HILO, Hawaii (KHON2) — The plan to introduce admission fees for Hilo’s Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens has been put on hold for the foreseeable future.
According to the County of Hawaii Department of Parks and Recreation, the proposed fees will be further reviewed and studied.
Proposed fees would be $4 per adult and $1 per child for Hawaii residents and $12 per adult and $5 per child for nonresidents. The change would have gone into effect Jan. 2, 2025.
As of now, zoo admission is free.
The Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is one of the County’s gems and it is important that we continue to steward this facility and ensure that residents can enjoy it fairly and equitably. Introducing admission fees is a big step that requires careful consideration from our administration with input from the public and community stakeholders.
Dr. Kimo Alameda, Hawaii Island mayor
Officials added the zoo is also part of the Pana‘ewa Recreational Complex, which includes the Pana‘ewa Equestrian Center.
Proposed rule changes for the equestrian center have also been suspended for review.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
“We will study this matter carefully before deciding if any such actions are warranted,” Alameda added. “In the meantime, please continue to enjoy the zoo with free admission.”