Hawaii bans most exotic pets statewide to protect fragile island ecosystems. Honolulu residents cannot keep snakes, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, or most reptiles. State quarantine and import permits are required for legal pets entering the islands.
Hawaii enforces the strictest exotic-pet rules in the United States under HRS Chapter 141 and Department of Agriculture rules. Snakes, ferrets, hamsters, gerbils, monkeys, large parrots, and most amphibians are prohibited because escapes could devastate native species. Honolulu's ROH Chapter 7 layers local enforcement on top, and HPD plus the state Plant Quarantine Branch handle seizures. Even surrendering an illegal animal carries fines but no prosecution under amnesty provisions. Service-animal exceptions follow federal ADA standards, not state lists.
First-offense possession of a prohibited exotic animal can trigger fines up to $200,000 and a felony charge under HRS §141-3, plus mandatory surrender and possible euthanasia of the animal.
Honolulu, HI
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle exotic pets.
See how Honolulu's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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