This is a 12-acre, beautifully created zoo that wows visitors with 80 resident species. You’ll find a great collection of animals — including a white Bengal tiger named Namaste (who, frankly, seems a little spoiled), two-toed Sloths, a giant anteater, monkeys, tortoises and brilliant birds — within a tropical rain forest setting. There’s no admission fee, but leaving a donation helps the zoo continue to provide a wondrous home for the animals. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, except December 25 and New Year’s, and a petting zoo is available every Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo
800 stainback Hwy, Highway 11 to Stainback Highway, Hilo, Big Island , 96720, HI