Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens — Attraction in Hawaii

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Rainforest

Visiting the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo was an enchanting experience! Nestled within a lush tropical rainforest, this zoo offers a unique opportunity to explore the incredible biodiversity of Hawaii. Unlike larger, more commercialized zoos, Panaewa provides an intimate and peaceful setting where you can truly appreciate the animals and their surroundings.

The highlight of our visit was the tiger exhibit. Watching such a majestic creature in a beautifully designed habitat was breathtaking. The zoo also features a wide variety of animals, from playful spider monkeys to exotic birds, all of which seem well cared for and content in their environments.

The grounds are well-maintained and thoughtfully laid out, making it easy to navigate and enjoy at a leisurely pace. The botanical gardens were a pleasant surprise, filled with vibrant tropical plants and flowers that added to the serene atmosphere.

The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to answer questions and provide interesting facts about the animals. Their passion for conservation and education shines through in every aspect of the zoo.

Another great aspect of the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is that admission is free, though donations are encouraged and well-deserved. It's clear that every contribution goes directly toward the care of the animals and the upkeep of the zoo.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is a must-see attraction that offers a wonderful mix of wildlife and natural beauty. It's a perfect spot for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by the wonders of the rainforest.

The Zoo won’t be free forever so get it in...

I am giving this 4 stars with the caveat that it is a small local zoo, and for what it is, it was a nice place to visit!

It is FREE to enter and walk around. A few enclosures were closed for renovations, which we always see as a positive.

There didn't appear to be any regular shows or presentations showcasing any of the inhabitants on the day we went. But having looked at the website before going, it appears special things do happen on occasion.

The website showcased some of the different parrots. This lead us to try to engage them, with little effect. One parrot did make us chuckle and some young ladies who passed shortly after. While it wouldn't engage us while we were standing at it's enclosure, it did vocalize as we walked away. We walked back and tried again: silence. As we walked away, it again vocalized for attention. Fun in its own way! The ladies that followed appeared to have to same experience.

We are members of our state's largest zoo and try to make a point to visit zoos wherever we vacation to support conservation efforts and learn.

It was clearly a local favorite, with MANY artists sitting throughout the venue sketching or painting the different animals.

It was nice that the small amphibians were strategically placed at eye level for young visitor's to appreciate.

There were picnic tables throughout. While not our demographic, there was a nice playground on site and covered space with tables to sit in the shade immediately next to it.

We saw a lot of potential to educate if more signing was placed throughout - especially the botanical side. It would have been nice to know what some of the lovely...

This is not a large zoo. Many of the displays are very cagey feeling which can be a little distracting when you are trying to look at the animals, so it isn't entirely on par with modern zoo style (which generally involves copious amounts of plexiglass).

I can imagine many people finding many things to complain about, but here is what makes it special... It is free. Anyone can walk in and enjoy the zoo. The whole place runs on donations.

You would have to see the place before that can really sink in. It is comprised of countless well manicured lawns, forests, and pathways on which anyone can bring a lunch, have a picnic, or just hang out with exotic animals! For free!

Totally worth taking an hour or two out of your day to walk around, and just have lunch in a colorful outdoor environment. You will need to bring food with you, but I saw people with packed coolers and people with taco bell... So anything goes. ;)

Big mahalo to all of the volunteers that keep this place running. If you swing by be sure to drop a little something in the...