Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Playground, Hilo

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo has absolutely gorgeous vegetation and flowers. Come here to enjoy a tropical wonderland! Many of the animals seem happy. The white tigers have a nice hilly enclosure. The cages for the amazon parrots have banana groves inside them, and the parrots are cute to watch. The round building, with aquariums around the sides of it, is lovely, with poison dart frogs that will take your breath away- they are so colorful! Kids like to see the turtles here too. There are hilarious emus that look like muppets! And goats. A peacock walks around the park freely. There are a few very unhappy animals though, namely the Capuchin monkeys that are in a tiny, hot cage, and a bird that was crying in misery constantly, sick of people looking at him. Zoos are always a bit iffy. I do love how pretty this zoo is though, and if they could help the monkeys and bird it would be worth visiting.

The zoo is hilly so it's a good workout walking around. There are cute benches with sculptures of animals, and one of a huge alligator. A large, awesome playground with a party pavilion is used often by local families.
There is some shade here and there, but lots of exposed walkways too, so wear sunscreen and come later in the day. Too bad the zoo is open during the hottest part of the day (see hours below) because it can be really hot walking around, especially in summer. 
There is a gift shop.
The drive to this zoo from Hilo town is pretty annoying, with lots of traffic lights and congestion. While out this way, check out Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Farm, which is free to visit, along a beautiful farm road lined with Norfolk pines and rows and rows of macadamia nut trees. Nani Mau Gardens is also out this way, and offers a pretty walk through the formal, tropical gardens (open Mon-Fri 10-5, admission $5). 
To prepare for your trip, read a book about animals in Hawaii and where they sleep. This is a book adored by kids and most requested by my kid's elementary school classes! It is called Go to Sleep Hide and Seek.

Directions

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo is located at 800 Stainback Hwy, Hilo HI 96720. It is a thirteen minute drive south from the hotels on Banyan Drive, taking Highway 11. There is plenty of parking.
Open daily 9-4.
Entrance is free.

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