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.
Bright colored parrots are in cages along the way.
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.
All along the walk ways are flowers and multicolored displays of tropical vegetation.
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.
The peacocks roam throughout the zoo.
The zoo has a butterfly enclosure that you can walk through.
The children's petting zoo is open on Saturdays 1:30-2:30pm.
The Pana'ewa zoo and gardens are a beautiful place in Hilo to spend time.