Honolulu Zoo Waikiki | Yes, There Are Komodo Dragons

The Honolulu Zoo sits in Kapiolani Park at the edge of Waikiki, 42 acres of African savanna, tropical forests, and Pacific island ecosystems. It’s home to elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, orangutans, Komodo dragons, and a keiki zoo where kids can get hands-on with farm animals. The shaded playground in the middle of the zoo is a legitimate draw on its own. It’s a rare spot in Waikiki where kids can run free and parents can actually sit down. Admission is required. Go early on weekends as the entrance line fills up fast.

A Day at the zoo

When the kids were little, the zoo was a staple in our house. A visit could soothe the crankiest soul. With annual passes in hand, we visited many, many times over the years.

Not only do they love the animals, but they love to be in charge. They pull out the map and decide which animals to visit and the path to get there. The keiki zoo is always on their list. Inside they can pet goats, pretend to swim with fish, and get up close to cows and horses. And when they tire of animals, there’s always the playground. A giant climbing structure, slides and play area sit at the foot of the loveliest green lawn shaded with rainbow shower and monkeypod trees. For local families especially, a shaded spot where kids can run free and make friends while parents actually sit down for a minute is rarer than you’d think in Waikiki. That alone is worth the visit.

Getting There and What to Know

Address: 151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815. Corner of Kapahulu and Kalakaua, at the edge of Kapiolani Park.

Hours: Daily 10am to 3pm. Grounds close at 4pm. Closed Christmas Day.

Admission: Adults (13+) $21, children (3-12) $13, under 3 free. Kama’aina and military discounted with valid ID. No reservations required. The line at the entrance can get long on weekends.

Arrive early, go late, or get an annual pass and skip it entirely. Annual memberships start at $40 for two adults or one adult and one child. The Chimpanzee level at $55 covers two adults and up to four children under 18. Members use a separate entrance and get to bypass the general admission line (along with zoo discounts).

Parking: The zoo lot entrance is on Kapahulu Ave at $1.50 per hour, 4-hour max. If that’s full, search for free parking and metered parking around Kapiolani Park.

Shade: The zoo has several shady areas to relax under – especially around the playground and open grass area in the middle of the zoo. But most of your time looking at animals will leave you exposed so dress accordingly: hats, sunscreen, and water (there are water fountains for refills near each bathroom).

Strollers and wheelchairs: Available for rent at the zoo.

Special Events and Experiences

The zoo is worth a visit on its own, but there are a few extras worth knowing about.

Twilight Tours run Saturday evenings after the zoo closes to the public. A two-hour guided walk with educators through the grounds. Some animals winding down for the night, others just waking up. Cooler temperatures and no crowds. Check honoluluzoo.org for dates and pricing.

HallowZOO happens in October. It’s a daytime Halloween event where the animals get special enrichment treats and kids get trick-or-treating, crafts, and activities on the lawn. One of the better family Halloween options on the island.

Ke Kani O Ke Kai is a summer concert series on the zoo lawn featuring local Hawaiian artists. A good reason to come back if you’re here for an extended stay.

Birthday parties are a thing here, and a genuinely fun option if you have a kid who loves animals. The keiki zoo makes for a great party backdrop with bleating goats, animal crafts, and a bit of chaos like all good parties. Here’s what one looks like.

The face you make when you hear an elephant trumpet.

Micah planning our route to the keiki zoo.

Family Photos in Waikiki

You’ll spend a morning chasing your kids from the giraffes to the keiki zoo to the playground and then you’ll get home and realize you’re not in any of the photos. If that sounds familiar, you can see what a Little Bird morning adventure looks like out here here, here, and here. And if it looks like something your family would be into, here’s where to start.

Beyond the Honolulu Zoo – Explore More

Where to Eat Nearby

Barefoot Beach Cafe — you don’t have to go far. Cross the street and walk toward the ocean for tasty eats in the perfect seaside setting.

Does my mouth water every time I drive past the nostalgic neon sign at Leonard’s Malasadas? Yes. Is there a 50/50 chance I stop for dobash filled malasadas? Yes. And you should too.

Musubis are a Hawaiian staple and Musubi Cafe Iyasume does them consistently well. Ready to bring on your next adventure.

Marugame Udon is a bit of a walk and usually has a line — but it moves faster than you think. Fresh udon made from scratch right in front of you, plus tasty tempura.

Best beaches in the Area

Kaimana Beach is a local favorite for swimming and lounging, right across from Kapiolani Park.

Sans Souci Beach is another good option, though the beach has been eroding over the years and there’s less sand at high tide.

Even if you don’t plan to get in, it’s worth walking out onto the groin at Queen’s Beach to take in the views and watch bodyboarders play in the waves.

Diamond Head Beach Park — a short drive for a picnic or sunset away from the Waikiki crowds.

More Activities Near the Zoo

You can’t visit Hawaii without at least trying to surf. Sign up for lessons here.

Hike Diamond Head. Maybe not the most exciting hike on the island, but you should do it at least once. The stairs, the tunnel, the bunkers and the views of Waikiki and Kapiolani Park from the summit are hard to beat. Reservations required.

Waikiki Aquarium If you want to cool off, cross the street to enjoy jellyfish, monk seals, and a giant reef tank in air conditioned bliss.

Waikiki Family Activity Roundup for more ideas in and around Waikiki.

Honolulu Zoo FAQs