If you’ve been wondering whether you can own a squirrel in Hawaii, the short answer is no — and the prohibition is among the strictest of any state in the country. Hawaii treats squirrels as a prohibited species, meaning no private individual may legally own, import, or harbor one under any circumstances. This isn’t a gray area or a matter of missing paperwork; it’s a firm ban rooted in the state’s unique ecological situation.
Hawaii’s island ecosystem evolved in near-total isolation for millions of years, making it extraordinarily sensitive to introduced species. Understanding exactly what the law says — and what happens if you ignore it — can save you from serious legal and financial consequences. This article walks you through every aspect of squirrel ownership law in Hawaii so you know precisely where you stand.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Hawaii?
No, it is not legal to own a squirrel in Hawaii. Hawaii does not permit squirrel ownership except for zoos, because no squirrels are native to Hawaii and they are therefore not allowed for import. This applies to every species in the squirrel family, with no pathway for private residents to obtain one legally.
Hawaii has some of the strictest pet import and exotic animal laws in the U.S., designed to protect native plants and wildlife. The reasoning behind this goes beyond bureaucratic caution. Hawaii’s isolated island ecosystem is incredibly fragile and unique. The state’s strict exotic animal laws exist to protect native wildlife, agriculture, and public health. Because Hawaii evolved in isolation for millions of years, many native species lack natural defenses against introduced predators and diseases.
Hawaii has a very delicate ecosystem with almost 400 endangered animal species, many of which are endemic and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Escaped pets may overwhelm local ecosystems via overpredation, overpopulation, or spreading diseases that devastate an unprepared ecosystem. A single squirrel that escapes a home could establish a breeding population with no natural predators to check its growth. You can read more about the venomous animals in Hawaii to get a fuller picture of just how carefully balanced the state’s wildlife landscape is.
Important Note: Even if you already own a squirrel and are moving to Hawaii, you cannot bring it with you. The prohibition applies to importation as well as possession within the state.
Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Hawaii?
For private individuals, no squirrel species is legal to own in Hawaii. Hawaii Administrative Rules classify the entire family Sciuridae as prohibited, with only two species — Callosciurus prevosti (Prevost’s squirrel) and Sciurus variegatoides (variegated squirrel) — permitted for exhibition in government zoos only. These two narrow exceptions exist solely for accredited zoological facilities and offer no avenue for private ownership.
This means that every squirrel species you might encounter in the continental U.S. — including the many different types of squirrels such as eastern gray squirrels, fox squirrels, red squirrels, and flying squirrels — is prohibited for private possession in Hawaii. The ban covers all members of the Sciuridae family without exception for individual residents. You can explore the types of squirrels found in the U.S. to understand the breadth of what falls under this prohibition.
Marmots (genus Marmota), which are closely related members of the squirrel family, are listed separately in Hawaii’s restricted animal regulations for exhibition purposes only — again, not for private ownership. Hawaii’s restricted animal list confirms that Prevost’s squirrel, variegated squirrel, and all marmot species are categorized solely for zoo or research exhibition.
Key Insight: Flying squirrels, prairie dogs, and chipmunks are all members of the Sciuridae family and fall under the same blanket prohibition as tree squirrels. None of them may be kept as pets in Hawaii.
Permit and License Requirements in Hawaii
There is no permit available for private squirrel ownership in Hawaii. The state’s framework for non-domestic animals operates through a list-based system, and squirrels appear on the prohibited list — not the restricted or conditionally approved lists that allow permit applications. The importation and possession of non-domesticated animals are governed by a list-based system. Animals are categorized into lists that determine if they are conditionally approved, restricted, or prohibited. Species on the restricted and conditionally approved lists require an import permit from the Plant Quarantine Branch before they can be brought into the state.
Because squirrels sit on the prohibited list rather than the restricted list, no permit process exists for a private individual to pursue. The introduction into Hawaii of live animals or live non-domestic animals is prohibited except for those animals on the lists incorporated in section 4-71-6.5, by permit. Squirrels are not on that approved-with-permit list for private use.
In rare cases, organizations like zoos, research facilities, or educational institutions may obtain special permits for otherwise prohibited animals. These permits are extremely difficult to obtain and are not granted for personal pet ownership. If you are affiliated with an accredited institution, contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch at (808) 832-0566 for institution-specific guidance.
| Animal Category | Private Permit Available? | Zoo/Research Permit Available? |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited (e.g., squirrels, snakes) | No | Very limited species only |
| Restricted | Yes, with HDOA approval | Yes |
| Conditionally Approved | Yes, with import permit | Yes |
| Domesticated (dogs, cats, etc.) | Yes, with quarantine compliance | Yes |
Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Hawaii
There is no legal way to obtain a pet squirrel in Hawaii. No licensed breeder, pet store, rescue organization, or private seller may legally supply a squirrel to a private resident within the state. Squirrels are listed among the animals explicitly prohibited from importation into Hawaii, which means they cannot be shipped in from mainland breeders either.
This stands in contrast to states on the mainland where legal pathways do exist. Even in permissive states, legal possession almost always requires using a captive wildlife or breeder permit and ensuring the animal is legally sourced, often from a USDA-licensed breeder. In Hawaii, that pathway simply does not exist for squirrels at the private level.
If you are passionate about squirrels and wildlife, Hawaii does offer some constructive alternatives. Volunteering with wildlife sanctuaries or rehabilitation centers allows you to work with animals in a legal, supervised context. You might also consider exploring the rich native wildlife Hawaii does have — check out the butterflies, bees, and other fascinating creatures that make up the islands’ ecosystem. For those who want a small mammal companion, guinea pigs are one of the few rodents that made Hawaii’s approved pet list.
Housing and Care Requirements in Hawaii
Because squirrel ownership is fully prohibited in Hawaii, there are no official housing or care standards issued by the state for private squirrel keepers — there is no framework to regulate something the state does not permit. The absence of care guidelines is itself a reflection of the absolute nature of the ban.
For context on what responsible squirrel care looks like in states where it is legal, enclosures typically need to be large, multi-level wire cages with plenty of enrichment, nesting material, and climbing structures. Squirrels are highly active, intelligent animals with demanding social and dietary needs that most households are not equipped to meet. Even in permissive mainland states, legal possession almost always requires captive wildlife or breeder permits and ensuring proper housing and inspection.
Hawaii’s limited veterinary infrastructure for exotic species adds another layer of concern. Even if your ideal pet isn’t technically on the prohibited list, veterinary care in Hawaii might be limited and vets may not be as prepared to work with exotic animals. For a prohibited species like a squirrel, finding qualified veterinary care would be essentially impossible, which would directly harm the animal’s welfare.
Pro Tip: If you are considering a small, active pet that is legal in Hawaii, guinea pigs and domestic rabbits are both permitted and have well-established care resources available through Hawaii-based veterinarians.
Local and Municipal Restrictions in Hawaii
Hawaii’s prohibition on squirrel ownership operates at the state level under Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 4-71 and Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 150A, meaning it applies uniformly across all counties and municipalities. There is no county in Hawaii — not Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii County, or Kauai — where a local ordinance can override or relax the statewide ban.
While your state may allow you to keep certain animals as pets, local laws can restrict ownership. In Hawaii’s case, the reverse is true: the state-level prohibition is so comprehensive that local governments have no authority to carve out exceptions for squirrels. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch regulates the importation of non-domestic animals — any animal not considered to be domesticated and common in Hawaii.
Condominium and homeowner association rules add yet another layer. No animals described as pests under section 150A-2, or animals prohibited from importation under section 141-2, 150A-5, or 150A-6 shall be permitted in condominiums under Hawaii law. This means even if a landlord or HOA were inclined to allow a squirrel, state law prohibits it regardless. Hawaii’s diverse wildlife is worth appreciating on its own terms — the lizards, frogs, and moths of Hawaii are all fascinating subjects for wildlife enthusiasts.
Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Hawaii
The penalties for illegally owning or importing a squirrel in Hawaii are serious and can escalate to felony-level charges. Hawaii Revised Statutes § 150A-14 establishes a tiered penalty structure based on the severity of the violation.
- Misdemeanor charge: If a violation involves a prohibited animal or a restricted species kept without a permit, the individual can be charged with a misdemeanor. This charge carries a minimum fine of $5,000 and a maximum fine of $20,000.
- Class C felony: Penalties are even stricter for those who import or harbor prohibited animals with the intent to propagate, sell, or release them. In these cases, the offense is a class C felony. Convictions for this level of crime involve fines ranging from $50,000 to $200,000.
- Imprisonment: Any person convicted of owning, transporting, or possessing any prohibited animal may be fined up to $200,000, imprisoned for not more than three years, and required to pay all costs relating to the violation.
Beyond fines and criminal charges, the consequences extend to the animal itself. Your illegal animal will be immediately seized by authorities — there is no negotiation or grace period once a violation is discovered. The animal may be euthanized or shipped back to the mainland at your expense. You will be held fully responsible for all quarantine and housing costs, which can accumulate into thousands of dollars before the process is resolved.
There is one important legal off-ramp worth knowing. To encourage compliance, the state offers an amnesty program where individuals who voluntarily surrender prohibited animals before any seizure action begins are exempt from these penalties. If you have somehow come into possession of a squirrel in Hawaii, contacting the Hawaii Department of Agriculture proactively is strongly advisable.
Important Note: Possession of two or more squirrels of opposite sex, or three or more of either sex, triggers a legal presumption of “intent to propagate” under HRS § 150A-14 — elevating the charge from misdemeanor to class C felony automatically.
The legal framework in Hawaii leaves no ambiguity: squirrels are prohibited animals, no private permit exists, and the penalties for violation are substantial. If you love squirrels, the best way to appreciate them while living in Hawaii is through wildlife documentaries, visits to accredited zoos, or by learning about the diverse squirrel species found across North America and Africa. For anyone relocating to the islands, reviewing Hawaii’s full prohibited animal list before your move is an essential step — not an optional one.