Hawaii Hunting Resources
Your one-stop resource for hunting regulations, seasons, and licensing in Hawaii.
2025-2026 Hawaii Hunting Seasons
Embark on a unique hunting adventure with this guide to the 2025-2026 Hawaii hunting seasons. Dates are based on projections from the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), and may vary by island. Visit the official DLNR website for the latest announcements and regulations.
Game Mammal Hunting Seasons
Kauaʻi
- Feral Pig (Archery/Rifle): Year-round, 2025-2026 (Public lands; check unit-specific rules)
- Feral Goat (Archery/Rifle): Year-round, 2025-2026 (Select units)
- Black-tailed Deer (Archery/Rifle): August 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025 (Hunting Unit A, lottery draw)
Oʻahu
- Feral Pig (Archery): Year-round, 2025-2026 (Select units, e.g., Kuaokalā GMA)
- Feral Goat (Archery): Year-round, 2025-2026 (Select units)
Molokaʻi
- Axis Deer (Rifle): February 7 – April 26, 2026 (Weekends, lottery draw; bag limit: 2 deer, 1 doe, 1 either sex)
- Feral Pig (Archery/Rifle): Year-round, 2025-2026 (Public lands)
Lānaʻi
- Axis Deer (Archery): February 7 – February 22, 2026 (Weekends, lottery draw; bag limit: 2 deer, 1 doe, 1 either sex)
- Axis Deer (Youth): February 28 – March 1, 2026 (Lottery draw)
- Axis Deer (Muzzleloader): March 7 – March 15, 2026 (Weekends, lottery draw)
- Axis Deer (Rifle): March 21 – May 10, 2026 (Weekends, lottery draw)
- Mouflon Sheep (Archery): August 2 – August 17, 2025 (Weekends, lottery draw; bag limit: 1 ram)
- Mouflon Sheep (Youth): August 23 – August 24, 2025 (Lottery draw)
- Mouflon Sheep (Muzzleloader): August 30 – September 7, 2025 (Weekends, lottery draw)
- Mouflon Sheep (Rifle): September 13 – October 26, 2025 (Weekends, lottery draw)
Maui
- Axis Deer (Archery/Rifle): Year-round, 2025-2026 (Select units; bag limit: 3 deer, no more than 1 antlered)
- Feral Pig (Archery/Rifle): Year-round, 2025-2026 (Public lands)
- Feral Goat (Archery/Rifle): Year-round, 2025-2026 (Select units)
Hawaiʻi Island
- Feral Pig (Archery/Rifle): Year-round, 2025-2026 (Public lands; check closures, e.g., Mauna Kea Forest Reserve)
- Feral Goat (Archery/Rifle): Year-round, 2025-2026 (Select units)
- Mouflon Sheep (Archery/Rifle): July 1 – August 31, 2025 (Select units; bag limit: 1 ram)
- Wild Turkey (Archery/Rifle): March 1 – April 15, 2026 (Select units; bag limit: 2 bearded turkeys)
Game Bird Hunting Seasons
Statewide (Varies by Island)
- Pheasant (Chukar, Ring-necked): November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Weekends and holidays; bag limit: 3 per day)
- Quail (Japanese, Valley): November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Weekends and holidays; bag limit: 6 per day)
- Francolin (Gray, Black): November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Weekends and holidays; bag limit: 6 per day)
- Dove (Spotted, Zebra): November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Weekends and holidays; bag limit: 10 per day)
- Turkey (Wild): March 1 – April 15, 2026 (Select islands; bag limit: 2 bearded turkeys)
Migratory Bird Seasons
- Pacific Golden Plover (Kōlea): September 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Bag limit: 10 per day)
- Waterfowl (Pending Federal Frameworks): November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (Expected; check DLNR for updates)
Note: Dates are projected based on DLNR’s 2024-2025 regulations and historical trends as of April 25, 2025. Seasons vary by island and often require lottery draws or special permits (e.g., Lānaʻi axis deer, mouflon sheep). A valid Hawaii hunting license ($10 resident, $95 non-resident) and a $10 Wildlife Conservation Stamp are required. Hunters born after December 31, 1971, must complete a DLNR-approved hunter education course. Use the OuterSpatial app for check-in/out. Late waterfowl seasons are pending federal frameworks. Always verify exact dates, bag limits, and regulations on the DLNR website or contact DOFAW offices.
Licenses and Permits
All hunters in Hawaii must have a valid hunting license. Additional permits may be required for specific game and hunting areas. Licenses and permits can be obtained through the DLNR Hunting Licensing System.
- Resident Hunting License: Annual license for Hawaii residents.
- Non-Resident Hunting License: Available for visiting hunters.
- Special Permits: Required for hunting in designated areas or for specific species.
Hunting Areas in Hawaii
Hawaii has designated public hunting areas where hunting is permitted. Some popular hunting locations include:
- Mauna Kea Public Hunting Area (Big Island): Known for game birds and feral pigs.
- Lanai Game Management Area: Popular for axis deer and mouflon sheep hunting.
- Molokai Public Hunting Areas: Offer opportunities for deer, pigs, and goats.
Check the DLNR hunting maps for area regulations and permitted game.
Hunter Education
All first-time hunters in Hawaii must complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing a license. Online and in-person courses are available through the Hawaii Hunter Education Program.