Make friends with the meerkats, chat with the cheetahs and play with the pot-bellied pigs at one of the island’s favourite destinations.
Honolulu Zoo, which covers some 16 hectares in the grounds of Kapiolani Park, has grown in status and scope since it started life as the island king’s private collection of exotic birds. Although birds naturally still form one of its most cherished attractions, visitors today can admire over 1,200 animals, from popular favourites to endangered and rare species.The zoo is divided into three main areas featuring mammals, birds and reptiles in their natural habitats. Catch flashes of neon colour as the Tropical Forests area comes alive with tiny birds, spot prehistoric-looking Komodo dragons, crocodiles and iguanas undercover in the dense undergrowth of the Pacific Islands section, and marvel at the graceful giraffes and streamlined cheetahs as they prowl the African Savannah. Exotic visitors from far-flung corners of the world include Asian elephants, tigers and aardvarks, while the zoo is also home to the endangered local goose known as the nene, and the rare Galápagos tortoise.Over in the “Keiki” (children’s) zoo, the little ones can make friends with pot-bellied pigs and llamas before letting off steam in the nearby playground, giving the grown-ups a chance to enjoy some much-needed refreshment. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, or treat yourself to a delicious snack from the Kapahulu Market on site, which offers unlimited free refills on drinks purchased from any of its outlets. Between June and August there are regular evening concerts given by local and international musicians, so check the zoo website for details and enjoy some cool sounds as the sun goes down.Kapiolani Park is located between Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head. The zoo is open daily except for Christmas Day, and there is a small charge for admission. Parking at the zoo is charged per hour, or take advantage of the free parking at nearby Waikiki Shell stadium.
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