Is Honolulu Zoo worth it?
Skip itOverhyped · −2342-acre city zoo in Kapiʻolani Park at the Diamond Head end of Waikīkī
Usually not worth it. 4.2 Google and 3.9 Tripadvisor — weak for a famous Oʻahu attraction; many find animals hard to see.
Hype58How famous and hyped it is
Reality35Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.2 ★ Google · 10,450 reviews3.9 Tripadvisor · 2,968— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Honolulu Zoo? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 families with kids vote
Playground, Keiki Zoo and an easy walk from Waikīkī make it a solid half-day with young kids.
Why Reality is 35
Lives up to its fame2/54.2 Google and 3.9 Tripadvisor — weak for a famous Oʻahu attraction; many find animals hard to see.
Value for money2/5$21 adult visitor rate (double the resident price) plus pricey food, with frequent complaints of empty-looking or closed exhibits.
Can’t get it elsewhere2/5A conventional mid-size zoo; the lush setting and royal-land-grant history are the only standout differences.
Easy to do4/5No reservation, open daily, walkable from Waikīkī with cheap or free parking nearby; entry ends at 3 p.m.
What people loved
Lush, tropical grounds — some reviewers compare it to a rainforestGood variety, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos and many birdsWalkable from Waikīkī hotels; free parking nearby at the Waikīkī Shell lotPopular playground and Keiki Zoo for young kidsWhat wore them down
Many animals hidden, asleep or not visible; some enclosures look emptyClosed exhibits and paths during construction/remodelingVisitors pay roughly double the resident rate ($21 vs $10 per adult); food inside is priceyShort day: last entry 3 p.m., with some stands and the petting area closing earlyKnow before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: No reservation needed; buy tickets at the gate or online. Last entry is 3:00 p.m.
Entry$21 adults 13+, $13 children 3–12 (general); $10 / $6 kamaʻāina and U.S. active military with ID; under 2 freeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
HoursEntry 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily; grounds close 4:00 p.m.Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ClosedChristmas DaySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ParkingZoo lot on Kapahulu Ave $1.50/hour (4-hour max); free Waikīkī Shell lot on Monsarrat AveSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
ReservationNot required; tickets sold online or on siteSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026
Opening hours (Google)
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
In their words
“There is a great variety of animals, although during our visit a lot of them were sleeping or not visible in their enclosures…”
“There were plenty of animals that we usually don’t get to see at our local zoo which was nice.”
“I felt like I was in a rainforest. It was so tropical and lush greenery everywhere!”
“maybe put an additional sign saying that the animal might be resting in the exhibit, out of sight.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How much is the Honolulu Zoo?
General admission is $21 for ages 13+ and $13 for ages 3–12. Kamaʻāina and U.S. active military with ID pay $10 / $6. Children under 2 are free.
What are the Honolulu Zoo hours?
Open daily with entry from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; the grounds close at 4:00 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Where do you park for the Honolulu Zoo?
The zoo lot on Kapahulu Avenue costs $1.50 per hour (4-hour max). The Waikīkī Shell lot across Monsarrat Avenue is free.
Do you need reservations for the Honolulu Zoo?
No. Tickets can be bought on site or online.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Honolulu Zoo – Visit
- Honolulu Zoo – Home
- Revised Ordinances of Honolulu – Zoo admission fees
- Tripadvisor – Honolulu Zoo
- Google Maps – Honolulu Zoo