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Hawaii Hunting Laws

By Tamara Ellis | Updated October 20, 2026

📅 2026 Update: Changes in Hawaii Hunting Laws

Since the original article was published, important changes have occurred in Hawaii's hunting laws. These updates affect hunting regulations, season dates, and license requirements. Readers can find the earlier article further down the page for more comprehensive information.

🦙 Changes in Hunting Rules on Hawaiʻi Island

On March 25, 2026, hunting rules on Hawaiʻi Island reverted to standard regulations. This change follows the adaptive management rule changes that were in place from March 18, 2024, to March 18, 2026. The adjustments aimed to better manage game bird and game mammal hunting.

🐗 Special Hunt for Feral Pigs

A special hunt for feral pigs was announced on December 2, 2024. This hunt takes place in the Puʻu Mali Restoration Area and the Kaʻohe Restoration Area on Hawaiʻi Island. Using dogs is allowed during this special event, targeting a growing feral pig population.

🦆 Game Bird Hunting Season Dates

The 2025-2026 game bird hunting season began on November 1, 2025, and concluded on January 25, 2026. This season provides opportunities for hunters to pursue various game birds, adhering to specific regulations set by the state.

💵 Updated License Fees

The fees for hunting licenses have remained consistent. A resident hunting license costs $20.00, including the Wildlife Conservation Stamp. Non-residents pay $105.00 for their hunting license, which also includes this stamp.

A Game Bird Stamp is required at an additional cost of $10.00 for hunting game birds during the season.

📲 License Purchase Options

Hunters in Hawaii can buy licenses and stamps online or in person. The online purchase is quick, with licenses issued instantly upon completion. In-person processing times may vary, so contacting a local DLNR office for details is wise.

📌 Key Points Summary

🗓️ Standard hunting rules on Hawaiʻi Island resumed on March 25, 2026.
🐷 Special hunts for feral pigs are now allowed in specific areas.
🦆 The game bird hunting season for 2025-2026 ran from November 1, 2025, to January 25, 2026.
💵 Resident licenses are $20.00, while non-resident licenses are $105.00.
📲 Licenses can be purchased online or at DLNR offices.

💡 Tips for Understanding Hawaii's Hunting Laws

Review your specific situation with an attorney to ensure full compliance with local laws.

📋 Know the Education Requirements

All hunters must complete a Hunter Education Course before obtaining a hunting license. This certification ensures that hunters understand safety and ethical practices.

🗺️ Explore Public Hunting Areas

Hawaii has over 939,260 acres of public hunting land across its islands. Familiarizing yourself with these areas will help you understand where you can hunt legally and safely.

📅 Keep Track of License Validity

Hunting licenses are valid from the date of purchase until June 30 of the following fiscal year. Be sure to renew your license before it expires to avoid fines.

🐾 Participate in Special Hunts

If you are interested in hunting feral pigs, look for announcements regarding special hunts. These events provide unique opportunities and may have different rules than regular hunting seasons.

📱 Utilize Available Resources

Make use of the OuterSpatial mobile application for electronic check-in/out and harvest reporting. This tool enhances your hunting experience and helps you comply with regulations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What are the requirements for a hunting license in Hawaii?

Hunters must complete a Hunter Education Course and be residents or non-residents. Senior residents and Kalaupapa patients also have specific licenses available.

🔄 How often do hunting rules change in Hawaii?

Hunting rules can change based on adaptive management practices. Recent changes occurred in 2024 and 2026, highlighting the state's response to resource conditions.

🏞️ Where can I find public hunting areas?

Public hunting areas are available across Hawaii, including Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. The DLNR provides detailed maps and information on these areas.

⏳ How long does it take to process a hunting license in person?

Processing times for in-person licenses may vary. It's best to contact the local DLNR office for specific information on wait times.

🐗 Are there special hunts for feral animals?

Yes, there are special hunts for feral pigs, such as the one announced for the Puʻu Mali Restoration Area and the Kaʻohe Restoration Area. These hunts have specific regulations.

📅 When does the game bird hunting season occur?

The game bird hunting season for 2025-2026 ran from November 1, 2025, to January 25, 2026. Make sure to check the DLNR for future season dates.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Hunting Laws

Recent court rulings have addressed various aspects of hunting regulations and second amendment rights in Hawaii. These cases connect to how laws are enforced and interpreted within the state.

For more recent rulings, check out more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update

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.