Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens

Hilo Hawaii

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Our Morning at the Hilo Zoo

 
Hilo has a treasure in its tropical rainforest zoo and gardens. Pana'ewa is the special forest which borders Hilo and Puna districts and has been mentioned in old Hawaiian chants. This quiet and picturesque garden has wonderful paths to stroll, brightly colored birds, peacocks strutting free, and Namaste, a white Bengal tiger.

The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is open 9am-4pm daily and entrance is free thanks to the county of Hawaii. It is located on Stainback Highway off Highway 11, on the left side when driving into Hilo from Volcano.

Bring water and wear sunscreen. It is usually warm at the zoo and once you are there it is hard to leave. There are numerous benches to rest, many in the shade, and picnic tables if you want to bring lunch. You can rent a stroller for the kids. The zoo has a gift shop at the entrance.

The first thing that greets you is a colorful water pond.
Hilo Zoo water pond

water flowers hilo zoo

Bright colored parrots are in cages along the way.
Hilo zoo parrot

Hilo Zoo parrot

The paths are lined with palm trees, bamboo and brightly colored tropical flowers. The zoo and gardens are a perfect place for a leisurely walk.
Hilo zoo palm trees

zoo walkway hilo

zoo walkway hilo

zoo walkway hilo

All along the walk ways are flowers and multicolored displays of tropical vegetation.
zoo flowers hilo

zoo flower hilo

zoo gardens hilo

zoo gardens hilo

Of course the zoo has animals too, in cages along the walkways. The zoo's website has detailed information about all their animals, birds, and other critters.
zoo monkey hilozoo pig hilo

The peacocks roam throughout the zoo.
zoo peacock hilo zoo peacock Hilo

zoo peacock Hilozoo peacock Hilo

The zoo has a butterfly enclosure that you can walk through.

butterfly Hilo Zoo butterfly Hilo zoo

The children's petting zoo is open on Saturdays 1:30-2:30pm.
petting zoo Hilo

The Pana'ewa zoo and gardens are a beautiful place in Hilo to spend time.

Here are some videos:
Strutting Peacock:

Mating Butterflies:

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RIP: Namaste - the Bengal tiger we loved to visit.

Namaste in zoo in Hilo

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