Boo Boo Zoo

Tucked into the lush rural landscape of Haiku on Maui's eastern side, Boo Boo Zoo — operated by the East Maui Animal Refuge — is one of those hidden gems that feels like a reward for getting off the beaten path. This is not a polished, commercial zoo experience. It's intimate, authentic, and genuinely wonderful for young kids who light up at the sight of animals.

The refuge is home to a rotating cast of rescued and resident animals — goats, rabbits, exotic birds, and other creatures that have found a home here through the refuge's work. Because the space is small and visitor numbers are limited, kids get real face-to-face time with the animals rather than viewing them from a distance behind thick glass.

This is the kind of place where a 4-year-old can have their world rocked by feeding a goat from their hand for the first time. There's no ride-on dinosaur, no gift shop — just animals and kids connecting in the simplest possible way.

Because it's a small, community-operated refuge, hours and availability can vary. Calling ahead before you make the drive is essential. The location in Haiku is beautiful — surrounded by tropical greenery, well away from the tourist corridors — which makes the whole experience feel special and off the radar.

Boo Boo Zoo is best suited for families with younger children, roughly ages 2 through 10. Older kids and tweens may find it too brief. Parents of toddlers consistently say it's a sweet, manageable outing that doesn't require the logistical overhead of a big theme park or expensive tour.

Pair it with a drive along the beginning of the Road to Hana for a lovely east Maui morning that costs very little and delivers a lot.