Friends of the Panaewa Zoo

Friends of the Panaewa Zoo On the "Big Island" of Hawai’i, this 12-acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the U.S.

Located on the "Big Island" of Hawaii, this 12 acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. It is home to more than 80 animal species including the endangered Nene (Hawaii State Bird) and two Bengal Tiger, Tzatziki and Sriracha. The links on the left will take you to interesting information on many of the Zoo's animal exhibits.

School is out and summer is officially here and you know what that means…it’s PEACHICK SEASON!! ☀️🦚🐥The Panaʻewa Rainfor...
06/09/2026

School is out and summer is officially here and you know what that means…it’s PEACHICK SEASON!! ☀️🦚🐥

The Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo is home to a large number of free roaming peafowl; you can admire them as they promenade the zoo grounds. These colorful avians originally hail from the Indian subcontinent and are commonly used as ‘watch dogs’, which vocalize loud piercing cries whenever a disturbance is near. Peafowl were also a favorite animal of Hawaiʻi’s Royal Princess Kaʻiulani, whom many dubbed ‘the peacock princess’. 👑🦚

While our peafowl are no doubt a large attraction, the Panaʻewa Zoo would like to remind the public to give these animals their respected and deserved space, especially for Peahens and their newly hatched chicks, which you may observe foraging around the zoo for food. Please refrain from feeding the wild birds and peafowl, even though they may appear curious or ‘begging’. 🚫🍟

Parents are also reminded to watch their keiki as they observe the animals; please do not chase the peafowl or try to touch or grab their feathers. Let’s continue to make the Panaʻewa Zoo a safe and enjoyable park for everyone to enjoy.
💚💙🦚

06/05/2026

Happy 22nd birthday to our resident ʻalalā, Miki Miki!! 🐦‍⬛🎉

Zookeepers made a special ice cake for Miki Miki which included his favorites: pinky mice, wax worms, ōlapa, pūkiawe, and ʻōhelo berries!! Note the ‘woodpecker’ style Miki Miki uses to chip away at the hard surface to break away bits of food. 🪱

Guests can add their well wishes to his birthday poster which is hanging outside of his exhibit, located next to our Hawaiian gardens. 🖤🌿

This day gives us a chance to make repairs, finish ongoing projects, and start new ones safely—without putting our guest...
06/04/2026

This day gives us a chance to make repairs, finish ongoing projects, and start new ones safely—without putting our guests at risk. Sometimes, we need to bring in heavy equipment to get the job done. We also use this time to keep our walkways in good condition so everyone can enjoy a safe, pleasant visit.

Lilo, before and after hearing it’s 🐊
05/29/2026

Lilo, before and after hearing it’s 🐊

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday's Friends of the Pana'ewa Zoo and Gardens Fundraiser Plant Sa...
05/03/2026

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday's Friends of the Pana'ewa Zoo and Gardens Fundraiser Plant Sale! The plants were truly wonderful, and it's so heartwarming to see people leave with plenty of gorgeous, healthy plants, giving them new homes. Your support truly means the world to us.We're incredibly grateful for your enthusiasm and kindness—and the zoo and its animals will greatly benefit from this.A

Come visit us today and discover our selection of the best and healthiest plants — we can't wait to help you find the pe...
05/02/2026

Come visit us today and discover our selection of the best and healthiest plants — we can't wait to help you find the perfect greens for your space!

Mahalo to the Hilo Fire Department for another generous donation of firehose! 🚒Our staff loves giving a new purpose to m...
04/28/2026

Mahalo to the Hilo Fire Department for another generous donation of firehose! 🚒

Our staff loves giving a new purpose to materials that might otherwise go unused, like transforming recycled firehose into creative enrichment for the animals! From durable toys and puzzle feeders to cozy hammocks, these items help keep our animals active, engaged, and mentally stimulated.

Come visit the Zoo and see if you can spot one of our enrichment creations in action!! What fun things will the keepers make next? 👀

Address

800 Stainback Highway
Hilo, HI
.POBOX738,KEEAU,HAWAII.96749

Telephone

+18089599233

Website

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