Hilo Hawaii Tropical Rainforest Zoo

If you get a chance to visit Hilo on the east side of the Big Island, then consider visiting the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens. The 12 acres of gardens are the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States, located in a forested area which borders Hilo and the Puna districts.

Hilo’s zoo is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours strolling along the paths lined with flowers, palm trees, bamboo and tropical plants.  Along the way there are cages of brightly covered birds, lilly ponds, peacocks strutting free. It is home to over 80 animal species including the Hawaiian State bird, Nene.

The most magnificent resident is Namaste – a white Bengal tiger from India. He lives in a huge enclosure and is usually napping near the fence line with one eye on his visitors. You can watch the tiger feeding every day at 3:30PM.

The zoo is a great place for kids to have fun. There are interesting displays like the huge butterfly cage that you can walk through. On Saturday’s from 1:30-2:30 a petting zoo is open for the children.

There are benches to rest, many in the shade, and picnic tables if you want to bring lunch or a snack. You can rent a stroller and there is a a gift shop at the front entrance.

The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is open 9am-4pm daily (except Christmas and New Year’s Day) and entrance and parking are free.

The Zoo is located on the outskirts of Hilo Town at 800 Stainback Highway. From Hilo, take Highway 11 (Hawaii Belt Road) South towards Volcano. About two and one half miles past Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza look for the "ZOO" sign on a lava rock wall, just after "Kulani 19." Turn right on Mamaki.

Bring water and sunscreen and a camera.