Division of Forestry and Wildlife: Outdoor Recreation

The following game mammals may be hunted during legal game mammal hunting seasons announced by the Department of Land and Natural Resources on public and private land on the islands indicated. See below for general hunting information and regulations. The below list sahll not be contrued as exhaustive. Tags, permits or lotteries may be required for certian hunting units and are identified through public hunting announcements. 

P = ONLY BY LOTTERY DRAWING ON DESIGNATED PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS – Tags or Permits Required

X = DURING LEGAL HUNTING SEASON IN PUBLIC HUNTING AREAS

Protected Game Mammals: Brush-tailed wallabies and wild cattle are protected in Hawai‘i and may not be hunted unless authorized by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

General Hunting Information

Game mammal hunting opportunities are offered on the six major islands in the State of Hawai‘i (Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Maui, Moloka‘i, Lana‘i, and the big island of Hawai‘i). Each of these islands has one or more State-designated public hunting areas (called Hunting Units), which are open for hunting at certain times each year. Game mammal hunting opportunities are also available on private lands as well. Occasionally, the Division of Forestry & Wildlife (DOFAW) may modify or cancel a hunting season in a particular area to adjust for changes in weather conditions or animal populations. THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD, THEREFORE, ONLY BE USED AS A GENERAL GUIDE. The following cited reference should be consulted when legal wording or intent is concerned: “Title 13, Chapter 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, Hawai‘i Administrative Rules”. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the local DOFAW office on the island where you are planning to hunt before your arrival. They will provide the most current information on hunting seasons, areas, and local conditions. In addition, specific hunting opportunities require special permits or tags only available by lottery.

Hunting License Requirements: All persons must have a valid Hawai‘i hunting license on their person to hunt or have a bagged game mammal in their possession. Resident hunting licenses cost $10.00, and non-resident licenses are $95.00. A license may be obtained via the internet at https://www.ehawaiig.gov/DLNR/hunting/, from any Division of Forestry and Wildlife Office (DOFAW), or any registered hunting license vendor. A list of registered hunting license vendors is available at any DOFAW Office. A current-year, $10.00 Hawai‘i Wildlife Conservation Stamp is also required to hunt. The hunter must endorse the stamp across the front and affix it to their hunting license in the space provided. All hunting license applicants must show proof of having completed a hunter education course recognized by the National Hunter Education Association. The only exception to this requirement is if a person was born before January 1, 1972, and can show proof of having been issued a Hawai‘i hunting license before July 1, 1990. However, completion of a hunter education course is still recommended. A person is considered a resident of Hawai‘i if they have resided in the State of Hawai‘i for at least one year. Active duty military personnel and their dependents stationed in Hawaii are also considered to be residents to obtain a hunting license. The following offices may also be contacted for additional requirements and information related to hunting in Hawai‘i:

Hawai‘i Division of Conservation And Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) 1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 311 Honolulu, HI 96813 Ph: (808) 587-0077 / Fax: (808) 587-0080

Hawai‘i Hunter Education Program 1130 North Nimitz Highway #212-A Honolulu, HI 96817 ph: (808) 587-0200 / Fax: (808) 587-0205/

Requirements in Public Hunting Areas: The Division of Forestry and Wildlife maintains public hunting areas on the six major islands, where game mammal hunting is available to the public at various times during the year. Rules based on hunter safety considerations and environmental considerations have been established in these areas. Any person who hunts, serves as a guide, or accompanies or assists a hunter in public hunting areas is required to wear an exterior blaze orange garment, which may be a shirt, vest, coat, or jacket, while they are engaged in those activities. The blaze orange material must be commercially manufactured and may be either solid or mesh with a maximum mesh size of one-eighth inch. The use of camouflage orange is prohibited. Blaze orange garments are not required on designated archery, only public hunting areas.

Hunting Hours: Game mammals may be hunted year-round from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. It is illegal to hunt between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise or to hunt utilizing any form of artificial light. Legal hunting hours on private land are the same as on public hunting areas.

Legal Hunting Animals and Weapons: When hunting with dogs where permitted, hunters may use any muzzleloading rifle with a minimum of 0.45 caliber bore diameter; any rifle using at least a 0.22 caliber magnum load or centerfire cartridge; shotguns loaded with slugs or 00 or larger buckshot or spears or knives. When hunting without dogs, hunters may use any rifle with a muzzle energy rating of 1,200-foot pounds or more; shotguns loaded with 00 or larger buckshot and muzzleloader rifles with a minimum of 0.45 caliber bore diameter (Breech loaders may not be used during muzzleloader only designated hunts). When hunting with a bow, the following drawing tension requirements are applicable: Longbows must have a minimum of 40 pounds at a 28-inch draw; Recurved bows must have a minimum of 35 pounds; Compound bows must have a minimum of 30 pounds.

Hunting on Private Land: Game mammals may be hunted year-round on private land. Hunters must possess a valid State of Hawai‘i hunting license and have the landowner’s permission. Hunting fees, permitted hunting weapons and methods, and other prohibitions and requirements for hunting game mammals on private land are established by the landowner. This differs from game bird hunting, where the State regulates hunting season and bag limits on public and private lands. The wearing of blaze orange is not a requirement on private lands unless the landowner deems it to be one.

Registering Firearms and Ammunition: Firearms and ammunition brought into the State from outside must be registered within 48 hours after their arrival with the Chief of Police of the county of one’s residence, business, or sojourn. Contact the district police station on the appropriate island or the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement office. Minors (15 years of age and younger) who hunt using a firearm must obtain a permit from the county police department. Thank you for your interest in hunting in Hawai‘i. While hunting in our State, please respect the landowners, the land, other people, and the plants and animals that make Hawaii unique. If we all do so, generations will have the same opportunities and abundant resources that we enjoy today. We wish you a safe, fun, and productive experience while hunting in Hawai‘i. Malama pono.

Affirmative Action Statement: The Department of Land and Natural Resources receives financial support under various federal programs. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the laws of the State of Hawai‘i, the U.S. Government and the State of Hawai‘i prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, and disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desire further information, please write to: Affirmative Action Officer Department of Land and Natural Resources Personnel Office 1151 Punchbowl St., Rm. 321 Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813