Snakes are quickly becoming a popular companion for many pet owners. Some individuals may consider owning snakes in Hawaii, where no native snake populations exist. Are snakes illegal in Hawaii, and is it possible to have one as a pet?

Snakes are illegal in Hawaii. There are no native snake species in Hawaii and no natural predators for the ones introduced. Snakes introduced to Hawaii pose a severe threat to local fauna because they can become an invasive species.

Snakes are illegal in Hawaii to protect other species. Read more to learn whether you can have a snake as a pet, the reasons why, and the penalties for doing so.  

Can You Have a Pet Snake in Hawaii?

You can not have a snake under any conditions in Hawaii. This law includes as a pet, for import purposes, or if you purchased one in Hawaii. Even if you temporarily bring a snake into Hawaii during a vacation, there is still a chance that it could escape into the wild. 

Purchasing a snake is illegal in Hawaii, in addition to owning one. Thus, it is highly recommended not to buy snakes in Hawaii. Regardless of how well-contained the snake is, it poses the same threat to the wild if it escapes. 

Why Are Snakes Illegal in Hawaii?

Snakes are illegal because of the threat they pose to the natural environment. As an island, Hawaii has a delicate and limited ecosystem that invasive species can easily exploit. 

There are no natural snake species in Hawaii and no natural predators to eliminate them. Snakes introduced into Hawaii are necessarily invasive because there’s nothing to control their population besides human intervention. 

Are There Any Snakes Legally in Hawaii?

While there are no natural species of snakes in Hawaii, there is one species that live there, the Island Blind Snake. This species is about the size of an earthworm and very similar in appearance. 

Blind snakes are too small and don’t have enough prey to be a significant threat. It’s speculated that this species initially came from the Philippines. 

In addition to the blind snake, Zoos in Hawaii feature captive snakes. Zoos are the only institutions that can legally import and own snakes. 

What Are the Penalties for Owning a Snake in Hawaii?

According to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture (DOA), owning a captive snake is a class C felony, the penalties of which are a $200,000 fine and up to three years in prison. While this penalty is severe, it reflects the efforts of Hawaii’s DOA to maintain the local fauna population. 

To moderate the severity of the fine, Hawaii offers an amnesty program for all pets that may become invasive species, such as some large birds and reptiles. As long as individuals turn in illegal pets voluntarily, no fines will be given, and no questions will be asked of the pet owner. 

Final Thoughts

Snakes are making their claim as popular pets. However, in some areas, they are considered potential invasive species. 

Hawaii is one place where no natural predators exist to control species introduced to its ecosystem. Because snakes pose a threat as an invasive species, they are illegal in Hawaii. 

The fine for owning a snake is $200,000 and up to three years in prison. However, individuals who voluntarily turn over their snakes will receive amnesty from those penalties.