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    Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

    422 Reviews
    #22 of 86 things to do in Hilo
    Features Animals
    Zoos & Aquariums, Outdoor Activities, Nature & Parks
    Hwy 11 to Stainback Hwy, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720
    +1 808-959-7224
    Website
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    Review Highlights
    “Free admission to this 12 acre Rainforest Zoo and Gardens”

    Can not beat the cost (free) of admission to this 12 acre rain forest zoo and gardens near downtown... read more

    Reviewed 2 days ago
    44statesandcounting
    ,
    Westchester, NY
    “Friendly staff, lush vegetation but run down”

    The vegetation at the park is so lush and inviting, it’s a feast for the eyes. But the cages and... read more

    Reviewed 1 week ago
    KristinMiles
    ,
    Trondheim, Norway
    via mobile
    Read all 422 reviews
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    Overview
    4.0
    422 reviews
    • Excellent43%
    • Very good38%
    • Average13%
    • Poor5%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “white tiger” (85 reviews)
    “tropical birds” (14 reviews)
    “interesting animals” (12 reviews)
    Closed Now
    Hours
    Hours Today: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    LOCATION
    Hwy 11 to Stainback Hwy, Hilo, Island of Hawaii, HI 96720
    CONTACT
    Website
    +1 808-959-7224
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    Write a ReviewReviews (422)
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    All reviews
    "white tiger"
    in 85 reviews
    "tropical birds"
    in 14 reviews
    "interesting animals"
    in 12 reviews
    "nice playground"
    in 8 reviews
    "free admission"
    in 13 reviews
    "animals seem"
    in 5 reviews
    "donations are accepted"
    in 4 reviews
    "a small gift shop"
    in 10 reviews
    "few hours"
    in 18 reviews
    "burn off some energy"
    in 4 reviews
    "great for kids"
    in 7 reviews
    "couple of hours"
    in 10 reviews
    "walk around"
    in 7 reviews
    "great place to visit"
    in 5 reviews
    "worth a stop"
    in 8 reviews
    "hilo area"
    in 10 reviews
    "macadamia nut factory"
    in 4 reviews
    Filter

    1 - 10 of 406 reviews

    Reviewed 2 days ago
    Free admission to this 12 acre Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

    Can not beat the cost (free) of admission to this 12 acre rain forest zoo and gardens near downtown Hilo. 80 animal species on display including two Bengal tigers with a brand new baby, emu pair nesting a batch of eggs and the state bird,...More

    Ask 44statesandcounting about Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
    Thank 44statesandcounting
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Friendly staff, lush vegetation but run down

    The vegetation at the park is so lush and inviting, it’s a feast for the eyes. But the cages and enclosures are so old, too small and worn down that it’s just sad to see. Quite a few animals are alone and don’t even have...More

    Ask KristinMiles about Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
    Thank KristinMiles
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Cute and enjoyable

    It’s located very close to Hilo, Mauna Loa Nut Factory, and Rainbow Falls. For a free zoo, we were impressed of its condition. There’s plenty of free parking and you walk right in. The kids enjoyed interacting with the birds and animals, and didn’t want...More

    Ask SatChild about Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
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    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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    Reviewed 1 week ago via mobile
    Last minute AWESOME ZOO! FREE ADMISSIONS!

    We happened to be driving by and saw signs for the zoo. We decided to go check it out. When we arrived I did a quick search on TripAdvisor to see what people thought. After seeing all the positive reviews, we decided to go in....More

    Ask Jeanne P about Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
    Thank Jeanne P
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    Free and well maintained mini zoo

    This zoo is a very pleasant attraction. While being free, the animals seems to be well taken care of (especially the birds) and have plenty of space. The gardens are luxurious. The parking is spacious and has picnic tables if needed. There is also a...More

    Ask Squirrel331 about Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
    2  Thank Squirrel331
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    Fun free activity with children

    We spent over an hour at this zoo (until a rain storm threatened) with our granddaughter during our visit to Hilo. It’s a small zoo with lots of support from friendly volunteers. The landscape design of the zoo is creative---lots of beautiful flowers and plants...More

    Ask Eileen K about Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
    1  Thank Eileen K
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    Amazing little zoo

    Unlike many zoos, this one is both good and free. They have a small collection of very well kept animals. The cages are dated, but the animals all seem to be in good health. We got there on a rainy day early in the morning...More

    Ask JohntheLast about Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
    Thank JohntheLast
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 4 weeks ago
    Beautiful grounds too

    This place seems especially fond of palms, I've never seen such variety. This small zoo is very well tended. We thought we'd go for an hour or so, but were there for 3 hours. The tigers were a favorite.

    Ask 414gottago about Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
    Thank 414gottago
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 18 March 2018
    Cute small zoo. Fun visit

    I wish we would have had more time but we crammed so much into our 3 day stay on Hilo side- it was either an hour visit or no visit. We speed walked thru the zoo and enjoyed our visit. The animals look well cared...More

    Ask CAtravelerCA about Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
    Thank CAtravelerCA
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 13 March 2018
    Neat zoo

    This zoo has a neat atmosphere since it's located in a rainforest. We enjoy visiting yearly. It has free entry which is nice and it's a nice walk around the grounds. I've been going there since I was a kid so I've seen a lot...More

    Ask egipto5313 about Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
    Thank egipto5313
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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    Ask a question
    Questions & Answers
    Stella T
    12 February 2017|
    AnswerShow all 5 answers
    Response from oliviasmom2016 | Reviewed this property |
    I would bet not because there are peacocks walking around on the property. Better call to check.
    0
    Votes
    beatdrum
    3 November 2016|
    Answer
    Response from Renee123 | Reviewed this property |
    It's not very big. You can probably see everything in an hour.
    0
    Votes
    DAWN S
    31 October 2016|
    AnswerShow all 4 answers
    Response from mchino54 | Reviewed this property |
    Aloha - its about a 15 minute drive from the cruise port. You will need a taxi or a rental car. Its near the Macadamia nut factory (farm) as well so you may want to see both while you are out there.
    0
    Votes
    12