Honolulu Zoo

Honolulu Zoo covers 42 acres beside Waikiki and Kapiʻolani Park. The official guest-services page says the grounds hold more than 900 animals, including elephants, giraffes, orangutans, Komodo dragons, reptiles, birds and other tropical species. Families can also visit the Keiki Zoo.

Animal encounters in its Goat Yard are currently unavailable, but the area and Big Red Barn still give younger children a child-scaled stop.

This is an outdoor walking day. Plan about three to four hours, wear comfortable shoes and bring sun and rain protection. Entry runs from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and all guests must leave by 4:00 PM. Arriving at opening gives a family the most time and avoids having lunch or a slow start cut into the short admission window. The zoo closes on Christmas Day.

The free Honolulu Zoo app is useful once inside. It has a GPS map for animals, dining and restrooms, plus daily keeper-chat times, animal profiles and alerts about feedings or enrichment. Checking the keeper schedule before choosing a route can prevent crossing the grounds twice.

Strollers and wheelchairs are rented from the entrance gift shop on a first-come basis. The official rental page currently lists double strollers at $15 and requires returns by 3:30 PM. Families should bring their own stroller when possible. The zoo confirms wheelchair access, but it does not describe nursing rooms or diaper-changing facilities online.

General admission is $21 for ages 13 and older and $13 for ages 3 to 12. Infants under 2 are free. The published chart does not clearly say how a 2-year-old is charged, so ask before buying. A family with two adults and two children ages 3 to 12 pays $68. The zoo lot costs $1.50 per hour with a four-hour maximum. A separate lot at Waikiki Shell, across Monsarrat Avenue, is listed as free.

Food is sold at Kapahulu Market, and dining locations appear in the app. A specific children’s menu is not published. Families managing allergies or a restricted diet should check current options directly with the zoo.