ZOOS & ANIMAL PARKS HAWAII

Lahaina Animal Farm and Petting Zoo is a charming 6-acre ranch attraction nestled on the slopes of West Maui in Lahaina, Hawaii, offering visitors one of the most unique animal experiences on the island. Set against a backdrop of mountains and ocean with panoramic views, the farm operates as a morning petting zoo where guests meet and learn the individual stories of resident farm animals. The farm also doubles as a versatile event venue for birthday parties, corporate gatherings, and family celebrations, infused with the warmth of Hawaiian aloha culture and bilingual animal introductions. Winter visitors are treated to the possibility of spotting humpback whales offshore, adding a memorable natural bonus to the experience. Operating daily from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Lahaina Animal Farm provides an intimate, education-focused encounter with friendly animals in a breathtaking Maui setting that appeals to families, tourists, and animal lovers alike.

Maui Animal Farm is an interactive petting zoo and animal experience attraction located in Lahaina on the island of Maui, Hawaii. The farm offers a variety of tour options including morning and afternoon petting zoo sessions, private experiences, and exclusive birthday parties set amid beautiful surroundings with ocean views. Visitors can enjoy hands-on encounters with farm animals such as goats, miniature horses, pigs, and chickens, all while learning about animal care and the importance of environmental stewardship. The farm's mission centers on providing enriching educational experiences that foster a deeper connection between people, animals, and the natural world. Welcoming solo travelers, families, and school groups alike, Maui Animal Farm also invites community members to get involved through volunteer opportunities supporting daily animal care.

Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary is Hawaii's only fully accredited exotic animal facility, situated on five acres above Kona on the Big Island. Founded in 1998 and holding accreditation from both the American Sanctuary Association and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, this USDA-licensed nonprofit sanctuary is home to zebras, nene geese, hawks, owls, flamingos, and reptiles. The sanctuary prioritizes animal welfare and does not maintain regular public hours, instead offering private educational tours and school programs designed to foster youth engagement with Hawaii's unique natural heritage. Conservation efforts include wildlife rehabilitation and native species release work, notably with the endangered Hawaiian hoary bat. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Three Ring Ranch provides a rare and meaningful opportunity for visitors to experience close encounters with exotic animals while learning about the fragility of Hawaii's island ecosystem.

Sea Life Park Hawaii is a marine mammal park, bird sanctuary, and aquarium situated at Makapuu Point in Waimanalo Beach on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, open since 1964. The park features a rich variety of marine and wildlife exhibits including a Dolphin Lagoon with daily Aloha Naia shows, a sea turtle sanctuary, a reef tank with fish and coral, a marine life touch pool, a Shark Cave, and an aviary. Guests can participate in immersive encounters including dolphin swims in shallow or deep water, sea lion encounters, and Hawaiian reef experiences. The park's Penguin Habitat is home to Humboldt penguins through an AZA Species Survival Plan, and the Bird Sanctuary cares for injured and rehabilitated native Hawaiian seabirds including frigatebirds and albatrosses. With its stunning Pacific coastline backdrop and diverse programming, Sea Life Park Hawaii offers an unforgettable wildlife experience for visitors of all ages.

Maui Ocean Center is Hawaii's premier aquarium, located in Wailuku on the island of Maui, and is celebrated for its immersive exhibits featuring living coral reefs, sharks, rays, and Hawaiian green sea turtles. A highlight of the facility is its 3D Sphere theater, which presents a breathtaking presentation about humpback whales. Daily naturalist talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and Hawaiian cultural walks deepen the visitor experience, while active conservation efforts include coral propagation, beach cleanups, and reef restoration rooted in traditional Hawaiian stewardship values. Stroller-accessible pathways, on-site dining, and engaging children's programming make it a top family destination, and memberships provide reciprocal access to more than 60 aquariums and science centers across the United States.

The Waikiki Aquarium, situated on the shores of Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the second oldest public aquarium in the United States, having opened in 1904 and been managed by the University of Hawaii since 1919. The aquarium is home to more than 3,500 animals representing 490 species of marine plants and animals from Hawaii and the tropical Pacific, with exhibits featuring Hawaiian monk seals, green sea turtles, sea dragons, giant clams, octopuses, jellyfish, and vibrant reef fish. A coral farm on the premises supports active conservation efforts in coral husbandry and reef restoration, helping to protect Hawaii's endangered coral ecosystems. The aquarium offers a wide range of educational programs and family-friendly activities rooted in its mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of Pacific marine life, making it a treasured community institution and a must-see attraction along the iconic Waikiki beachfront.

Honolulu Zoo is a historic 42-acre zoological park set within the beautiful Queen Kapiolani Park at the eastern edge of Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. Established in 1914 and uniquely founded through grants by a sovereign monarch, the zoo is home to more than 900 animals representing over 64 reptile species, 38 mammal species, and 160 bird species organized across three tropical ecological zones: Tropical Rainforests, Pacific Islands, and African Savanna. The African Savanna exhibit showcases lions, zebras, and giraffes, while the Pacific Islands section highlights native Hawaiian birds, including some endangered or extinct in the wild. The zoo participates in numerous Species Survival Plans and has contributed directly to conservation milestones such as reintroducing the Amastra cylindrica snail into the wild. It is a cherished destination for families, educational groups, and wildlife lovers visiting Oahu.

Parrots in Paradise is a dedicated parrot rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption sanctuary located in Kealakekua on the Big Island of Hawaii. Founded in 2003, the sanctuary is home to over 80 friendly parrots of various species including macaws, cockatoos, African greys, and cockatiels, all of which have been rescued from neglectful or abusive situations. The sanctuary offers intimate two-hour guided experiences for visitors aged three and up, providing hands-on interaction and education about each bird's history and care, with a tax-deductible donation supporting the organization's mission. Junior volunteers aged 13 and older are also welcome, making it an inspiring destination for young animal lovers. As one of Hawaii's premier exotic bird rescue facilities, Parrots in Paradise serves as a vital lifesaving resource for the local bird community while offering an unforgettable and meaningful wildlife encounter in a tropical island setting.

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is the only zoo in the United States set within a natural tropical rainforest, located in Hilo on Hawaii's Big Island. The zoo is home to 82 species and nearly 300 animals, including Bengal tigers, giant anteaters, American alligators, spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese (Hawaii's state bird), macaws, parrots, and toucans. Lush botanical gardens feature palms, bamboo, orchids, and a water garden that seamlessly blends the plant and animal worlds. The petting zoo opens on Saturday afternoons, offering hands-on family fun. Admission is free, making it an accessible destination for visitors and residents alike. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed first Thursday of the month), it offers a uniquely Hawaiian wildlife experience unlike any other zoo in the country.