6 Places Where You Can Meet Baby Animals on O‘ahu
1. Keiki & Plow: Located in Hawai‘i Kai, Keiki & Plow is a family-run farm that hosts Open Farm days, allowing visitors to experience the farm life firsthand. Keiki (which means children in Hawaiian) can enjoy various activities such as playing in a digging pit, mud kitchen, giant slide, and pirate ship. There are also plenty of animals to meet, including chickens, ducks, bunnies, goats, and sheep. During Open Farm days, visitors can even purchase U-Pick Baskets and harvest their own organically grown produce. Tickets are required for entry, and walk-ins are not accepted. The farm also offers private parties for booking.
2. Honolulu Zoo: The Honolulu Zoo is a popular destination for animal lovers. In addition to its diverse range of exhibits, such as lions, tigers, and elephants, the zoo also offers hands-on activities that should not be missed. One of these activities is the goat petting zoo, where visitors can interact with these friendly animals. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last entry allowed at 3 p.m. Kama‘āina (local resident) adults can enjoy a discounted admission price of $8, while kama‘āina children (3 to 12 years old) can enter for just $4.
3. Nalo Keiki Paniolo: If you want to meet alpacas, Nalo Keiki Paniolo is the place to go. This farm, located in Waimānalo, offers opportunities to interact with these unique animals, as well as other farm animals. The farm practices sustainable and ethical farming methods, ensuring the well-being of the animals. In addition to alpacas, visitors can meet miniature horses, goats, and chickens. Nalo Keiki Paniolo also has an on-site farm store where you can purchase alpaca fleece products and other farm-related items.
4. Waimānalo Country Farms: Waimānalo Country Farms is a picturesque farm located in Waimānalo, known for its delicious strawberries and fresh produce. Apart from offering pick-your-own strawberry fields, the farm also provides a petting zoo experience for visitors. Here, you can meet and feed farm animals such as goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. The farm also has a tractor-pulled wagon ride and a sunflower maze, adding to the fun-filled experience. Don’t forget to grab some of their freshly picked strawberries before you leave!
5. Manoa Honey: Although not exactly a petting zoo, a visit to Manoa Honey in Manoa Valley offers a unique opportunity to learn about honeybees and taste locally produced honey. The family-owned and operated business offers guided educational tours of their apiary, where visitors can see the bees up close and learn about the process of honey production. The tour includes a honey tasting and the chance to purchase pure Hawaiian honey products. It’s a sweet experience that both kids and adults can enjoy.
6. Kahuku Farms: Kahuku Farms, located on the North Shore of O‘ahu, is a working farm that offers a farm tour and a chance to interact with farm animals. Visitors can take a guided wagon tour through the farm, learn about the various crops grown there, and even sample fresh fruits straight from the trees. The farm also has a petting zoo area where visitors can meet goats, chickens, and other animals. Additionally, Kahuku Farms has a farm cafe where you can enjoy delicious farm-to-table treats, made with ingredients sourced directly from the farm.
All of these places provide a unique opportunity to connect with animals and learn about farming and agriculture. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to O‘ahu, these interactive animal experiences are sure to create lasting memories for you and your family. So go ahead, plan a visit to one (or several!) of these locations and get ready to meet some adorable baby animals.