HONOLULU — First birthdays are a big deal in Hawaii. Many families host a baby luau for their keiki.

Well, the Honolulu Zoo is honoring this tradition and throwing a party for ʻAkamu, the baby black rhinoceros born at the zoo on April 19, 2023.

On Friday at 10:30 a.m., ʻAkamu will receive a special birthday treat made by zoo staff. He will also receive a cake from the zoo’s cafe, Kapahulu Market, and guests will be given ice cream bars from Meadow Gold Dairies, while supplies last. A special surprise duo will lead the crowd in a special rendition of “Happy Birthday.” 

“We are all very excited that ʻAkamu is turning one!” said Honolulu Zoo Director Linda Santos in a news release. “This is a significant milestone and we are pleased to announce that ‘Akamu is healthy, happy and growing very fast — so we felt a celebration was a must!”

Born to Aria (mom) and Kendi (dad), ʻAkamu is the first rhino ever born in Hawaii. Aria and Kendi came to the Honolulu Zoo from San Diego in 2022, after being identified as a breeding pair as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. 

As part of ʻAkamu’s birthday celebration, a “Guess ʻAkamuʻs Weight” contest will be held at Kapahulu Market and online from Friday to Sunday. 

The baby rhino was about 100 pounds when he was born, which is a small fraction of Aria’s 2,800 pounds. ʻAkamu is nursing and eating vegetables, browse and fruit. Occasionally, he also eats his mom's poop, which helps him develop his microbiome.

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.