Discover The Top Four Largest (And Most Dangerous) Snakes In Hawaii This Summer!

Believe it or not, Hawaii does not have any native snake species that are indigenous to the area. While the islands boast a wide variety of native animals and plants, any snake in Hawaii is considered invasive. So, not only are snakes not common in Hawaii, but they are also not welcome at all. However, there are seven invasive species of snakes that are sometimes found in Hawaii, and four are dangerous. The four largest (and most dangerous) snakes in Hawaii are boa constrictors, ball pythons, brown tree snakes, and yellow-bellied sea snakes. But wait, aren’t two of those pets? They are, and in Hawaii, that’s a real problem.

Hawaii Has No Native Snake Species

There are seven snakes that can be found in Hawaii, but none of them are native to the islands. Of those, only four can be considered large enough or dangerous enough to harm a person. However, any non-native species can cause devastation. When it comes to locations that do not have indigenous snake species, the threat to other animals is severe. In some locations, the introduction of a non-native snake has even caused other species to go extinct. While exotic pets like snakes are beautiful and unique companions, they can be deadly to other species if left unchecked!

Are There Penalties For Having A Snake In Hawaii?

Snakes of any species are illegal in Hawaii, and any invasive species found are removed or eliminated. This includes both dangerous or venomous snakes as well as common exotic pets like pythons or boas. Hawaii imposes strict and extremely high fines or even prison terms for bringing a snake into the state. The Department of Agriculture goes to great lengths to protect the Hawaiian ecosystem, so if you see a snake in Hawaii, make sure to let them know.

Of the four species considered the biggest and the most dangerous, two are venomous and two are constrictors. We started with the largest snakes that end up in the state of Hawaii, but the biggest does not always mean the most dangerous. As a bonus, we also included the smallest and least dangerous snake found in Hawaii.

Boa Constrictors

Boa constrictors can be identified by their heavy and muscular bodies. They can be multiple colors, ranging from brown to green, and have distinctive dark brown or black markings down their sides. Boa constrictors have triangular heads and are non-venomous. However, they are large, powerful snakes, and in the wild they prey on a variety of birds and small to medium-sized mammals.

Ball Pythons

Ball pythons come in many color variations and patterns but are easily identified by their lean bodies and large heads. Ball pythons are typically dark brown or black with light brown blotches on their back and sides. Like the boa constrictor, most pythons found in Hawaii are mildly dangerous. As a constrictor, they lack venom but kill by wrapping their bodies around their prey. In the wild, they prey on a variety of small mammals and birds.

Brown Tree Snakes

Brown tree snakes can be identified by their thin and agile bodies, narrow heads, and catlike eyes. They are light amber colored on the back, with tan or light brown bellies and muted brown spots.

This species is a danger to both humans and the ecosystem in Hawaii. They are highly invasive and have wiped out 70 percent of competitive predators in Guam. In 2018, Hawaii officials imported four brown tree snakes so they could train dogs to detect them. The dogs were then used to detect brown tree snakes both on the island and in cargo arriving by plane or boat.

Yellow-Bellied Sea Snakes

The yellow-bellied sea snake can be identified by its signature yellow underbelly and the black stripe down the back. The species also has a distinctive paddle-shaped tail covered in yellow and black spotting. It has a thin and narrow body with a small head.

Although listed as a non-native Hawaiian species, this is due to its underwater habitat. While the yellow-bellied sea snake is one of the most venomous snakes in the world, it is elusive and rarely spotted on the shore

How Do Invasive Snake Species Get To Hawaii?

Hawaii works tirelessly to limit or eliminate invasive snakes, but human travel and illegal activities can pose real risks. The fines and penalties for having a snake in Hawaii are strictly enforced, and even pet snakes are illegal. However, international travel, shipping, and illegal trade are all ways invasive species can wreak havoc on the island ecosystem.

International Shipping: Snakes On Planes

Believe it or not, some species of snakes really do end up on planes. In Hawaii, this is a known threat in the case of the brown tree snake. The species has an uncanny ability to find its way onto cargo ships and airplanes that transport goods. The species is highly invasive and wreaks havoc on local wildlife, which is why Hawaii is always on guard with dogs trained specifically to eliminate them.

Exotic Pets: Illegal In Hawaii

Pet snakes of any species are illegal in Hawaii, primarily due to the threat to the ecosystem of the islands. Unfortunately, due to the highly lucrative illegal market exotic animal trade, species like pythons or boas get past customs. Therefore, Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture imposes strict penalties for having a snake in the state. These penalties include a fine of up to $200,000.00 and up to three years in prison.

The Brahminy Blindsnake: An Invasive Species That Is Allowed To Stay

There is a highly invasive species of snake that Hawaii turns an indulgent blind eye to. The Brahminy blindsnake is between 4.4 and 6.5 inches long and looks like a colorful earthworm. The species has a slim body that is light grey, charcoal, or purple with a grey or brown underbelly.

The species originates in southeast Asia, but due to the international plant trade, they are now found worldwide. The Brahminy is also parthenogenic, meaning they are all female and can reproduce quickly without mating. They like human gardens and backyards and live in soil, leaves, or rotten logs in high-humidity areas. They pose no danger to humans or pets and hunt termites and ants.