Visiting The Honolulu Zoo

One of the places we visited during both our family vacations to Hawaii the past two year was the Honolulu Zoo. Zoey is a huge zoo lover and is obsessed with birds. The Honolulu Zoo has over 200 animals and more than half of them are birds – so it is basically her heaven. Here are ten things you should know about the Honolulu Zoo plus pictures of our visit to the Honolulu Zoo. Enjoy!

1. There isn’t any free parking when you are visiting the Honolulu Zoo.

The first time we visited the Honolulu Zoo last year we found a free parking spot about a ten minute walk from the zoo. When we visited this year we couldn’t find anything, the zoo has a paid lot right outside the entrance and that is where we parked. The lot is not very large and it fills up fast so the earlier in the day you can go the better.

2. The Honolulu Zoo is quite large!

I was super impressed by the size of this zoo. We walked around for two hours and didn’t get to see everything. Their website lists over 220 types of animals on exhibit, 120 of those are different types of birds. If you are a bird lover you will love the Honolulu Zoo. They have a bird sanctuary that you can walk inside and actually be with the birds. That was one of Zoey’s favorite parts. My favorite animals were the giant turtles. They must have been the size of one of those mini cars for kids, I thought they were statues until I saw one of their heads move!

3. The landscaping is beautiful at the Honolulu Zoo.

Walking through the Honolulu Zoo is enjoyable for more than just the animals. They have the most beautiful landscaping. Beautiful paths and gardens will accompany you through the whole visit.

4. The Honolulu Zoo is conveniently located downtown Waikiki.

If you are looking for places to visit in Waikiki within walking distance from your hotel the Honolulu Zoo is perfect. It is right downtown near Waikiki beach so it is walking distance from a lot of hotels and tourist attractions. It is near shopping, restaurants, surf rentals, the Honolulu Aquarium and more.

5. The animals aren’t very active.

Maybe we went on a bad day both times… but all of the animals seemed a little hot and depressed both times we visited. They didn’t move much and there were quite a few empty cages. I am guessing a lot of animals were hiding from the heat and I don’t blame them! Even still there was a ton to see and the upside is slow moving animals are easy for toddlers to spot.

6. If you are a local than visiting the Honolulu Zoo is cheaper.

They have a cheaper rate if you can prove that you live in Honolulu with a drivers license or some other type of ID.

7. The Honolulu Zoo has a playground.

The Honolulu Zoo is perfect for toddlers! Zoey was obsessed with all the animals, but she also loved the playground. It was the perfect spot to stop and eat lunch and play for a little bit. Be warned there are a TON of hungry pigeons at the playground that will almost attack you if they find your food. I wasn’t watching Zoey’s stroller because I was watching her play on the playground and when I looked back over at it, it was covered in birds trying to get to the food underneath!

8. There are places to eat in the Honolulu Zoo.

You can get food at different booths throughout the zoo. You can even get shave ice! The food is a little pricey though, we brought our own water and picnic lunch.

9. There is a farm area in the Honolulu Zoo.

Zoey loved ‘the farm’. They have all the typical farm animals, a bunch of kid friendly interactive activities and a giant fish tank with a tunnel through it that the kids can walk through.

10. The Honolulu Zoo is a great place to visit during your vacation in Waikiki.

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Chambray Beach Dress: Old Navy (also sold here, here and here)

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