Snakes in Hawaii: identification guide and best places to start

Where are you most likely to notice a snake in Hawaii?

Your best odds are in residential backyards or near cargo areas. Brahminy blind snakes live underground in moist soil, often surfacing after rain. Larger snakes occasionally turn up near airports or harbors, having hitched a ride on ships. Check under logs, rocks, or leaf litter in gardens and along trails.

See our state wildlife page for the next step.

In Hawaii, snakes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

What season or weather patterns help with snake sightings?

Sightings peak after heavy rain when blind snakes are forced to the surface. Warmer months (May to October) increase snake activity if any are present. Nighttime searches with a flashlight can reveal nocturnal species, but remember: Hawaii’s snake sightings are rare events, not regular occurrences.

See our Snakes guide for the next step.

Simple ID cues that separate snakes from lookalikes

Snakes have no eyelids or external ear openings, and their entire body is covered in scales. In Hawaii, the most common lookalike is the large centipede, which has many legs. Lizards like skinks have visible legs and ear openings. The Brahminy blind snake is thin, shiny, and moves like a worm. If you see a snake longer than 12 inches, it is likely an introduced species and should be reported to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

What snake species have been found in Hawaii?

Besides the Brahminy blind snake, occasional stowaway species include the brown tree snake, boa constrictor, and ball python. None have established wild populations, but a few have been captured. The blind snake is the only one considered naturalized. It is harmless and feeds on ant larvae.

How can you distinguish a Brahminy blind snake from an earthworm?

Blind snakes have a forked tongue and tiny eyes (as dots under scales), while earthworms have no tongue and a banded body. When handled, a blind snake will try to burrow and may release a mild musk. Worms are more slimy and have no scales.