Panaʻewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens admission fees to begin in August

Hawai‘i County Department of Parks and Recreation is implementing revised rules at Hilo’s Pana‘ewa Recreational Complex — including the introduction of admission fees at the now free-to-enter Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens.

Updated regulations, enacted only now after the county received extensive public input, address use and management of the zoo and gardens as well as Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center.

They take effect July 1, with collection of zoo admission fees starting Aug. 1.

“I want to thank everyone who provided the county feedback after admission fees were first discussed last year,” said Hawai‘i County Mayor Kimo Alameda in an announcement about implementation of the new rules. “Your input helped craft changes that keeps the zoo affordable for local families and ensures that non-residents pay their fair share while providing resources to support this important community facility.”

The new zoo admission fee structure beginning Aug. 1 is as follows:

Hawai‘i County resident fees

• Adult (18 to 59 years old): $4.
• Kūpuna (60 years and older): Free.
• Keiki (17 years old and younger): Free.
• Annual pass: $25 per individual.

Non-Hawai‘i County Residents

• Adult (18 years and older): $12.
• Keiki (3 to 17 years old): $5.
• Keiki (0 to 2 years old): Free.

Public hearings were conducted in November 2024 and June 2025 to gather community input about the proposed rule changes, including implementation of zoo admission fees.

Adoption of the new rules was also suspended after Alameda took office in December 2024 so the proposed zoo fee structure could be revised based on community feedback.

Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is home to 81 species and more than 250 animals. It is the only zoo in the United States located in a tropical rain forest, and it is a vital recreational and educational resource for local residents and visitors.

The zoo also features special amenities such as a playground, pavilions, a petting zoo, a gift shop and more alongside its exotic and native animals and plants.

In addition to the new zoo admission fees, a revised fee schedule for stall rentals at Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center also is being implemented, with fee increases phased in annually.

Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center includes equestrian-related facilities such as a 5/8-mile racetrack, eventing and dressage areas, rodeo arena, wash racks and rental stalls with attached paddocks.

The center is open for public use 7 days a week.

“Throughout this process, it was heartening to hear how important the zoo and equestrian center are to our community,” said Hawai‘i County Parks and Recreation Director Clayton Honma in the rules change annoucement. “Our goal with these new rules is to ensure these recreational facilities continue to thrive and grow so our community can enjoy them for many years to come.”

You can view the amended rules in their entirety online.