Is Exotic Pet Ownership Legal in Hawaii?
Exotic Pet Ownership is illegal in Hawaii as of 2026. Hawaii prohibits the possession, importation, and sale of most exotic pets to protect its unique ecosystem. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 150A-6, many non-native species including ferrets, hedgehogs, and large reptiles are banned unless specifically permitted by the Department of Agriculture.
Exotic Pet Ownership is ILLEGAL in Hawaii
Exotic Pet Ownership is currently illegal in Hawaii. Possession or sale may result in penalties.
Exotic Pet Ownership Laws in Hawaii: Quick Facts
- 1 Legal Status: Exotic Pet Ownership is currently illegal in Hawaii.
- 2 Possession: Possession of most exotic pets is prohibited without a special permit from the Department of Agriculture.
- 3 Sale: Sale and importation of exotic pets are generally prohibited unless authorized by permit.
- 4 Age Restriction: None
- 5 Penalties: Violations can result in fines up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year per HRS § 150A-11.
Detailed Legal Breakdown
| Possession | Possession of most exotic pets is prohibited without a special permit from the Department of Agriculture. |
| Sale | Sale and importation of exotic pets are generally prohibited unless authorized by permit. |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Penalties | Violations can result in fines up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year per HRS § 150A-11. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
How Does Hawaii Compare?
Across all 50 states, Exotic Pet Ownership is fully legal in 0 states, legal with restrictions in 49 states, and illegal in 1 states. Hawaii is among the 1 states where it is illegal.
View the full 50-state map for Exotic Pet Ownership →Get the Free Exotic Pet Ownership 50-State Legal Guide
Download our one-page cheat sheet showing exotic pet ownership legality across all 50 states. Plus get notified when laws change.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We only email when laws change.
Editorial Standards
This page was researched and written by the editorial team at IsThisLegalInMyState.com. All legal information is sourced directly from official state statutes, regulatory agency publications, and legislative databases. Our team reviews each page for accuracy and updates it when laws change.
Source
Citation: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ais/animals/exotic-pets/
Last verified: 2026-01-15
Compare States or Plan a Trip?
Use our free interactive tools to compare laws across states or check legality along your travel route.