Hawaiʻi Island Hunting Rules Temporarily Revert to Standard

Adaptive management rules set to expire, new proposal in the works

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hunting rules on Hawaiʻi Island will temporarily revert to the standard rules and exhibits currently listed in Exhibit 1 of HAR Chapter 13-122 (Game Birds) and Exhibit 11 of HAR Chapter 13-123 (Game Mammals). This affects several key hunting opportunities, including the Puʻuanahulu Archery Season, Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Archery Season, and Spring Turkey Season. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife is actively working to extend the adaptive management rules and will submit a proposed change for Board of Land and Natural Resources consideration.

Why it matters

The adaptive management rules were implemented two years ago to provide more flexibility in managing hunting seasons, bag limits, and tag requirements on Hawaiʻi Island. Their expiration means a return to the standard, less adaptable regulations, which could impact hunting opportunities and conservation efforts.

The details

The adaptive management rules took effect on March 18, 2024 and were scheduled to expire on March 18, 2026. With the rules reverting to the standard exhibits, the primary hunting opportunities affected include the Puʻuanahulu Archery Season, Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Archery Season, and Spring Turkey Season on Hawaiʻi Island. Hunters are encouraged to purchase their tags in person, as the rules have now expired.

  • The adaptive management rules took effect on March 18, 2024.
  • The adaptive management rules were scheduled to expire on March 18, 2026.
  • The standard hunting rules have now returned as of March 27, 2026.

The players

Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR)

The state agency responsible for approving and overseeing the adaptive management rules for hunting on Hawaiʻi Island.

DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW)

The state agency actively working to extend the adaptive management rules and submit a proposed change for BLNR consideration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife will submit a proposed adaptive management rule change for the Board of Land and Natural Resources to consider, in an effort to extend the more flexible hunting regulations on Hawaiʻi Island.

The takeaway

The temporary reversion to standard hunting rules on Hawaiʻi Island highlights the importance of adaptive management approaches, which allow wildlife agencies to be more responsive to changing conditions. The proposed rule change aims to restore this flexibility and ensure sustainable hunting opportunities on the island.