One frequently asked question is “are there snakes in Hawaii?”
Urban legend has it that there are not any snakes in Hawaii. Unfortunately this urban legend is not actually true, in fact, there are many snakes in Hawaii. What is true, is that snakes are not native to Hawaii and therefore are regulated not to be introduced to the delicate Hawaiian ecosystem. If various types of snakes were introduced in large quantities it could pose as a threat to the unique environment.
The Island Blind snake and the Yellow-bellied sea snake are the two species of snakes found in the Hawaiian Islands. The most common is the Island Blind snake, which originates from the Philippines. This species is completely harmless and can best be described as a tiny snake that’s merely the size of an earthworm. Contrary, the Yellow-bellied sea snake carries highly potent venom, just like most other sea snakes. Luckily, it is rather infrequently these snakes visit Hawaiian waters.
In order to create an urgency Hawaii state law ruled it illegal to own a snake as a pet and if this law is violated the offender could reach up to three years in jail and fines up to $200,000. Sadly, there are individuals who smuggle snakes into Hawaii and for what reasons is unbeknown to us and could cause a state crisis. Also, many are concerned about ships porting on the island from other countries like Guam bringing snakes to the island by accident. Snakes were found near the Honolulu Airport and a large boa constrictor years ago, it is still a mystery as to how this massive snake ended up on the island but authorities took care of the situation and have buckled down on controlling what is making it onto the island.
All in all, if you’re touring the island or on a long hike in the mountains, stumbling onto a snake is the least of your worries. If you want to worry about any sort of “invasive” land species, be more concerned with leaving food out and finding a nasty cockroach or two in your apartment or some nasty wild boars up in the hills. Other than that, with a little be of caution much predatory danger can be avoided.
I came face to face with a sea snake while swimming in a tidal pool area. What a beautiful creature! That was a bucket list event for me.
But for the most part there are no snakes on Oahu
Thanks on this tutorial ” which has helped me to accertain this issue . “
Thank you! I would like to visit a peace island.
You missed the corn snake found dead on Kahekili Highway years ago, the garter snake found on the Big Island in someone’s luggage that had just traveled home from O`ahu.
Watching Snakes on a Plane now. Did all these snakes supposedly originate in Hawaii?
No, those snakes in that movie were all flown in by the bad guy and placed in the bottom of the plane with laced flowers to agitate the snakes. They did not originate from Hawaii at all. They are some of the most “deadly” snakes from all over the world flown in by one “collector”.