Situated about 4 miles south of Hilo, off of Highway 11, this 12 acre zoo is the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States. The grounds are filled with tropical palms, orchids, clumping bamboos and tropical rhododendrons.
The Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo is home to more than 80 animal species including the endangered nene (Hawaii state bird), Namaste, a white Bengal Tiger, giant anteaters, two-toed sloths, lemurs, and spider monkeys. Best of all, admission is free.
