The Honolulu Zoo sits on 42 acres at the Kapiolani Park which, in the early 20th Century, exhibited only one monkey, one honey bear and several lion cubs. Today, the zoo features hundreds of species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The Honolulu Zoo Society supports and advocates environmental education and recreation, and is responsible for the many activities at the Honolulu Zoo.
The Honolulu Zoo conducts basic and deluxe birthday parties for kids. Both types of parties include a cake with the birthday boy or girl’s name, ice cream, fruit punch, a party facilitator, a guided tour of the zoo, and fish and turtle feeding sessions. The deluxe version offers additional features such as lunch for the party goers with a choice of hot dogs, hamburgers or pizza; goody bags for party guests; and a pull-string piñata filled with candy.
Snooze in the Zoo is an activity that allows young zoo goers the chance to discover the Honolulu Zoo at night. The camp-out begins in the early evening and continues until the following morning. Festivities begin with a buffet dinner that is followed by walking tours of the zoo after dark. S'mores are served around a campfire, and campers can opt to pitch a tent or simply stretch out in their sleeping bags under the stars.
Vacation Adventures day camps are held each season and run a week for groups of kids ages 6 to 11. Pre-vacations is the name of the day camp available to 4- and 5-year-olds. These camps include behind-the-scenes encounters with zookeepers, as well as arts, crafts and games.
The zoo offers in-depth behind-the-scenes tours of a pre-selected animal exhibition and a buffet breakfast with a zookeeper. Activities include options for 6- to 18-year-olds who want to walk in the shoes of a zookeeper. For kids from ages 6 to 10, the Keiki Zookeeper activities include animal feedings and assisting zookeepers in making animal treats. Junior Zoo Keeper activities allow older kids a more mature behind-the-scenes look into the responsibilities of a zookeeper at the Honolulu Zoo.
