Top Things to do in Hawaii
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Things to do in Hawaii, United States: The Best Zoos & Aquariums
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Restaurants in Hawaii
1. Boo Boo Zoo (The East Maui Animal Refuge)
2. Lahaina Animal Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
The Lahaina Animal Farm Ohana welcomes you to join us once again and share in the love that the people and animals offer. If you’ve been to our farm before you have probably met our lovely and amazing farm Managers Nis and Berto, who continue to run our tours and farm operations. Join Nis for an unforgettable tour, our animals love her as do our guests and most importantly kids!
Reviewed By 613brandonk
Lahaina Animal Farm is by far the best farm on the island (after visiting the inferior Maui Animal Farm) and the most fun you will have with your family. The guide is so knowledgeable and passionate about the animals it makes the experience unforgettable and visiting Lahaina Animal Farm will be a mainstay in our Maui vacations into the future. Looking forward to being back!
3. The Lili House Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Machellrs - Waikoloa, United States
I took my 7 yr old granddaughter to The Lily House Farm a few days ago. It was our third try because of rain. When we set out on the 2 hour drive, I still wasn't sure if we would be able to do their Deluxe Tour or not because it was raining on us some of the time on the way over. But we were so blessed, by the time we got there the sky was blue and it turned out to be a perfect day! I can't say enough about our amazing experience! First Kinoa met us in the driveway and walked us around the farm. Then we got to play and/or hold any the animals we wanted. Every animal was so docile and friendly and they all seemed to love the attention. It is very apparent that they are all expertly cared for! Then after a bit, Danielle had their beautiful outdoor table set with fine china and the most delicious homemade scones, bread, butter and rhubarb jamb. I never have had home butter before either, it was so good! Danielle made us tea while Kainoa started a fire for us in the outdoor fireplace. After we were served, they went inside and allowed us to enjoy our tea. When we were finished we got to go back in with the animals once more. While my granddaughter was running around playing with the animals I sat with a 9 day old bunny in my hands and enjoyed the conversation with Kainoa. It all made for a great day, Kainoa and Danielle are great people and their place is truly a blessing to visit! It is truly worth a visit even if you have to try multiple times to beat out the rain! The only thing I can say that is bad about visiting The Lili House Farm is that after you leave may feel the need to own your own petting zoo (or one or two those adorable tiny bunnines) because they make it look so simple and easy to do. ???? From experience, I can tell you, all you need to do to resolve that feeling is just google to see what it takes to care for each of the animals. You will come to your senses pretty quickly. ????
4. Maui Ocean Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,102 reviews
Named “Top 10 Aquariums in the World” by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, Maui Ocean Center is the premier destination to encounter and learn about Hawaii’s marine life. Home to one of the world’s largest displays of live Pacific corals, the Aquarium exhibits only marine life found in Hawaiian waters including tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, octopuses, sea jellies, and more. The Aquarium highlights the beauty of Hawaii’s undersea world while perpetuating the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and the sea. The Aquarium’s mission is to foster understanding, wonder, and respect for Hawaii’s marine life.
Reviewed By M6869VMmargaretk - Parksville, Canada
This is a fabulous aquarium with beautifully presented displays.Loads of lighting and informational displays and the highlight was the shark tank with manta rays and sharks swimming above you in the tunnel.An added bonus for cruise visitors is that you can catch a bus opposite the small port terminal and buy a day pass for $4. The bus takes about 30 minutes to the Ocean centre.
5. Ocean Science Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Datgeegirl - Vancouver, Canada
This is a nice aquarium. The staff are very knowledgeable. We had a great day here. There is a playground for the little ones and a restaurant, which was pretty good.
6. Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,036 reviews
Reviewed By LynneP861 - South Padre Island, United States
This was one of our favorite stops in Kona - easy to get to - right near the airport. Don't expect Sea World, it's a working lab at which they're trying to raise domestic seahorses to keep people from snatching them from the wild. Lovely giftshop and staff and a unique experience holding one. Worth the price to support their research. Do make sure not to schedule the Octopus Farm the same day prior to coming here. Because of cross contamination, they will not let you go on the tour.
7. Mokupapapa Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
The Mokupapapa Discovery Center allows visitors to learn about the natural science, culture, and history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, and the surrounding marine environment. Since most people might not have the opportunity to visit these remote islands, the facility on the bayfront in Hilo, Hawai'i serves to "bring the place to the people" and spur greater public awareness of the region and ocean conservation issues. Housed in Hilo's historic, century-old Koehnen Building, Mokupapapa features a 3,500 gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive educational exhibits, life size models of wildlife found in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, artwork inspired by those islands and Hawaiian culture, and many interpretive panels in both Hawaiian and English. The beauty of the historic Koehnen building has been preserved and refreshed to show off its majesty, including a koa wood staircase, Hawaiian hardwood floors, and high ceilings.
Reviewed By Lakecomo16 - Ottawa, Canada
Interesting interpretation of nature, culture, geology, ecology and the history of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands through informative exhibits, short films. Great to learn about the fish and the birds, really enjoyed their aquarium . Free admission, small donation is always welcomed.
8. Panaewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 529 reviews
Reviewed By zodreb - New York City, United States
The zoo is halfway run down, halfway decent. It's not very large but could take up an hour of your time depending on how long you linger with the animals. There are quite a few to look at. I have paid money for comparably sized zoos, rescues, and conservatories. The fact that this is free is pretty impressive, and the quality is shockingly high for the admission as well. Again, it's NOT super impressive, but considering the price it is way better than expected. Some of the areas don't have as many animals as you'd like (the butterfly exhibit had one butterfly for example), and some animals are missing for whatever reason. If this was a paid attraction of even $5 it would be 3 or 4 stars. Because it's free it's a 5 star attraction. If it costed money I would expect a cleaner area and a few more animals. Absolutely worth stopping if you are in the area. I don't know that it is a good destination stop. I'd add it in with a few other places nearby, such as the volcano park. They have a small gift shop and a couple bathrooms and plenty of parking.
9. Honolulu Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,807 reviews
From pink flamingos to African giraffes, the Honolulu Zoo is home to a little bit of everything from the animal kingdom. Its animal population includes more than 64 reptile, 38 mammal and 160 bird species. The 42-acre facility is organized into three tropical ecological zones: Tropical Rainforests, Pacific Islands and the African Savanna. Among its highlights is a new $12-million, 1.5-acre Asian tropical elephant exhibit that includes a 7,260-squre-foot holding area and two 55,000-gallon pools.
Reviewed By 990ChrisC - Penrith, Australia
Whilst we have been to Hawaii a number of times this was a first going to the zoo and it didn’t disappoint. Great people, excellent facilities and assortment of exotic animals. A really great alternative to the beach
10. Waikiki Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,775 reviews
Learn about sea life in Hawaii here.
Reviewed By SueK167 - Laguna Woods, United States
Not a large aquarium, but the exhibits we did view were top notch. Beautiful displays with excellent accompanying information. Super enjoyed jellies, seahorses, corals and gorgeous reef fish and other seas animals. Waikiki bus stops in front. Friendly informative staff. Value entrance fee. Great visit for all ages.
