Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens near Hilo is the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. Fun for the entire family, the Hilo zoo is home to more than 80 animal species.

As the name suggests, the rainforest zoo is lush and tropical. Enjoy strolling around the thick rainforest gardens with a dazzling display of various Orchid collections, Tropical Rhododendrons and Clumping Bamboos. Picnic under the shade of more than 100 varieties of Palm trees.

Getting around the Hilo zoo is easy thanks to a paved walkway that winds throughout the zoo. With the frequency of rain showers in the area, you may want to consider bringing an umbrella.

One of the first attractions you will notice upon entering Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens are the colorful flower and frog-filled lily ponds.

A butterfly garden and an abundance of rainforest birds and other bird species can be seen at the Hilo zoo. Some of the birds you may see include the endangered Nene (the Hawaii state bird), macaws, parrots, and toucans.

Despite the Hilo zoo being small (only 12 acres), it is packed with interesting and unusual animals such as Honeybears, Spider Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys, 2-toed Sloths, Giant Anteaters, a Green Iguana, a Leopard Gecko, Snapping Turtles, Box Turtles, a pair of Red Tegus named Mr. and Mrs. Pickles, and Ringtailed Lemurs.

For you tiger enthusiasts, you probably already know that the key attraction at the Hilo Zoo for nearly 15 years was a beautiful White Bengal Tiger named Namaste. Raised from infancy by a Las Vegas magician, Namaste arrived in Hilo in early 1999 when he was 7-months old. Namaste was donated to the Hilo zoo due to the tropical setting and the impressive size of the tiger's 1-acre enclosure.

Namaste died on January 16, 2014, not long after celebrating his 15th birthday. His departure left a huge hole, so Pana'ewa Zoo officials began to research possibilities for a replacement. Following an exhaustive search and preparations at the zoo to support a new cub, in March, 2016 Great Cats World Park in Oregon donated two Bengal Tiger cubs, one orange female (Sriracha) and one white male (Tzatziki).

Where is Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo?

To get to Pana'ewa, drive south out of Hilo on Highway 11 for four miles. Just past the 4-mile marker, look for the Zoo sign on your right. Follow signs for about 1 mile off the highway.

Admission to the Hilo zoo is free but donations are welcomed. The zoo is open 9am-4pm daily except Christmas and New Year's Day. The Petting Zoo is open Saturdays only from 1:30-2:30. For more information call (808) 959-9233.