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Hunting in Hawaii
Hunting in Hawaii
Hawaii offers a hunting experience unlike any other state in the nation. The tropical islands support populations of feral pigs, axis deer, mouflon sheep, feral goats, and a variety of game birds introduced from around the world. Hunting in Hawaii is not just a sporting tradition—it’s an important wildlife management tool used to control invasive species that threaten the islands’ unique native ecosystems. The Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife manages hunting across all major islands.
Feral pig hunting is perhaps the most iconic Hawaiian hunting experience. Wild pigs are found on all the main islands and have been part of Hawaiian culture since Polynesian settlement. Today, feral pig hunting is both a subsistence and sporting activity, with hunters using dogs, firearms, and archery equipment to pursue these challenging and tenacious animals through dense tropical forest. The hunting is physically demanding but deeply rewarding.
Axis deer, introduced to Maui and Molokai in the 1860s, have become one of the most sought-after big game animals in Hawaii. These beautiful spotted deer from India offer exceptional trophy quality, and Hawaii’s mild climate means deer are in hard antler year-round, creating a unique hunting opportunity. Game bird hunting is also outstanding, with pheasant, francolin, chukar, and several species of quail providing excellent upland bird hunting across the islands’ diverse landscapes.
Key Insights
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- Hawaii is the only state where you can hunt axis deer, a tropical species found nowhere else in the US, with bucks in hard antler year-round.
- Feral pig hunting is a year-round activity on all major islands and is deeply embedded in Hawaiian culture and tradition.
- Hawaii’s upland bird hunting features exotic species from around the world including francolins, chukars, and multiple quail species.
- Hunting serves a vital conservation role in Hawaii, helping to control invasive species that threaten the islands’ unique native ecosystems.
- Hawaii has over 1.2 million acres of public Game Management Areas providing hunting access across all major islands.
Table of Contents
Hunters (Based on Hunting Licenses)
Land Types (Acres)
Hawaii ranks 50th among all 50 states for percentage of private land due to large state and federal land holdings.
Hawaii Hunting Seasons
For the most accurate information on Hawaii Hunting Seasons, along with the state’s requirements for tag and bag limits, it’s a good idea to check with the Hawaii DNR. We’ve provided their contact information below, along with links to helpful resources, including licensing.
Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife
1151 Punchbowl Street, Room 325
Honolulu, HI 96813
- (808) 587-0166
Popular Game in Hawaii
Hawaii’s hunting is dominated by introduced species that have thrived in the islands’ tropical environment. Feral pigs are the most widely hunted animal, found on all major islands and offering year-round hunting opportunities. Axis deer on Maui and Molokai are prized for their trophy quality and excellent venison. Mouflon sheep and feral goats provide exciting mountain hunting experiences on the Big Island and other islands. Game bird hunting for pheasant, francolin, quail, and chukar is outstanding across Hawaii’s varied upland habitats.
Small Game Hunting in Hawaii
Hawaii offers exceptional game bird hunting with species introduced from around the world creating a diverse and exciting upland hunting experience. Ring-necked pheasants, black francolins, gray francolins, Erckel’s francolins, chukars, California quail, Gambel’s quail, Japanese quail, and wild turkey can all be found across the islands. The combination of tropical landscapes and diverse bird species makes Hawaii’s upland hunting uniquely exciting.
Game management areas on each island are managed by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife to provide public hunting access for resident and non-resident hunters. The Puu Waawaa Game Management Area on the Big Island is one of the premier game bird hunting destinations in the state, offering hunting for multiple pheasant and francolin species across open grassland and shrubland habitat.
Waterfowl hunting in Hawaii is limited compared to mainland states, but the state does offer seasons for doves and some migratory birds. The spotted dove and zebra dove are abundant throughout the islands and are hunted in open areas and agricultural settings.
Big Game Hunting in Hawaii
Feral pig hunting is the cornerstone of Hawaii’s big game hunting tradition. Pigs are found on all major islands and can be hunted year-round in game management areas. Hawaiian hunters traditionally use dogs to locate and bay pigs, with hunters moving in to dispatch the animal with a knife or firearm. This style of hunting requires athleticism and teamwork and is deeply embedded in Hawaiian hunting culture. Pigs can be taken in substantial numbers and provide excellent wild game meat.
Axis deer are found primarily on Maui and Molokai, where they were introduced in the 1860s as a gift from Hong Kong. These beautiful spotted deer from the Indian subcontinent have thrived in Hawaii’s tropical environment. Because Hawaii lacks a true winter, axis bucks can be found in hard antler year-round, making any time of year a potential trophy opportunity. Hunters come from around the world to pursue axis deer in Hawaii, and the hunting can be outstanding.
Mouflon sheep and hybrid sheep are found on Mauna Kea on the Big Island, providing demanding mountain hunting for these sure-footed animals in rugged volcanic terrain. Feral goats are also widely distributed across the islands and can be hunted as part of control programs aimed at protecting native vegetation.
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Hunting Areas in Hawaii
Hawaii offers great hunting opportunities across the state, both on public and private land. We’ve included some of the best areas for public hunting below and as we have access we’ll be adding more private land too.
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We’re working with landowners all across Hawaii to provide private land access for more activities. Add your information below to stay up to date.
Public Land Hunting in Hawaii
Hawaii’s public hunting land is managed through a system of Game Management Areas (GMAs) administered by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. These GMAs are located on state and federal lands across the major islands and provide hunting access for residents and visitors. The Puu Waawaa GMA on the Big Island is one of the largest and most productive, offering hunting for game birds, pigs, and sheep across diverse volcanic terrain.
Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve and other forest reserves on Kauai provide pig and goat hunting in spectacular tropical forest. Maui’s Haleakala National Park areas and adjacent state lands provide axis deer and game bird hunting access. Molokai’s hunting areas include both state and privately managed hunting programs for axis deer.
Hawaii’s public hunting lands serve a dual purpose of wildlife management and public recreation. Hunting helps control populations of feral animals that damage native forests and threaten endangered species, making hunters important partners in Hawaii’s conservation efforts.
1. Puu Waawaa Game Management Area (Big Island)
2. Kahikinui Game Management Area (Maui)
3. Molokai Game Management Area
4. Kauai Game Management Area
5. Oahu Game Management Area
Hunting Private Land in Hawaii
Since a large portion of Hawaii is private land, getting access for hunting can be very appealing. When you hunt private land, it’s not only less crowded, the animals also tend to be less skittish and this means you’ll have a better day out in the field. Traditionally, accessing private land for hunting has been complicated and expensive. You either needed to join a club, hire a guide, or start knocking on doors.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying this for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts of all types. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some options below.