Honolulu Zoo

Like other oceanic islands, Hawaii has birds to thank, in large part, for the introduction and dispersal of seeds that grew to create our diverse island ecosystems. In response to this diversity, one common finch-like ancestor evolved into dozens of colorful honeycreepers especially suited for Hawaii's forests.

Originally, this site was mostly marshland covered with lagoons The native Hawaiians developed the area into an ahupua`a, a wedge of land extending from the mountain to the sea, following the natural boundaries of the watershed. Each ahupua`a contained the resources the human community needed, from fish and salt, to fertile land for farming taro or sweet potato, to koa and other trees growing in upslope areas. In 1877, the marshes, ponds and lagoons in this ahupua`a were drained and became part of Queen Kapi`olani Park. This was to honor Julia Kapi`olani, Queen Consort of David Kalahaua, King of Hawai'i. It was then used to house their personal collection of exotic birds. The Zoo's earliest history was that of a bird park.

So, as a nod to our past and to acknowledge the important role birds have played in the development of Hawaii's unique ecosystems, the Honolulu Zoo features a wide variety of exotic birds.

The mission of the Honolulu Zoo is to inspire the stewardship of our living world by providing meaningful experiences to our guests. The Zoo emphasizes Pacific Tropical ecosystems and our traditional values of malama (caring) and ho'okipa (hospitality).

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