The Honolulu Zoo occupies 42 acres at the Diamond Head edge of Waikiki and is the only zoo in the United States that originated from a royal land grant, deeded by King Kalakaua's wife Queen Kapi'olani in the 1870s. The collection of about 1,230 animals is arranged across three tropical zones, an African Savanna with giraffes and zebras, a Pacific Islands area featuring Hawaiian endemic birds, and a Tropical Rainforest, plus an Asian elephant habitat with two 55,000-gallon pools. The Keiki Zoo play area and large shaded playground keep small kids happy for hours. Plan two to three hours, arrive when gates open at 10 a.m. to catch the animals at their most active, and bring a stroller and water (admission is $21 adults, $13 kids 3-12).
"Small enough to do in two hours, beautifully landscaped, and the elephants and giraffes were both out and active. The keiki playground was the best part for our toddler."