While there are no native snakes in Hawaii, that doesn’t mean there are no snakes at all because there are.
As we will see, it is through the movement of people that snakes have been introduced into this previously snake free zone.
Are Snakes Native To Hawaii?
Hawaii is an archipelago that lies in the Pacific Ocean. It has a subtropical climate and a diverse wildlife.
Most life on Hawaii has arrived there through the ocean currents, the wind, or by flight in the case of birds and insects.
None of these methods have brought snakes to the islands, and therefore there are no truly native snakes in Hawaii.
The closest the islands have to a native snake is the yellow-bellied sea snake which lives in the open ocean.
How Did Snakes Arrive In Hawaii?
The islands of Hawaii lie 2,000 miles off the coast of the US. It is the southernmost state and second only to Alaska in its westerly distance from the mainland.
These facts alone indicate its remoteness and isolation.
For an animal or reptile to travel to Hawaii, they would have to cross thousands of miles of open ocean.
This would be impossible without the intervention of humans.
Snakes have been hitching rides on planes and boats to get to this subtropical paradise.
Many of the invasive species of snakes have arrived at the islands in cargo from the United States, Asia or Africa.
Escaped pets or imports by black market traders are other contributing factors to the presence of these non-native reptiles.
How Many Species Of Snake Are Now On The Islands Of Hawaii?
To date, 7 different species have been reported in Hawaii. Most have been successfully contained, but a couple of species continue to thrive on the island or in its surrounding waters.
Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake
This snake spends its life swimming in the open oceans of the world. It lives in tropical and subtropical waters and has a potent venomous bite.
The body of the yellow-bellied sea snake is perfectly designed for life in open water, where it mates and bears its young.
Its prevalence means that this is the closest that Hawaii has to a native snake.
Brown Tree Snakes
The brown tree snake is a serious threat to Hawaii’s indigenous wildlife. When it was introduced to Guam in the 1940s, it decimated the local bird population.
It is now at the top of Guam’s food chain and has no known natural predator.
It is a worry for Hawaiian residents as this snake is venomous, and despite living in the trees they are often seen on the ground.
Ball Python
Although the ball python is non-venomous, it still poses a danger to the ecosystem of Hawaii, having no natural predator.
They normally live in the grasslands of West and Central Africa.
This is a popular pet among snake lovers, and this may be one of the ways that it came to be on the islands of Hawaii.
Boa Constrictor
The boa constrictor is not a venomous snake, but rather kills its prey by squeezing and suffocating it. Despite this, they are popular as pets.
There have been sightings of boa constrictors in Hawaii ranging in size from 5 feet to 9 feet long.
It is another popular pet snake, often bred and kept in captivity.
Southern Black Racer
The southern black racer is not an aggressive snake and is nonvenomous. It may bite to defend itself, however.
They are mainly found in the eastern United States and probably arrived in Hawaii through cargo.
Active during the day, they like warm weather and thrive in forest and wetland edges.
Garter Snake
The garter snake is recognizable by the stripe down the back of its body. They are a small to medium-sized snake found all across North America.
In 2004 and 2020 garter snakes were found in shipments of Christmas trees to Hawaii.
Their bite is venomous, and although the venom is weak, the bite can still be painful and become swollen.
Brahminy Blind Snake
A small and harmless snake, the Brahminy is nevertheless the most prolific in Hawaii.
All the specimens on the islands are female, and they lay eggs that need no fertilization.
However, they offer no threat to the population or environment of Hawaii and are only around 6 inches long.
Is It Illegal To Own A Snake In Hawaii?
Yes, it is illegal to possess a snake in Hawaii. As an invasive species, they have no natural predators and pose a serious threat to Hawaii’s ecosystem.
Snakes prey on birds and eggs, and also compete with native animals for food and habitat.
Bigger snakes such as the boa constrictor pose a threat to people, especially small children.
The brown tree snake and the yellow-bellied sea snake are also venomous species.
Under state law, the penalty for illegally owning a snake is $200,000 and a prison term of up to three years.
We hope this guide to the snakes found in Hawaii will not put you off visiting this beautiful state.
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