Many people wonder about sea snakes in Hawaii’s waters, especially given the islands’ lack of native land snakes. Understanding sea snake sightings involves looking at specific species and their migratory patterns across the Pacific Ocean.
The Truth About Sea Snakes in Hawaii
Sea snakes are found in the Pacific Ocean, but their presence in Hawaiian waters is exceedingly rare. The Yellow-bellied Sea Snake (Hydrophis platurus) is the only species occasionally sighted. It is not native or established in Hawaii, meaning there are no breeding populations. Sightings typically involve individual snakes carried to Hawaiian shores by ocean currents. These pelagic animals live their entire lives in the open ocean, far from coastlines, which contributes to their rarity in Hawaii due to the islands’ isolated location and lack of suitable shallow-water breeding habitats.
Identifying the Yellow-bellied Sea Snake
The Yellow-bellied Sea Snake is recognizable by its distinct coloration and body shape. It features a black or dark blue-brown upper body sharply delineated from a bright yellow underbelly. Its tail is flattened and paddle-shaped, an adaptation for movement through water. These snakes average about 1 meter (3 feet) in length, though some can reach up to 1.2 meters (4 feet); while they possess potent neurotoxic venom, they are generally docile and rarely bite humans unless provoked. Their natural habitat spans the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans, extending from Africa to Central America.
Distinguishing Sea Snakes from Look-Alikes
Confusion often arises between sea snakes and other marine creatures, particularly eels, which are common in Hawaiian waters. Unlike sea snakes, eels are fish, possessing gills and lacking the need to surface for air. Sea snakes have a paddle-like tail for propulsion and typically have small, non-overlapping scales. Eels, conversely, have continuous dorsal and anal fins along their bodies and often have smooth, scaleless skin. Observing these distinctions helps prevent misidentification.
What to Do if You Spot a Sea Snake
Given their rarity and protected status, observe any sighted sea snake from a distance. Never attempt to approach, touch, or provoke it; even docile snakes can deliver a venomous bite if threatened. Report any sightings, especially if on shore, to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch. Contact their toll-free Pest Hotline at 808-643-PEST (7378). This reporting helps authorities monitor these rare occurrences and ensure the animal’s welfare.