Hunting in Hawaii: 3 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Adults

Whether you’re considering a hunting trip to Hawaii or you’re a resident interested in partaking of the state’s natural animal resources, it’s important to review the rules for obtaining a hunting license before you make plans.

If you haven’t met the eligibility requirements you could waste time and effort and cause yourself a considerable – and avoidable – delay.

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Keep in mind the following three things before you apply for an adult hunting permit in Hawaii:

1. You must complete a hunter education course
Hawaii requires hunters to complete a basic hunter education course before they can purchase a hunting license. Courses last three nights and anyone wishing to purchase a hunting license must attend all three sessions to qualify.

Participants receive hunter education certification cards in the mail between 2 and 3 weeks after completing the course and are then eligible to purchase a hunting license, either in person or online, according to a State of Hawaii website. You can receive a letter of exemption if you completed a hunter education program in another state or if you have a Hawaii hunting license issued before July 1, 1990.

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2. Not everyone pays the same fee.
Similar to other states, Hawaii charges nonresidents a higher fee for hunting licenses, with residents paying $10, as of 2015, and non-residents paying $95. To qualify as a resident, you must have lived in the state for at least one year, possess a valid Hawaii driver’s license, be stationed in Hawaii as an active member of the military, or be registered to vote in the state, according to the state’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife. If you’re at least 65 years old and a Hawaii resident, you can obtain a hunting license for free.

3. You can purchase a hunting license online or in person.
If you have a credit card, Internet access and a working printer, you can purchase your hunting license through the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife website. You must print your license immediately after the transaction and will not receive a copy in the mail. Alternatively, you can obtain your license at an approved vendor or at one of the division’s offices across the state.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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