The only land snake on Hawaii's official lists is the small introduced Hawaiian blind snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus). The National Park Service herpetofauna inventory (2005) lists it as present and breeding in Haleakala and Kalaupapa national parks, and as non-native. Hawaii's agriculture department (HDOA, 2005) says that, except for this blind snake, snakes are illegal to possess in Hawaii. A venomous sea snake is sometimes seen at sea or washed ashore. HDOA (2023): if you see a snake, treat it as venomous, do not handle it, and call 643-PEST.
Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity: “Except for the small Hawaiian blind snake, snakes are illegal for individuals to possess in Hawaii.” Source
Think you have seen one in Hawaii? Keep your distance and contact the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW); marine species: DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR).
More official answers for Hawaii
Are there venomous snakes in Hawaii?
Yes, at sea only. DLNR's Wildlife Action Plan says the yellow-bellied sea snake is venomous and that the two sea snake species reported from Hawaiian waters are rarely seen. The state agriculture department says it can be more venomous than a cobra and warns people not to touch sea snakes that wash ashore. Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity
Are there brown tree snakes in Hawaii?
No. HISC: not known to be established; eight were found live or dead between 1981 and 1998, all linked to cargo or vehicles from Guam. Call 911 or 643-PEST to report any snake. Hawaii DLNR
Hawaii SWAP 2025 Species of Greatest Conservation Need; 'State recognized as Indigenous'
What the sources say
Venom: “They are venomous – but have a small mouth and fangs and are generally unaggressive unless harassed.” (Hawaii DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife)
Habitat: Occurs in water from 22 to 30 degrees C, especially in shallow inshore waters. [...] Not common in Hawai'i. (Hawaii DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife)
Illegal animals (e.g. pet snakes): turn them in under the amnesty program at any HDOA office, municipal zoo or Humane Society; possession can be a class C felony Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity
Live Snake Captured in Pukalani (NR23-10). Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity (formerly HDOA). May 16, 2023; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (1)
“If a snake is spotted, treat it as if it is venomous. Do not handle it. It is best to maintain visual contact at a safe distance and when possible, safely cover or contain the snake. Immediately report it to the state's toll-free Pest Hotline at (808) 643-PEST (7378).”
“If you see a snake, call 911 or 643-pest immediately!”
“Not known to be present in Hawaii at this time, although a total of eight Brown tree snakes have been found live or dead in Hawaii between 1981 and 1998.”
“Illegal animals may be turned in to any HDOA Office, municipal zoo or any Humane Society, no questions asked. If caught, persons possessing illegal animals may be charged with a class C felony and subject to fines up to $200,000 and three years in prison.”
