Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo; free yet exciting!
Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, a free and fun destination, has been our go to site for hours of play and viewing the variety of animals. If just visiting the Big Island or living here with children, this zoo is perfect for a relaxing daytime outing. This site is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the entire United States and is located just four miles outside of Hilo! Although Pana'ewa is smaller in size than some, there are approximately 80 species of both tropical and endangered species, including the regal tigers (Siracha and Tzatziki), different species of monkeys, lemurs and other mammals, as well as numerous tropical birds, amphibians and reptiles. The Nene, the endangered Hawaii state bird, inhabits the zoo with other animal nomads such as peacocks, wild chickens and geese, which roam freely among visitors and animals alike. The playground in front of the pavilion and picnic area, offers a shaded seating area for parents to watch their keiki play safely. The...