Hawaii 2025 Hunting Regulations – Island Game Schedules & Tags
Are you planning an island hunting adventure in 2025? Hawaii’s diverse terrain and unique wildlife offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. From lush rainforests to high volcanic slopes, the Aloha State provides hunters with opportunities to pursue exotic game mammals and birds throughout the year. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Hawaii hunting seasons, including current dates, required licenses, species-specific regulations, and hunting zones across all major islands.
Hawaii Hunting Season Overview – 2025
Hawaii offers year-round hunting opportunities for many species, with specific seasons for certain game animals and birds. The state’s hunting program is managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), which maintains hunting areas across the six major islands: Hawaii (Big Island), Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, and Lanai.
| Species | Season | Method | Islands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feral Pig | Year-round | Rifle, Archery, Muzzleloader | All islands except Lanai |
| Axis Deer | Year-round (private lands); Feb-March (Lanai) | Varies by location | Maui, Molokai, Lanai |
| Black-tailed Deer | Sept-Dec (archery); Sept (muzzleloader) | Archery, Muzzleloader | Kauai |
| Mouflon Sheep | July 16-27, 2025 (Lanai) | Archery, Rifle | Hawaii, Lanai |
| Feral Goat | Year-round | Rifle, Archery | All islands except Lanai |
| Game Birds | Nov 2, 2024-Jan 26, 2025 | Shotgun, Archery | All islands |
| Wild Turkey (Spring) | March 1-April 15, 2025 | Shotgun | Hawaii (Big Island) |
Big Game: Archery & Rifle Seasons
🦌 Axis Deer
Axis deer hunting offers one of Hawaii’s most distinctive hunting experiences. These beautiful spotted deer were introduced to the islands in the late 1800s and now thrive on Maui, Molokai, and Lanai.
Lanai Axis Deer Season 2025:
- Archery Hunt: July 16-27, 2025
- Youth Hunt: March 7-9, 2025
- Muzzleloader Hunt: March 14-16, 2025
- General Rifle Seasons:
- First Period: February 5-9, 2025
- Second Period: February 12-16, 2025
- Third Period: February 19-23, 2025
- Fourth Period: February 26-March 2, 2025
Due to limited numbers, Lanai axis deer hunting requires participation in a lottery drawing. Applications for the 2025 season open September 16, 2024, and close October 25, 2024.
On Maui and Molokai, axis deer hunting is generally available year-round on private lands with landowner permission.
🐗 Feral Pig
Feral pig hunting is available year-round across public hunting areas on most islands. These invasive animals provide challenging hunts and are considered a significant conservation concern due to their environmental impact.
Hunting Methods:
- When hunting with dogs: muzzleloading rifles (minimum .45 caliber), rifles (.22 caliber magnum or larger), shotguns (slugs or 00 buckshot), spears, or knives
- When hunting without dogs: rifles (minimum 1,200 foot-pounds muzzle energy), shotguns (00 buckshot or larger), or muzzleloaders (minimum .45 caliber)
🐐 Feral Goat
Feral goats can be hunted year-round on public hunting lands across most islands. The DLNR occasionally offers special hunts in Game Management Areas with specific regulations.
🐑 Mouflon Sheep
Mouflon sheep can be hunted on Hawaii (Big Island) and Lanai, with the Lanai hunt being lottery-based.
Lanai Mouflon Sheep Season 2025:
- July 16-27, 2025 (Two separate 5-day hunts)
- Youth Hunt: August 1-3, 2025
🦌 Black-tailed Deer (Kauai)
Kauai Black-tailed Deer Seasons:
- Archery (Units F, J, K, and L): September 1-December 31, 2025
- Muzzleloader: September 6-7, 2025
- Special hunts for youth, seniors, and disabled hunters are typically offered in August
🦃 Turkey Season
Spring Turkey Hunt
The Hawaii Island Spring Bearded Turkey Season runs for 46 consecutive days from March 1 through April 15, 2025. This popular hunt is limited to bearded turkeys only.
Open Areas:
- Unit A – Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and GMA
- Unit C – Upper Piha and Upper Laupahoehoe Forest Reserves
- Unit F – Pu’u Wa’awa’a Forest Reserve
- Unit G – Ka’ohe GMA
- Unit E – Kpuka ‘Ainahou (Archery only, March 1-31, 2025)
- Private Lands (with landowner permission)
Bag Limit: Three bearded turkeys per hunter for the season, with a daily limit of three (meaning you can take all three in one day if opportunity allows).
Tags: Turkey tags cost $5 for residents and $20 for non-residents. Tags must be attached to harvested birds immediately after the kill.
Fall Turkey Season
Fall turkey hunting is included in the general game bird season that runs from November 2, 2024, through January 26, 2025. However, hunting of wild turkeys is currently prohibited on Oahu to allow population recovery.
🐦 Game Birds
The 2024-2025 Game Bird Hunting Season runs from November 2, 2024, through January 26, 2025. The season for mourning dove closes earlier, on January 12, 2025, to comply with federal regulations.
Game Bird Species Available:
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Green Pheasant
- Kalij Pheasant
- Melanistic (Blue) Pheasant
- Grey Francolin
- Black Francolin
- Erckel’s Francolin
- Chukar Partridge
- California Quail
- Gambel’s Quail
- Japanese Quail
- Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
- Mourning Dove
- Spotted Dove
- Barred Dove
- Indian Peafowl (limited areas)
Depending on the island and hunting unit, game bird hunting is generally allowed on weekends, Mondays, and state holidays during the season. Some units have weekday hunting opportunities as well.
🦅 Waterfowl
Waterfowl hunting follows federal migratory bird regulations. Hunters pursuing waterfowl must have a valid Hawaii hunting license, Hawaii Wildlife Conservation Stamp, and a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp (Duck Stamp).
🗺️ Hawaii Hunting Zones
Each of Hawaii’s major islands has designated public hunting areas organized into units. These areas provide access to different hunting opportunities based on location and terrain.
Big Island (Hawaii)
- Unit A: Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and Game Management Area
- Unit B: Kapapala Forest Reserve
- Unit C: Upper Piha and Upper Laupahoehoe Forest Reserves
- Unit E: Kpuka ‘Ainahou
- Unit F: Pu’u Wa’awa’a Forest Reserve
- Unit G: Ka’ohe Game Management Area
- Unit J: Kapapala Ranch CGMA
Kauai
- Units A, B, E, H and I: Open for game bird hunting on weekends, Mondays, and state holidays
- Unit J: Archery only
- Unit L: Open weekends only
Oahu
- Kuaokala GMA and Forest Reserve (Unit 1)
- Makua Keaau PHA (Unit 2)
Maui
- Kula Forest Reserve (Unit C)
- Kahakuloa GMA and West Maui Forest Reserve (Unit F)
Molokai
- Molokai Forest Reserve (Units C and E)
Lanai
- Cooperative GMA (Units 1, 2, and 3)
For detailed maps of hunting units, visit the DLNR hunting website or use the OuterSpatial mobile application.
🎟️ License Requirements and Fees
All hunters in Hawaii must possess:
- A valid Hawaii hunting license
- Resident: $10
- Non-resident: $95
- Hawaii Wildlife Conservation Stamp ($10)
- Game bird stamp if hunting game birds ($10)
- Species-specific tags as required:
- Turkey tag: $5 (resident), $20 (non-resident)
- Axis deer tag: $5 (resident), $25 (non-resident)
- Black-tailed deer tag: $5 (resident), $25 (non-resident)
- Mouflon sheep tag: $5 (resident), $25 (non-resident)
Licenses are valid from the date of purchase through June 30, 2025. To purchase a hunting license, you must have either:
- A Hawaii Hunter Education Wallet Card (for graduates of the basic Hunter Education course)
- A Non-resident Letter of Exemption (for those with out-of-state hunter education or a Hawaii hunting license issued before July 1, 1990)
Licenses can be purchased online at GoHuntHawaii.gov or from any Division of Forestry and Wildlife office.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any special requirements for hunting in Hawaii?
Yes. All hunters must wear exterior blaze orange garments (shirt, vest, coat, or jacket) while hunting in public hunting areas, except in designated archery-only areas. The blaze orange material must be commercially manufactured and may be either solid or mesh with a maximum mesh size of one-eighth inch. Camouflage orange is prohibited.
Can I hunt on private land?
Yes, with landowner permission and a valid hunting license. For game mammals, hunting is allowed year-round on private lands. For game birds, hunting is only permitted during the established state game bird season.
Do I need to register my firearms if visiting Hawaii to hunt?
Yes. Firearms and ammunition brought into the state must be registered with the Chief of Police of the county of your residence, business, or sojourn within 48 hours after arrival. Contact the local police department for more information.
Are there opportunities for youth hunters?
Yes. Hawaii offers special youth hunts for axis deer, mouflon sheep, and spring turkey. Youth hunters (15 years and younger) using firearms must be accompanied by a licensed adult and may need a special permit from the county police department.
Can I hunt at night in Hawaii?
No. Legal hunting hours for all game are from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. Hunting at night or using artificial light is illegal.
🔗 Related Resources
- Deer Hunting Information
- Wild Pig Hunting in Hawaii
- California Hunting Seasons
- Alaska Hunting Seasons
Plan Your Hawaii Hunting Adventure
Hawaii’s diverse hunting opportunities provide memorable experiences for both residents and visitors. Before heading out, always check the latest announcements from the DLNR, as hunting seasons and regulations can change based on wildlife populations and environmental conditions.
Remember to respect the land, follow all regulations, and practice responsible hunting ethics. The islands’ unique ecology is both resilient and fragile, and ethical hunting practices help ensure these opportunities remain available for future generations.
Whether you’re pursuing axis deer on Lanai’s rugged terrain, stalking feral pigs in the rainforests of the Big Island, or hunting turkey in the highlands of Mauna Kea, Hawaii offers hunting adventures found nowhere else in the United States. Be sure to secure your licenses and tags early, especially for lottery hunts, and always verify access routes and open areas before your trip.
Aloha and good hunting!
