Hawaii is boundless in natural beauty, but it is also a flourishing environment for many exotic animals, making the islands the perfect location for primates, zebras, farm animals, tropical marine life, and even tigers to thrive both in the wild and in captivity. From aquariums in Hawaii and animal sanctuaries to zoos, ranches, and farms, you are bound to find the perfect activity for the animal lover in your family. Looking for the ultimate animal encounters in Hawaii? These places are perfect:

1) Waikiki Aquarium, Oahu
Waikiki Aquarium, 2777 Kal?kaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Chris H/Flickr
Founded in 1904, the Waikiki Aquarium is the second-oldest public aquarium in the United States. It was built next to a living coral reef on the Waikiki shoreline, and is home to more than 3,500 organisms of 490 species of marine plants and animals.
2) Pacific Primate Sanctuary
Pacific Primate Sanctuary/Website
The Pacific Primate Sanctuary houses approximately 70 spider monkeys, tamarins, marmosets and capuchin monkeys. These primates have all been abandoned, distressed, injured, or are in recovery. If you live on Maui, you can volunteer, but otherwise, this destination is off-limits (though 100% worth mentioning).
3) Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Big Island
800 Stainback Hwy, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
Pat McGrath/Flickr
The only tropical zoo in the United States, Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is the perfect place for a day out of the water. Visitors can encounter various rainforest animals and endangered Hawaiian animals, including a white Bengal tiger, spider monkeys, lemurs, and more than 80 other animal species.
4) Honolulu Zoo, Oahu
sharium/Flickr
The Honolulu Zoo encompasses approximately 40 acres and was fully established in 1916. The four main habitat areas – African Savannah, Pacific Islands, Tropical Forest, and Children’s Zoo – are home to roughly 300 animal species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.

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5) Maui Ocean Center
James Darpinian/Flickr
Rated as a top family attraction by Zagat surveys, the Maui Ocean Center is home to an amazing exhibit called The Open Ocean, which is a 54-foot acrylic tunnel that offers 360-degree views of marine life, including manta rays, sharks, sting rays, and tropical fish. The tank is a whopping 750,000 gallons – the largest in Hawaii.
6) Three Ring Ranch Exotic Animal Sanctuary, Big Island
75-809 Keolani Sbd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
Three Ring Ranch
Located on five acres above Kailua-Kona is Three Ring Ranch, home to various exotic animals – including Zoe, a Golden zebra who is distinguished by gold stripes and blue eyes. She was rescued from Molokai, and was the third reported zebra of her kind throughout history when she was born in 1998.
7) Kualoa Ranch, Oahu
Pamela S/Flickr
Boasting the best horseback riding tours on Oahu, and a pretty impressive petting zoo, is Kualoa Ranch – where there are too many activities to count. Tour an ancient fishpond, or take a catamaran ride into the ocean where you will see manta rays, sea turtles, and if you’re lucky, dolphins.
8) Leilani Farm Sanctuary, Maui
260 E Kuiaha Rd, Haiku, HI 96708, USA
Jaime Walker/Flickr
Located on eight acres of lush farmland in Haiku, the non-profit Leilani Farm Sanctuary provides refuge for animals in need, as well as serving as an educational facility for the community. Tours are available, though reservations must be made in advance.

Where are your favorite stops for animal encounters in Hawaii? Tell us your favorite places to visit in the comments!

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More to Explore

Animal Encounters in Hawaii

Tori Jane | July 05, 2022

Where can I have amazing animal experiences in Hawaii?  

Animal lovers of Hawaii have good reasons to celebrate - there are all sorts of amazing opportunities to have animal experiences in Hawaii, even if you don’t feel up to going out and watching wildlife on the trails. Some of the best animal-based attractions in this beautiful state include the awe-inspiring Maui Ocean Center, which is home to the largest living tropical reef aquarium in the west! Alternatively, do some whale watching on Oahu and get to know some of the earth’s most beautiful giants. Go snorkeling or SCUBA diving and get a front-row seat to the private lives and existences of some of the most colorful ocean life in the world – Hawaii is perfect for it!  

Are there many exotic zoos in Hawaii?  

Interestingly, yes – there are numerous exotic zoos in Hawaii and they’re all worth visiting. Check out the famous Honolulu Zoo, which can be found at Queen Kapiʻolani Park in Honolulu. It houses more than 1,200 fascinating animals and critters, and it’s easily one of the best day trips in Hawaii you can take. Also in Honolulu is the famed Waikiki Aquarium, which was originally founded in 1904 and is the second oldest still-operating aquarium in the United States (New York Aquarium is the first). In Hilo, explore the Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo, a small, 12-acre little piece of heaven with some truly interesting creatures to admire and learn all about. 

Where is the best place to observe Hawaii's nature and wildlife?  

Are zoos not your thing? No worries – Hawaii's nature and wildlife are teeming no matter which island you visit (though we suggest you visit them all). Some of the best places for wildlife watching in Hawaii include amazing spots for snorkeling, like Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, both in Maui, Hulopoe Bay, in Lana’i, and Kumimi Beach in Molokai. Hawaii is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the United States – if not the world – and it’s worth taking a long trip to explore it all. You won’t regret taking the time to admire some of the amazing wildlife in Hawaii. Come see why this is one of the most beautiful places in the world!  

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