The Honolulu Zoo is one of my favorite things to do in Honolulu. I love taking visitors here!
It is worth a trip, in my opinion, because there are so many interesting animals and conservation projects. The Honolulu Zoo focuses on three tropical ecological zones: the African Savanna, Asian and American Tropical Forests, and Pacific Islands. With a deep commitment to conservation, here, you will find many endangered species, including Galapagos tortoise, black rhino, cheetah, chimpanzee, African wild dogs, Asian elephant, and Sumatran tiger. There are many different animals and so many different exhibits. But, it is not so large that it feels overwhelming. I went with a friend recently, and we saw everything in less than two hours.
It is worth a visit during your jam-packed trip to Hawaii, in my opinion. There are so many different animals and conservation projects. Interestingly, The Honolulu Zoo focuses on three tropical ecological zones: the African Savanna, Asian and American Tropical Forests, and Pacific Islands.
With a deep commitment to conservation, here, you will find many endangered species, including Galapagos tortoise, black rhino, cheetah, chimpanzee, African wild dogs, Asian elephant, and Sumatran tiger. There are many different animals and so many different exhibits that I had never seen before I came here. But, the zoo is not so large that it feels overwhelming. I went with a friend recently, and we saw everything in less than two hours.
One other thing that I love about the Honolulu Zoo is that it’s always having different programs for tourists and locals. Every Friday and Saturday evening, the zoo hosts twilight tours where you can get tours of the zoo just as everyone else leaves.
I love that they host a lot of different family-friendly programs that you can do at night, after you have left the beach and hang up your hiking boots.
The Wildest Show in Town
We’ve talked before about the best things to do at night on Oahu. Today, I have another awesome program to add to the list. The Honolulu Zoo is getting wilder this summer with its family concert series, the Wildest Show in Town.
Roy Sakuma, Hawaii’s premier ukulele teacher, will host the 10-week after-hours concert series. It will feature live local entertainment every Wednesday evening from June 14 through August 16, 2017.
This year’s performance line-up includes:
• Wednesday, June 14 ~ Kapena
• Wednesday, June 21 ~ Roy Sakuma’s Super Keiki
• Wednesday, June 28 ~ Manoa DNA
• Wednesday, July 5 ~ Kamakakehau Fernandez
• Wednesday, July 13 ~ Melveen Leed
• Wednesday, July 19 ~ Willie K
• Wednesday, July 26 ~ Ohta San & Nando Suan
• Wednesday, August 2 ~ Jimmy Borges Jazz All Stars
• Wednesday, August 9 ~ Beat -Lele
• Wednesday, August 16 ~ Rolando Sanchez and Salsa Hawaii
“It is always a great time when ohana come together at the Zoo just to hang out, relax and enjoy a summer evening of entertainment,” said David Earles, Executive Director of the Honolulu Zoo Society. “We are thrilled Roy Sakuma has agreed once again to produce our Wildest Show series.”
Concerts will celebrate a different theme each evening. Themes concert-goers can look forward to include:
• Keiki (Children) Carnival with carnival activities for keiki and a delicious spread popular carnival favorites including popcorn and cotton candy
• A Volunteer Appreciation night when volunteers of participating organizations will enjoy that show for free with a valid volunteer ID
• New Orleans Night featuring a savory Southern menu and mask-designing booth for keiki
There’s more!
In addition to live entertainment, guests can also purchase special picnic fare. There will also be fun pre-concert family activities. Families can look forward to weekly animal-themed keiki coloring contests, a Conservation Station animal biofact display by volunteer Junior Leaders, and animal trivia.
In addition, each week keiki under 12 can enter a drawing for their chance to win prizes including KoAloha, Kanile‘a, Kala & Mele, and Pono ukulele on select nights.
Guests are allowed to enter at 4:35 p.m. to enjoy the pre-show activities. Performances are from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. Admission fee is $5 per person ages two and over. All net proceeds will benefit the Honolulu Zoo Society. Founded in 1969, the Honolulu Zoological Society is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization whose purpose is to support the Honolulu Zoo and its mission to inspire the stewardship of our living world by providing meaningful experiences to its guests.
Food and beverages will be sold separately at a nominal fee. For more information on Punch Passes and bulk ticket discount prices, visit www.honoluluzoo.org/wild or call (808) 926-3191.
Now that’s a roarin’ good time!
Be sure to give us a call to talk to one of our travel agents to talk about which evening activities are best for your family. We can help you design the vacation of your dreams that will cater to everyone in your family!
