No land snake on Hawaii's official lists is labelled venomous. The only venomous snake named for Hawaii is the yellow-bellied sea snake, a sea snake of the open ocean. It is labelled venomous by Hawaii DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
The venomous snake once found in Hawaii
Recognize them from a distance; a photo cannot confirm that a snake is safe. Identifying animals safely.
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)
For 1 other snake on Hawaii's list, no official source we use states whether it is venomous: Brahminy Blindsnake. That does not make them harmless. Leave every snake alone.
See all 2 snakes, venomous and not, on Hawaii snakes.
If you are bitten or stung
Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.
Official advice from Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and Hawaii DLNR:
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
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.”