Snakes in Hawaii: identification guide and best places to start

Are there snakes in Hawaii?

Yes, but the answer is nuanced. Hawaii has one established snake species, the Brahminy blind snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus), which is harmless. This parthenogenetic species, consisting only of females that reproduce without males, spreads slowly through the soil. Occasionally, larger snakes arrive via cargo shipments, but none have established wild populations except the blind snake. The state actively monitors for invasive species because even one breeding population of an aggressive snake could devastate Hawaii's unique, isolated ecosystem where native birds and reptiles evolved without natural predators.

What snakes live in Hawaii?

The Brahminy blind snake is the only naturalized species. It is thin, pink or brown, and rarely exceeds 8 inches. It lives underground in moist soil and feeds on ant larvae. Occasional stowaways that have been captured include the brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis), ball python (Python regius), boa constrictor (Boa constrictor), and various Burmese pythons. None of these have established breeding populations. The brown tree snake is of particular concern because in Guam it caused ecological collapse by preying on native birds. Hawaii works hard to prevent it from gaining a foothold.

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 heavy rain when their burrows flood. Larger snakes occasionally turn up near airports, harbors, ports, or shipping facilities, having hitched a ride on ships or aircraft. Check under logs, rocks, leaf litter, and mulch in gardens, landscaping, and along trails. Urban gardens with loose soil and adequate moisture support small populations of blind snakes. Agricultural areas, especially around nurseries and greenhouses with imported plants, can also harbor these snakes.

See ourstate wildlife pagefor more Hawaiian wildlife.

In Hawaii, snake sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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 to escape waterlogged burrows. Warmer months (May to October) increase snake activity if any are present, as reptiles are more active in warm conditions. Nighttime searches with a flashlight can reveal nocturnal species. The wet season, which runs from November to March on windward sides and varies on leeward areas, is when you are most likely to encounter a Brahminy blind snake on the surface. However, remember that Hawaii's overall snake sightings remain rare events, not regular occurrences, even in optimal conditions.

Simple ID cues that separate snakes from lookalikes

Snakes have no eyelids or external ear openings, and their entire body is covered in overlapping scales arranged in rows. In Hawaii, the most common lookalike is the large centipede, which has many legs and a flatter body. Lizards like skinks have visible legs, eyelids, and ear openings. The Brahminy blind snake is thin, shiny, smooth, and moves like a worm with a burrowing motion. 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. The blind snake's tiny eyes appear as small dark dots beneath its scales, unlike the complete absence of eyes in earthworms.

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

Blind snakes have a forked tongue (which you may see briefly if handled), tiny eyes that appear as dots under translucent scales, and smooth keeled scales covering their body. Earthworms have no tongue, no eyes, and a banded or segmented body with a mucus coating. When handled, a blind snake will try to burrow and may release a mild musk from its vent, while worms are more slimy and have no odor. The blind snake's scales, though small, are visible and distinct from the worm's soft, unsegmented body.

What should you do if you see a larger snake in Hawaii?

Do not approach. Keep a safe distance of at least 6 feet and note the location, size, color, and pattern. Call the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's pest hotline at 808-643-PEST (or 808-643-7378) immediately if it is not a blind snake. Reporting helps prevent establishment of invasive species. If possible, take a photo from a distance for identification, but do not attempt to capture the snake. Include the location (address or GPS coordinates if possible), time of day, and any habitat details (near harbor, airport, garden, etc.). Even a photo taken from your phone helps authorities respond quickly.

Which Hawaiian islands have snakes and which are still clear?

The Brahminy blind snake has been documented on most of the main islands including Oahu, Big Island, Maui, and Kauai, though populations remain scattered and sparse. Some islands and localized areas may still be free of even blind snakes due to continued quarantine efforts and favorable conditions. The state monitors import checkpoints strictly to prevent new arrivals. Larger invasive snakes, if any are present, are typically isolated to harbors or shipping areas and are quickly reported and removed. No established population of any snake species other than the Brahminy blind snake has been allowed to persist.

Are there venomous snakes in Hawaii?

No. Hawaii has no native venomous snakes. The Brahmini blind snake is harmless and feeds only on ant larvae. Occasionally a venomous snake from overseas may arrive as a stowaway (such as a cobra or viper), but none have established populations. Even if a venomous species arrived, Hawaii's rapid response and community reporting mean it would likely be located and removed before breeding occurred. The state treats any venomous snake sighting as a high-priority event.

Can you keep a pet snake in Hawaii?

No. It is illegal to own snakes in Hawaii without a special permit that is rarely granted. All snakes are prohibited under Hawaii Revised Statutes 183D-1 to protect the islands' fragile ecosystems and native species. This includes harmless species like corn snakes or ball pythons. Violators face fines and penalties. The law exists because Hawaii's native birds, reptiles, and invertebrates evolved in the absence of snakes and lack defenses against them. Even a single breeding female can become an ecological disaster, as happened with the brown tree snake in Guam.

What protected snakes or look-alike species live in Hawaii?

Hawaii's native reptiles include skinks (small, four-legged lizards like the Mourning gecko) and sea turtles, but no native snakes. These species are protected, but they are not snakes. Some protected species can be confused with snakes if glimpsed briefly, so proper identification is important. The Mourning gecko, Hawaii's most common lizard, has legs, eyelids, and ear openings, making it easy to distinguish from a legless snake. Geckos are harmless and help control insects.

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