Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

Best free zoo! Great tropical experience for the whole family! Lots of variety, really nice kids play area and picnic area. Hubby and I are always happy to see reptiles!❤ If you are considering a road trip from Kona to Hilo, you must check out this zoo!

What a treat!! The kiddos loved this. The zoo is very well maintained and FREE!!! The highlight had to be the tiger pacing in front of us rubbing it's head on the fence looking like a cat looking for a scratch. The playground is also a huge plus!

The zoo is run by the county parks and recreation department. It's free admission. Being what is is, this is an amazing zoo. This is a must see if you are in the Hilo area, especially if you have children. The zoo is well kept, the animals are in good care despite their captivity. Clean, well cared for. The children's play ground is the best. Our family had a great time.
Please support the animals with a purchase at the zoo gift shop.

Best place on Big Island for a nature walk and animal viewing. The kids love the playground and petting zoo every Saturday. Please donate upon leaving :)

Entry is free for this zoo. It has good collection of animals, the main attraction for me was white and normal Bengal tigers in same enclosure. There are male and female peacocks just roaming freely all across the zoo.

Not only is the zoo free to roam around, it is set up very well. The staff is very friendly amd there are so many beautiful creatures to see. All of the animals looked happy and well fed. We have been to other zoos that look run down and sickly animals. This zoo was the best maintained one we have been too. Fun fact - Panacea zoo is classified as the only tropical zoo in the United States. This zoo not only has amazing animals, but many unique plant species as well. Defitnely worth the trip.

We had a lovely time here! What a treat to have a great facility like this and free for all to enter. It appears to be well maintained and very informative. Nice gift shop with courteous and helpful staff.

Beautiful green all around. Animals appear comfortable and happy. Clean bathroom! Will definitely go again for the petting zoo

Wow wasn't expecting such a nice little zoo for the cost of $0
Very enjoyable place to check out animals with the kids.
Monkey enclosures are far too small and the tigers could definitely use more space. Hope they can find a way to expand this facility to give the animals better space.

What a great botanical garden and zoo. You can get up close to some of the animals. It was such a great way to spend a morning on the island. We would definitely go back.

Very nice free zoo. It's not huge, but they have some lovely exhibits. Plus the plants are awesome and flowers were blooming everywhere!

Really enjoyed our time here with our kids. We enjoyed seeing all the animals and taking photos throughout the zoo. Highly recommend this place. There was even a food stall just out front that served delicious meatloaf and cheese sandwiches as well as shave ice!

We didn't have very high expectations since the admission to this zoo is free. But we were blown away. This is a nice little zoo, definitely worth visiting.

What a great experience for all :)
We’ll maintained , nice staff , animals are feed& cared for properly.

Best of all it’s a free Zoo Open To The Public , also with free local bus to ensure all people can afford to visit. I was very satisfied here :)

Great zoo in a gorgeous location. My family really enjoyed the parrots, the frogs, the tigers, and all of the other animals.

A wonderful place to take young kids. A lot to see and a petting zoo on Saturday that opens at 1:30.

My family and I are so impressed with Panaewa Zoo. The grounds are beautiful and the animals are clearly well cared for. Our favorites were the Hawaiian Hawk and Hawaiian Crow.

I love that the zoo is free admission and accessible to the whole community. My husband and I will definitely be back with our little one, and we whole-heartedly recommend visiting. Please also consider donating if you are able, so that this gem of a zoo can continue serving the community and eduating about the local plants and animals!

First time on Big Island and this was one of our hidden gems! The staff was friendly, helpful and informative! We spend more than 90 minutes in the pouring rain enjoying this 12 acre FREE facility! The grounds were immaculate! So many colorful benches, great play equipment and flowers everywhere!!! The animals appeared to be well taken care of and friendly plus interactive! Be sure to check it out!

this zoo is so cute animal wise, my only wish is they give the donkeys more attention/food

This is a wonderful little zoo to take the kids and spend an afternoon. There are plenty of unique and well kept animals and plants. The location is easy to get to with free parking. There is a playground and petting zoo for the children. The gift shop is well stocked with snacks and gifts. The staff was very friendly.