The Hawaiian Islands offer great opportunities for hunting feral pigs and goats, and Kauai and Lanai have thriving black-tail and axis deer populations. Several species are available for your hunting trip anywhere on the island chain during the Hawaii archery season.
Most hunting is spot-and-stalk, with balmy temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s. The terrain varies from slow-rolling hillsides to rugged, steep cliffs. The windward sides receive moisture, with dense vegetation, and the leeward sides are dry and desert-like in some areas.
Hawaii (HI) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Elevation changes in the terrain around the Hawaiian Islands are extreme in some areas, ranging from sea level up to 13,800 feet. Wherever you decide to hunt, you’ll be comfortable wearing light clothing, giving you a break from the cold weather on the US mainland.
TSA doesn’t allow you to carry an assembled bow in carry-on baggage. You’ll have to transport it as checked luggage. Proper packing and transporting your equipment are important if you’re visiting Hawaii from the mainland. We recommend you follow our guide to traveling with archery equipment.
When does Archery Season Start in HI?
Island of Kauai
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Feral Pigs Year-round*
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Feral Goats Year-round*
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Black-tailed Deer Year-round*
*Some regions limit hunting to particular hunting methods and dates.
Island of Oahu
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Feral Pigs Year-round*
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Feral Goats Year-round*
*Some regions limit hunting to particular hunting methods and dates.
Island of Molokai
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Feral Pigs Year-round*
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Feral Goats Year-round*
*Some regions limit hunting to particular hunting methods and dates.
Island of Lanai
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Mouflon Sheep July-August; dates vary by hunting unit, method, and residency
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Axis Deer February-March; dates vary by hunting unit, method, and residency
*Some regions limit hunting to particular hunting methods and dates.
Island of Maui
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Feral Pigs Year-round*
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Feral Goats Year-round*
*Some regions limit hunting to particular hunting methods and dates.
Big Island of Hawaii
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Feral Pigs Year-round*
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Feral Goats Year-round*
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Wild Sheep Year-round*
*Some regions limit hunting to particular hunting methods and dates.
What are the legal hunting hours in Hawaii?
Chapter 183D of the Hawaii Revised Statutes allows hunting in some areas from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. You may not hunt using any form of artificial light at night.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in HI
You can visit the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife to secure your hunting licenses and permits before leaving for the islands. Ensure you acquire a hunter education letter of exemption before embarking on your trip. This letter allows you to purchase your hunting license.
Print your letter of exemption form, complete it, and return it to the correct address. You can purchase your hunting license and tags after finishing the exemption letter.
Nonresident hunting licenses cost $95. Additionally, hunters must purchase their conservation stamp for a fee of $10 and game tags for $25 per species. Axis deer and Lanai mouflon sheep tags cost $125 each.
The Hawaiian Islands have a healthy population of Rio Grande turkeys with tags costing $20. Game bird stamps are available for $10, allowing nonresidents to hunt upland game birds.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
