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)
The other snake
From A to Z. "Not stated" means no official source we use gives a venom status, not that the snake is harmless. Some harmless snakes mimic venomous ones: leave every snake alone.
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
How to report
Invasive species (including any snake sighting): Pest Hotline 808-643-PEST (643-7378) or online at 643pest.org. Hawaii DLNR
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
“This type of sea snake can be more venomous than a cobra and potentially lethal to humans.”
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
“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.”
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.”
