Hawaii Hunting Laws

As a chain of islands located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii offers a unique hunting experience from the rest of the United States. Hunting is an activity that both residents and tourists are permitted to enjoy on the Hawaiian Islands.

Non-residents bringing firearms to the any of the islands must register their weapons within 48 hours after entry into the state. However, hunting laws must be obeyed in order to sustain wild animal and bird populations that make Hawaii unique. Hawaii possesses Hawii law specific to the hunting of mammals and birds. Each Island has their own division of forestry and wildlife.

Hunting seasons and certain game animals can only be hunted by lottery so contacting the division of forestry and wildlife on the island in which the Hawaii hunting is to be experienced is an important consideration.

Hawaii Hunting License Requirements

All hunters are personally responsible to carry a valid Hawaii hunting license while hunting. Hunting licenses are also required to carry or transport bagged game. Hunting Licenses may be purchased online on the Hawaiian Division of Forestry and Wildlife's website or can be purchased at any registered Hawaii hunting license vendor.

All Hawaii hunting license candidates must show proof of having completed a National Hunter's Association recognized hunter safety course before applying for a hunting license. The price of a resident Hawaii license is $10 and a non-resident Hawaii license costs $95. Applicants who want to qualify for the resident price must reside in Hawaii for at least one year.

Legal Mammalian Game Species

Feral Pigs can only be hunted in season on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, Kauai, and Oahu.

Mouflon Sheep can only be hunted in season on the Island of Hawaii. On Lanai, the animal can only be hunted in season or by lottery during the off-season (with the necessary tags and permits).

Feral Sheep can only be hunted in season on Hawaii. During the Off-season, the animal can be hunted by lottery with the necessary tags and permits.

Axis Deer can be hunted in season on the island of Maui. On both Lanai and Molokai, the animal can be hunted either in season or by lottery.

Black-tailed Deer can only be hunted in season on the island of Kauai.

Feral Goats may only be hunted in season on the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai, and Oahu.

Legal Species of Game Birds

Ring-necked Pheasant: only males may be killed, up to 3 per hunter.

White-winged Pheasant: only males may be killed, up to 3 per hunter.

Green Pheasant: only males may be killed, up to 3 per hunter.

Kalij Pheasant: three birds of either sex per hunter.

California Quail: up to fifteen birds of either sex per hunter

Gambel's Quail: up to fifteen birds of either sex per hunter

Japanese Quail: up to fifteen birds of either sex per hunter

Spotted Dove: up to ten birds of either sex per hunter

Barred Dove : up to ten birds of either sex per hunter

Mourning Dove: up to ten birds of either sex per hunter

Chestnut-Bellied Sandgrouse: up to ten birds of either sex per hunter

Wild Turkey: up to two males of sexual maturity (with beards). Males have a gender specific pattern of plumage. No hunting dogs allowed.

Other game birds the division may establish and designate.

Each bird species have a specific season that is highly subject to change. The Amount of birds a hunter is allowed to kill is generally static unless otherwise noted.

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