Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, Big Island – Hawaii

The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the only tropical zoo in the United States and shouldn’t be missed during your Big Island vacation.

You will encounter a variety of rainforest animals and endangered Hawaiian animals, such as a white Bengal tiger, spider monkeys, lemurs, nene geese (the Hawaiian State bird), and over 80 other animal species.

The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is also considered a botanical garden covered with orchids, bamboos, 100 varieties of palms, and a water garden.

The Panaewa Zoo, about 4 miles from Hilo, is open daily, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Admission is free.

Must-do’s are: the petting zoo (only on Saturday), the white Bengal tiger (Namaste) feeding at 3:30 daily, and the gift shop.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens