Hawaii Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Hawaii hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through DLNR.
Hawaii Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $10.00 — Non-Resident: from $95.00
- Managed by: Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/hunting/licenses/
Hawaii Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Hawaii offers unique hunting managed by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Forestry and Wildlife. The Aloha State's hunting is unlike any other — there are no native land mammals, so all game species were introduced. Hunters can pursue axis deer, mouflon sheep, feral goats, feral pigs, and game birds on public hunting areas across the islands. Hawaii has some of the most affordable licenses in the nation — just $10 for residents and $95 for non-residents. A game bird stamp ($10) is required for bird hunting. The state uses specific hunting unit systems with designated days, and many areas require check-in and check-out at hunter check stations. Axis deer hunting on Lanai and Molokai is world-renowned. Hunter education or a non-resident letter of exemption is required. Licenses are valid from July 1 through June 30.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $10.00 | — | July 1 - June 30 | |
| NR Hunting License | — | $95.00 | July 1 - June 30 | |
| Game Bird Stamp | $10.00 | $10.00 | July 1 - June 30 | Required for bird hunting |
| Resident Axis Deer Tag (Lanai) | $20.00 | — | Season | |
| NR Axis Deer Tag (Lanai) | — | $125.00 | Season |
Prices from Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Hawaii license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Hawaii Hunter Education Wallet Card or Non-resident Letter of Exemption required. NR with out-of-state hunter ed can get free Letter of Exemption.
How to Buy a Hawaii Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Hawaii.
Need help? Call Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-587-0166
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Hawaii Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feral Pig | General | January 1 | December 31 | Year-round on most units |
| Axis Deer | General (Lanai/Molokai) | February 1 | May 31 | Varies by island |
| Mouflon Sheep | General | March 1 | October 31 | Mauna Kea and other units |
| Feral Goat | General | January 1 | December 31 | Year-round where available |
| Game Birds (Pheasant, Francolin, Quail) | General | November 7 | January 24, 2027 | |
| Dove | General | November 7 | January 24, 2027 |
View full Hawaii season regulations on DLNR/DOFAW
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Standard fee | No special senior exemptions — license remains $10 for residents |
| Youth | Standard fee | Youth pay the same license fees |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced | Disabled veterans may qualify for reduced fees |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Hawaii |
Hawaii Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Hawaii official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Blaze orange hat or vest required in all public hunting areas during firearm seasons.
- Hunter check stations are mandatory — check in before and check out after hunting.
- All game animals in Hawaii are non-native/introduced species.
- Hunting areas are designated by island and unit with specific open days.
Read full Hawaii regulations on DLNR/DOFAW
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Hawaii Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guideHawaii Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Hawaii?
Resident hunting license costs just $10. Non-residents pay $95. Both include a Wildlife Conservation Stamp. Game bird stamp ($10) is additional for bird hunters.
What can you hunt in Hawaii?
Feral pigs (year-round), axis deer (Lanai/Molokai), mouflon sheep, feral goats, wild cattle, and various game birds including pheasant, quail, francolin, and dove.
Can non-residents hunt in Hawaii?
Yes. A $95 non-resident license is required. Non-residents need a Letter of Exemption (free with out-of-state hunter ed card). Axis deer tags cost $125.
Is axis deer hunting good in Hawaii?
Yes, world-class axis deer hunting is available on Lanai and Molokai. These deer are prized for their beauty and challenging hunting terrain.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Hawaii?
Yes. Either a Hawaii Hunter Education Wallet Card or a Non-resident Letter of Exemption (free with out-of-state hunter ed) is required.
Can I hunt pigs year-round in Hawaii?
Yes, feral pigs can be hunted year-round on most public hunting units. They are available on all major islands.