Skip to main content
HI

Deer Hunting in Hawaii: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)

Deer hunting in Hawaii starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.

Resident Tag $30 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $220 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Year-round (select units) – Varies Varies by unit
Draw Required? Island-specific public access; Lanai deer by lottery Lānaʻi axis deer lottery deadlines are set annually by DLNR; other island access varies by unit
DEER QUICK ANSWER

Hawaii Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer

Start here for Hawaii deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.

Resident Deer Tag $30

Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.

Non-Resident Deer Tag $220

Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.

Access Type Island-specific public access; Lanai deer by lottery

Lānaʻi axis deer lottery deadlines are set annually by DLNR; other island access varies by unit

Primary Season Year-round (select units) - Varies

Varies by unit; also check Lottery Hunts.

For Hawaii deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Lānaʻi axis deer lottery uses license plus tag; Maui and other island access varies by public unit or private land. Because this page lists mixed access, confirm the exact tag type, zone, and application rule before planning travel. Hawaii does not list a current CWD detection here, but carcass import rules can still affect travel.

OVERVIEW

Deer Hunting in Hawaii

Hawaii deer planning depends on island and access type, so it should not be described as a statewide free or OTC deer-tag system. The clearest public price example is the Lānaʻi axis deer lottery: residents budget the $10 hunting license plus the $20 axis deer tag, while non-residents budget the $95 hunting license plus the $125 tag, before any application or trip costs. Maui, Molokaʻi, Kauaʻi, and private-land opportunities use different public-unit schedules, access rules, and check-in requirements. CWD is not detected in Hawaii's wild deer, but hunters should still follow DLNR island-specific season, tag, check-in, and transport rules.

Species present: Axis DeerBlack-tailed Deer
SEASONS

Hawaii Deer Season Dates (2026)

All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.

Season Type Start Date End Date Weapon
Varies by unit Year-round (select units) Varies Rifle, bow
Lottery Hunts Feb-May Varies by draw Rifle, bow
Varies Varies Varies Rifle, bow
Multiple Seasons

Hawaii offers 3 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.

COSTS

Hawaii Deer Tag Fees

Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.

Resident
$30

Deer tag / permit

Non-Resident
$220

Access depends on hunt type or residency.

Lānaʻi axis deer lottery uses license plus tag; Maui and other island access varies by public unit or private land

PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP

Choose the right Hawaii deer planning path

Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.

REGULATIONS

CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Hawaii

Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.

CWD Status

Not Detected

CWD Testing / Transport

No in-state detection listed

No CWD zone applies in Hawaii; hunters should still follow Hawaii's island-specific transport and check-in rules.

Bag Limit

Daily: Per tag · Season: Per tags purchased

Lottery system; limited access

Allowed Weapons

Rifle, bow, shotgun

Access Planning

Access: Island-specific public access; Lanai deer by lottery

Deadline: Lānaʻi axis deer lottery deadlines are set annually by DLNR; other island access varies by unit

Points system: No

Official Source

Always verify current regulations with the official source: DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.

FAQ

Deer Hunting in Hawaii — FAQ

Is CWD testing mandatory in Hawaii?

No. CWD has not been detected in Hawaii's wild deer. The more important planning issue is the island-specific DLNR season, tag, and check-in structure.

What are the antler restrictions?

Antler restrictions vary by species. For Black-tailed deer on Kauai, bucks must have antlers at least 3 inches long. Axis deer generally do not have antler restrictions.

Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Hawaii?

Sometimes. Lānaʻi axis deer hunts use a lottery, while other island opportunities depend on the public hunting unit, season announcement, or private-land access. Do not assume one statewide OTC deer tag covers Hawaii.

What deer species can I hunt in Hawaii?

Hawaii is home to Axis Deer and Black-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include rifle, bow, shotgun.

Can non-residents hunt deer in Hawaii?

Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Hawaii, but access depends on island and hunt type. For the Lānaʻi axis deer lottery, the planning cost is the $95 non-resident hunting license plus a $125 non-resident axis deer tag, before any application or travel costs.

Plan Your Hawaii Deer Hunt

Compare deer hunting costs, get the tag you need, and learn the regulations for Hawaii.