Hawaii is largely snake-free due to its extreme geographic isolation and stringent biosecurity measures. The islands’ delicate native ecosystems are highly vulnerable to outside threats, especially predators that could outcompete or prey upon local species. Consequently, all non-native snakes are prohibited from being imported, possessed, or transported throughout the state. This strict policy protects the native flora and fauna, though there are two notable exceptions to the common perception of Hawaii being entirely devoid of snakes.
The Only Established Land Snake
The only established land snake in Hawaii is the Brahminy Blind Snake, Ramphotyphlops braminus. This small, non-venomous reptile is often called the “flowerpot snake” because it was accidentally introduced via the soil of imported potted plants. It is a subterranean species, spending most of its life burrowing in loose, moist soil, leaf litter, and under rocks, which is why it is rarely seen.
The Brahminy Blind Snake is extremely small, typically reaching only five to six inches in length, and is often compared to an earthworm. Its head and tail are nearly indistinguishable, and its vestigial eyes can only detect light intensity.
A key characteristic of this species is its reproductive strategy, known as parthenogenesis. This means the snake is an all-female species capable of reproducing asexually, laying fertile eggs without needing a male. Since every individual can lay a clutch of up to eight eggs, a single stowaway female is enough to establish a new population.
Rare Visitors from the Ocean
The surrounding Pacific Ocean occasionally delivers a highly venomous marine snake to the shores. The Yellow-bellied Sea Snake, Hydrophis platurus, is a pelagic species, meaning it lives its entire life in the open ocean and is not an established resident. Sightings are rare, typically occurring when the reptile is sick, injured, or pushed ashore by strong currents.
This snake is easily identifiable by its distinct coloration, featuring a bright yellow underside and a dark brown or black back. It possesses potent venom, considered more toxic than that of a cobra. Its venom is myotoxic, acting to break down skeletal muscle tissue, which can be lethal. Authorities advise the public never to touch or approach one if encountered, instead reporting it immediately for professional collection.
Preventing Invasive Species
The state’s strict anti-snake policy is largely driven by the threat posed by the Brown Tree Snake, Boiga irregularis. This nocturnal, rear-fanged snake is native to Australia and New Guinea but was accidentally introduced to Guam following World War II. With no natural predators there, the population exploded, causing the extinction of nine out of Guam’s thirteen native forest bird species.
The introduction of the Brown Tree Snake to Hawaii would be an environmental disaster, threatening native bird populations. The snake also causes substantial economic damage, frequently climbing utility poles on Guam and causing millions of dollars in power outages annually. The risk of the snake arriving is high because it hides in aircraft wheel wells and cargo containers traveling from Guam.
To combat this threat, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch maintains rigorous inspection procedures. This includes using detector dog teams trained to sniff out snakes in cargo, ships, and planes arriving from high-risk locations. The illegal possession, importation, or transportation of any snake is a serious felony offense, carrying substantial fines and potential prison time. This comprehensive quarantine system is the primary line of defense for protecting Hawaii’s ecosystems.