaiian monk seals (population ~1,400), green sea turtles (honu), and tropical Pacific marine species. The diminutive Hawaiian Hoary Bat is Hawaii's only native land mammal but is reclusive and rarely seen (fewer than 1,000 individuals remain, listed as endangered). Hawaii has no other native land mammals.

Honolulu Zoo participates in Species Survival Plans (SSPs) to prevent extinction of endangered species, provides educational programs including "Zoo to You" Outreach on invasive species, and funds restoration projects. Maui Ocean Center's MOC Marine Institute operates a land-based coral nursery (one of four in US) and partners with NOAA Fisheries for sea turtle rescue. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program works with critically endangered species (Puaiohi, Palila, 'Akikiki, 'Akeke'e, Kiwikiu), successfully releasing 222 puaiohi increasing wild population to 500-800 birds. Hawaii has 98 of 142 known endemic bird species extinct since human arrival, with 33 of 44 remaining endemic birds listed under Endangered Species Act.

Oahu has the most wildlife facilities with Honolulu Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium, Sea Life Park Hawaii, Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm, and multiple petting farms/ranches (Lawrence Lovestock, Keiki & Plow, Kualoa Ranch, Waimanalo Country Farms). Maui features Maui Ocean Center, Maui Animal Farm, Lahaina Animal Farm, Pacific Primate Sanctuary, and Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center. Big Island (Hawaii) has Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary, and Hawaii Wildlife Center.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. Located in Hilo on the Big Island, this 12-acre facility features over 80 animal species including tigers, lemurs, crocodiles, giant lizards, capuchins, goats, and giant ants in a natural rainforest setting blessed with fertile volcanic soil. The zoo opened in 1978, is operated by Hawaii County, and includes stunning botanical gardens throughout the property. A Saturday petting zoo (1:30-2:30 PM) and children's playground make it family-friendly. The zoo closes on Christmas, New Year's Day, and the first Thursday of each month for "ReZOOvenation."

Yes, Sea Life Park Hawaii in Waimanalo (Oahu) offers interactive dolphin programs where you can swim alongside dolphins in their lagoon. This is the rare opportunity at the park's main attraction. Sea Life Park received IMATA (International Marine Animal Trainers' Association) accreditation in 2024, recognizing facilities with exceptional systems for training animal caregivers. The park also offers shark, stingray, and seal encounters for close interactions with marine mammals. Daily shows include the Aloha Nai'a Dolphin Lagoon Show at 12:15 PM. The facility is located 15 miles from Waikiki between the Ko'olau Mountain Range and Makapu'u Beach.

Honolulu Zoo, opened in 1916, is one of the oldest zoos in the United States and the only U.S. zoo whose lands were part of a grant from a King (King Kalakaua in the late 1800s). It's a 42-acre park located in the heart of Waikiki next to Diamond Head in Queen Kapiolani Park. The zoo is the only one within a 2,300-mile radius and homes over 900 specimens representing more than 220 species, several endangered. As Hawaii's only AZA-accredited zoo, it participates in international Species Survival Plans and provides extensive educational programs including invasive species awareness through free "Zoo to You" Outreach services.

Petting zoos and farm animal experiences are available on Oahu and Maui, but not all islands have dedicated petting facilities. Oahu offers Lawrence Lovestock (rescue farm in Kahalu'u with goats, lambs, rabbits, chickens, parrots - $50 for up to 5 guests on weekends), Keiki & Plow (Hawaii Kai with goats, sheep, bunnies, ducks, chickens - $10-12 admission), Kualoa Ranch (4,000-acre working ranch with free kids animal exhibit featuring 120 horses), and Waimanalo Country Farms (mini ponies, goats, sheep). Maui features Maui Animal Farm ($25/person tours with rabbits and goats) and Lahaina Animal Farm (90-minute tours except Sundays with miniature horses, cows, goats, pigs, bunnies). Honolulu Zoo and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo also have petting areas.

Last updated on November 27, 2025