Are There Snakes in Hawaii? Yes! 7 Species You May Encounter

While Hawaii has no native snake species, you might encounter seven types on or around the islands. The tiny Brahminy Blind Snake is most common, while Yellow-Bellied Sea Snakes occasionally appear offshore. Five unwelcome invaders—Brown Tree Snakes, Ball Pythons, Boa Constrictors, Garter Snakes, and Corn Snakes—represent serious ecological threats. All snakes are strictly illegal to possess, and you should immediately report sightings to authorities. Discover why these reptiles could devastate Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem.

Good To Know

• Hawaii has no native land snake species, but several invasive or introduced species have been documented.
• The Brahminy Blind Snake is the most established snake in Hawaii, a small worm-like species that’s harmless to humans.
• Yellow-Bellied Sea Snakes occasionally appear in Hawaiian waters but rarely come ashore.
• Brown Tree Snakes pose a significant ecological threat and have been intercepted multiple times before reaching Hawaii.
• Illegal pet snakes like ball pythons and boa constrictors are occasionally found as escapees or after being released.

The Brahminy Blind Snake: Hawaii’s Most Common Serpent

Although Hawaii is largely known for its snake-free status, the Brahminy Blind Snake (Indotyphlops braminus) is the most common serpent you’ll find on the islands. This tiny snake, often mistaken for an earthworm, typically measures just 4.4-6.5 inches long with a dark brown to grayish-black coloration.

Hawaii’s technically snake-free paradise hosts one exception: the tiny Brahminy Blind Snake, easily mistaken for an earthworm.

You’ll likely encounter this non-threatening species in gardens, potted plants, or under logs and stones in moist environments. It arrived in Hawaii through plant shipments and has adapted well to various habitats. These snakes are known for being nearly blind creatures, with eyes that merely detect light intensity rather than forming clear images. Unlike Lanai’s waters, which are teeming with colorful marine life, the Brahminy Blind Snake prefers dark, secluded terrestrial habitats.

The snake feeds primarily on ants and termites, making it somewhat beneficial for pest control.

Don’t worry about reproduction—these snakes are all female and reproduce without mating. Despite their presence, they pose no danger to humans.

Yellow-Bellied Sea Snakes: Oceanic Visitors to Hawaiian Waters

Unlike the tiny Brahminy Blind Snake found on land, the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake (Pelamis platura) represents Hawaii’s only true oceanic serpent species. These pelagic reptiles don’t establish permanent populations in Hawaiian waters but arrive sporadically via ocean currents and storms.

You’ll find these remarkable creatures uniquely adapted to open-ocean life:

• Completely pelagic—they spend their entire lives at sea, never coming to land voluntarily
• Can remain submerged for up to three hours before surfacing to breathe
• Hunt by floating motionless to attract fish, then striking with a rapid backward swimming motion
• Sometimes form massive aggregations of thousands on ocean surface drift lines

Though venomous, you’re unlikely to encounter these snakes unless you’re far offshore or spot one accidentally washed ashore during storms. These sea snakes possess highly potent venom comparable to other sea snake species, though bites to humans are extremely rare. Unlike the Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake, Hawaii’s waters are more commonly home to various shark species including the tiger shark, Galapagos shark, and hammerhead shark.

Brown Tree Snakes: An Ecological Threat on the Horizon

While Hawaii remains free of established snake populations, the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) represents perhaps the most serious serpentine threat to the islands’ fragile ecosystem.

Native to Australia and Papua New Guinea, this invasive predator devastated Guam’s ecosystem after its accidental introduction in the 1950s, eliminating 9 of 12 native forest birds within 40 years.

Since 1981, eight brown tree snakes have been intercepted en route to Hawaii.

If established in Hawaii, these snakes could reach densities of 12,000 per square mile, decimating native bird populations unprepared for snake predators. The snake’s arboreal and nocturnal behavior makes it particularly effective at hunting birds in their nests.

Federal agencies maintain rigorous inspection programs to prevent their arrival, as Hawaii’s unique ecosystem could suffer irreversible damage similar to Guam’s ecological collapse.

Though Hawaii has some common species of snakes already present, none pose the same level of ecological threat as the brown tree snake would.

Ball Pythons: Illegal Pets With Increasing Presence

Despite Hawaii’s strict prohibition of snake ownership, ball pythons continue to appear on the islands with concerning frequency. These constrictors, which can grow up to six feet long, have been found in residential areas and even on a Maui coffee farm, suggesting illegal pet ownership and subsequent releases.

• Possessing a ball python in Hawaii is a felony offense with hefty fines
• The Amnesty Program allows you to surrender illegal snakes without penalty
• A 4-foot specimen was captured in Ka’anapali in 2016
• Call 643-PEST immediately if you spot one

Without natural predators, these pythons pose a serious ecological threat to Hawaii’s unique biodiversity. Recently, a 28-inch ball python was found in Kahaluu and surrendered anonymously to Honolulu Zoo.

Authorities monitor sightings closely, as established populations could devastate native wildlife and cause irreversible damage to the islands’ fragile ecosystems. Visitors planning island hopping excursions should be aware of these potential encounters while traveling between Hawaii’s beautiful islands.

Boa Constrictors: Occasional Escapees in the Islands

Boa constrictors regularly surface on Hawaiian islands as escaped or illegally released pets, creating significant ecological concerns. These powerful snakes grow up to 12 feet long and have been captured on O’ahu in multiple locations, including a 9-footer in 2011 and others along the Pali Highway and in Kunia.

With their muscular build and nocturnal hunting habits, boas threaten native birds, their eggs, and small pets. They lack natural predators in Hawaii, making them particularly dangerous to the ecosystem. While planning your one week itinerary, remain vigilant about potential snake sightings, especially in less populated areas. A recent incident where a motorist ran over a five-foot boa constrictor near Nuuanu Reservoir highlights their continued presence on the islands.

If you spot a boa, don’t attempt capture. Instead, call the state’s PEST HOTLINE (643-PEST) immediately.

Garter Snakes: Rare but Reported Sightings

Unlike venomous species, garter snakes have been documented in Hawaii, although their presence remains extremely rare. These mainland U.S. natives typically arrive through accidental human transport, particularly in Christmas tree shipments. Notable incidents occurred in Kailua (2004) and Honolulu (2020). Respecting local wildlife is essential for travelers to avoid disturbing these already fragile ecosystems.

Recognizable by their distinctive three-stripe pattern, garter snakes pose a significant threat to Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem despite being non-venomous. The Hawaiian government takes these threats seriously and has implemented strict prevention measures to protect the islands’ unique biodiversity.

• Typically 18-51 inches long with yellow or green stripes on brown/black bodies.
• Primarily feed on aquatic animals, insects, and small vertebrates.
• Can disrupt local food chains by preying on native species.
• Subject to strict import prohibitions with severe penalties for smuggling.

Hawaii’s isolation has largely prevented snake populations from establishing, but vigilance remains essential. If you spot a snake, report it immediately to authorities.

Corn Snakes: Confiscated Species With Invasion Potential

Although they’re not established in Hawaii, corn snakes represent a serious potential threat to the islands’ ecosystem. Only one corn snake has been officially documented in Hawaii, which authorities promptly confiscated.

Native to the southeastern United States, these colorful predators could wreak havoc if released into Hawaii’s environment. They’re voracious eaters, consuming birds, lizards, and small mammals every few days. The single reported sighting occurred in 2019 when a resident discovered the snake in their backyard in Hawaii.

This feeding pattern could devastate native Hawaiian wildlife if they established a population.

Remember that possessing any snake in Hawaii is strictly illegal, with severe penalties. The state maintains rigorous border controls and monitoring programs to prevent smuggling. Visitors should learn basic Hawaiian phrases to understand warning signs about invasive species at entry points.

If you spot a snake, don’t attempt to handle it—immediately report the sighting to local authorities to protect Hawaii’s unique biodiversity.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Hawaii isn’t truly snake-free, despite popular belief. Seven species slither through paradise—some hiding underground, others drifting on ocean currents. While you’re unlikely to encounter most of these serpents during your visit, they’re there—hiding in garden soil, washing ashore on remote beaches, or being smuggled in as exotic pets. Stay informed, not alarmed, as you explore the islands’ tropical landscapes.