Admission fees back on the table for Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens

Admission fees at Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens are back on the table as Hawaiʻi County is moving forward with revised proposed rule changes for the Pana‘ewa Recreational Complex.

A public hearing on the suggested revisions — which also include an updated fee schedule for the Panaʻewa Equestrian Center — is scheduled at 5 p.m. June 3 at the Aging and Disability Resource Center, located 1055 Kinoʻole St., in Hilo.

“One of my first actions as mayor was to suspend the previous zoo admission fee proposal because it needed to be fairer for residents,” Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda said in an announcement about the public hearing and revised proposal. “After several months of review, we believe this new proposal will keep the zoo affordable for families and people of all ages, from keiki to kūpuna, while ensuring that non-resident guests also contribute.”

Original proposed rule changes were postponed in December 2024.

After review, changes to the proposal since it was put on hold include adjusting the suggested zoo fee structure to waive admission costs for keiki and kūpuna who are Hawaiʻi County residents. An annual pass will also be available.

“Importantly, the revenue from these fees opens the possibility for new projects, exhibits and programs that enhance the zoo and ensure it remains a vibrant community space where residents create lifelong memories,” added Alameda.

Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is home to 82 species and nearly 300 animals in a lush rain forest environment. It is the only zoo in the United States located in a tropical rain forest, and is a vital recreational and educational resource for local residents and visitors.

In addition to exotic and native plants and animals, the zoo also features special amenities such as a playground, pavilions, a petting zoo, a gift shop and more.

The revised proposed zoo fee structure, which would be effective July 1, is:

County residents

• Adult (ages 18 to 59 years): $4
• Kūpuna (60-plus years): Free
• Keiki (18 years and younger): Free

Non-county residents

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

Annual pass

• $25 per individual

A new fee schedule for the Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center is also being proposed, with fee increases phased in annually.

The Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center includes equestrian-related facilities, such as a 5/8-mile race track, 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.

Community members are encouraged to attend the public hearing to ask any questions or give their input and opinions about the proposed rule changes.

Written comments also are accepted and should be filed no later than May 29 with the Department of Parks and Recreation Administration Office, located in Suite 6 at 101 Pauahi St., in Hilo. Written testimony received by the May 29 deadline will be included in the record of the hearing.

To join the public hearing via Zoom, use the following link and meeting ID:

• Zoom link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1616958546
• Meeting ID: 161 695 8546

You can view the revised proposed rule changes online prior to the public hearing.