Morning Safari
Rise and shine with the animal residents of the Honolulu Zoo on our Morning Safari tour!
Gain a deeper understanding of our Zoo animals, including the care they receive at the Zoo. Learn about the challenges faced by their counterparts in the wild, and the importance of conservation for a future where they still exist.
What
Morning Safari Tour starting at Gate 3 and concluding at Giraffe Deck
- Before-hours adventure through popular areas of the Zoo, including the African Savanna. Have the zoo all to yourselves!
- Learn about some of our flagship species
- Up-close encounter with the giraffes, including a special feeding
- Exclusive stories from Honolulu Zoo Society staff told nowhere else
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Adventure concludes with a delicious breakfast bento on the Savanna Outlook Deck, courtesy of Zippy’s
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Photo package, including the Giraffe Encounter
When
Each Saturday from 8:30 – 10:00 AM beginning August 26, 2023
- Advance reservations required; no walk-ups
- Recommended for children 5 years and older.
Prices
$500 non-member/$425 member for up to 5 guests
Each additional guest (up to 10 max) would be $100 non-member/$75 member
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frequently asked questions
Where do we meet the Zoo staff?
You will be met by your Morning Safari Tour guide at Gate 3. Do NOT go to the Zoo’s front entrance. Gate 3 is located on the mauka (mountain) side of the Zoo’s main parking lot off Kapahulu Avenue. Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins. Tours begin promptly at the scheduled time.
What time should we arrive?
Please prepare to arrive 15 minutes before your tour begins. Tours begin promptly at scheduled time.
Do I need to pay for parking?
Yes, parking is $1.50/hour for up to 4 hours. Any concerns can be sent to ProPark Inc. at operations@propark.org or 808.509.8600. Please note that credit card payments provide an option to receive text notifications regarding extending parking time. Cash parking payments are unable to receive these notifications.
Remember to place your paid parking receipt on your dashboard before the program begins.
What do I need to prepare for the tour?
Comfortable walking shoes, extra water, sunscreen (reef-friendly), hat – depending on the weather: umbrella, mosquito repellent. Lastly, a camera to capture this awesome experience! (if you are interested in bringing a tri-pod, please take into consideration the 1 hour walking tour (roughly half a mile) – all personal items will need to be carried by program participants.
How long is the tour?
The tour portion of the Morning Safari is about 1 hour long and covers roughly half a mile.
Can I bring snacks on the tour?
We recommend eating before the tour. We will provide breakfast bentos at the end of the tour courtesy of Zippy’s.
Can I explore the Zoo after the tour?
Absolutely! The tour includes Zoo admission – feel free to explore on your own after the tour is finished.
Please remember to extend your parking meter, if necessary. Please note that credit card payments provide an option to receive text notifications regarding extending parking time. Cash parking payments are unable to receive these notifications.
Remember to place your paid parking receipt on your dashboard before the program begins.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my tour?
Please know the Morning Safari Tour is in high demand and is a collaborative effort between the Honolulu Zoo Society, the Honolulu Zoo, and Zippy’s. Therefore, payment in full is required to reserve your tour. All changes or cancellations of tours must be submitted in writing. The following fees will be charged for cancellations due to arranging animals to be on exhibit and staffing expenditures.
- Seven days or more prior to your tour date = full refund minus a $75 processing fee.
- Within seven days of your tour date = full refund minus a $100 processing fee.
- Within 24 hours of your tour date = No refund. However, your tour can be rescheduled for an additional $75 fee.
Morning Safari Tours occur rain or shine. Tours are outdoors; please dress for the weather and for walking during your tour. If the Honolulu Zoo cancels tours due to extreme weather or animal needs, a full refund will be issued, or every effort will be made to reschedule your tour.
How many guests can be in a group?
We accommodate up to 10 guests maximum per tour.
Are there any precautions we need to know about?
Some areas of the Zoo have narrow walkways and wood bridges – tour is accessible for individuals in a wheelchair.
At the animal encounter, there will be gloves available upon request.
Do we need to walk the entire tour?
Yes indeed! Our 1 hour tour is a walking guided tour (roughly half a mile), please prepare for these conditions.
What if we are running late?
Please call 808.554.7173 if you are running late for your tour. We recommend you plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. Arrivals more than 15 minutes late will need to be rescheduled and a day-of $75 rescheduling fee will be processed.