Viral Deception or Essential Knowledge? The Truth About Bear Hunting in Hawaii

The most crucial piece of information for any prospective "bear hunter" in Hawaii is this: There are NO native or established wild bear populations in the state of Hawaii. This article is designed to be the ultimate resource that answers the widely searched, yet fundamentally flawed, question about bear hunting in the Aloha State. We will provide all the detailed information requested to debunk the myth and offer genuinely useful, essential, and unique facts about Hawaiian hunting, wildlife, and safety that a hunter or hiker truly needs.

Part 1: The Bear Reality in Hawaii (The Essential Truth)

The idea of pursuing a bear in the lush rainforests or volcanic slopes of Hawaii is a captivating, but entirely fabricated, notion.

Bears in Hawaii

• American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) - Not Present - Not found in Hawaii • Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos) - Not Present - Not found in Hawaii • Other Bears (e.g., Polar, Sun, Asiatic) - Not Present - Not found in Hawaii

The Historical Exception: The Case of "Butch"

The only notable mention of a bear in the wild in Hawaii is an escaped exotic pet. Details: In 1956, an 18-month-old American Black Bear cub named "Butch" escaped from a private animal farm on Oʻahu. Butch roamed the Koʻolau mountains for years, with occasional sightings reported. There are no reports of "Butch" attacking humans or livestock. The bear's ultimate fate is unclear from public records, but he was an isolated, non-breeding anomaly, not a sign of an established population. Therefore, any search for bear hunting seasons, regulations, or tags in Hawaii will yield results for other US states, not the Aloha State, because there is no bear hunt, and there are no bears to hunt.

Part 2: The Real Big Game Hunting in Hawaii (The Useful Information)

Since bear hunting is impossible, we focus on the abundant and challenging non-native species that are legal game in Hawaii, which is where your hunting adventure truly lies.

The Top Game Animals in Hawaii

Feral Pig (Wild Boar) - All Islands, in wet, dense rainforests and thick brush - Dog hunting is popular, a challenging stalk for meat/trophy. Hawaiian Ibex/Goat - Hawaiʻi (Big Island), Maui, Kauaʻi, on steep, rocky slopes of volcanic mountains (e.g., Mauna Kea) - Extreme terrain and keen eyesight make for difficult, long-range shots. Mouflon Sheep - Hawaiʻi (Big Island), at High-elevation, dry, and rocky terrain - A highly sought-after trophy hunt, requiring patience and fitness. Axis Deer - Maui, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, in dry, open grasslands and forested areas - Excellent table fare, often hunted during seasonal rut (velvet or hard antler).

Game Meat and Recipes in Hawaii

While there are no traditional "bear meat" recipes, Feral Pig (Wild Boar) is the most popular hunted wild game and is deeply embedded in Hawaiian culinary tradition. Wild Boar Flavor: Unlike commercial pork, wild boar meat is lean, darker, and boasts a richer, nuttier, and more gamey flavor. The quality of the fat is highly prized for rendering.

Popular Hawaiian Wild Boar Recipes:

1. Kālua Pig (Hunted-Style): The most iconic. The whole pig is traditionally wrapped in ti leaves and slow-cooked for hours in an underground oven (imu) until it is fall-off-the-bone tender and smoky. 2. Lau Lau: Chunks of seasoned boar meat and other ingredients are wrapped in taro leaves and steamed until tender, resulting in a savory, creamy dish. 3. Adobo/Vindaloo: Due to the Filipino and Portuguese influence in Hawaii, highly seasoned, vinegary, and spicy stews are popular methods for preparing the strong flavor of wild boar.

Part 3: Essential Safety and Hunting Costs

Hunting and Hiking Safety in Hawaii (The Real Dangers) - Since bears are not a concern, safety shifts to the unique hazards of the tropical environment: 1. The Terrain is the Threat: Volcanic rock, lava tubes, and dense, tangled jungle are the primary risks. Sprained ankles, getting lost in thick ʻuluhe (fern), and falling are common. Never hike or hunt alone. Carry a fully charged cell phone and/or a satellite communication device. Wear sturdy boots with excellent ankle support. 2. Weather: Flash floods and sudden, heavy rains are a danger, particularly in valleys and on steep trails. Check the forecast before you go, and turn back if water levels rise rapidly in streams or gulches. 3. Wild Boar Encounter: Feral pigs are the only large, potentially dangerous animal. They will typically avoid humans, but a sow protecting piglets or an injured boar can charge. Carry a reliable, large-caliber sidearm if permitted, or a large hunting knife for defense. Move slowly and give any animal a wide berth.

Hunting Costs in Hawaii (For Real Game)

Since there is no bear hunting, we provide typical costs for guided and unguided hunts for the actual big game species in Hawaii. Note that most big game land is private, making guided hunts common. • Feral Pig/Boar - ~$10 - $100 (Permit/Tag Fee only) - $800 - $1,600 (Per day, all-inclusive) • Mouflon Sheep/Goat - ~$10 - $100 (Permit/Tag Fee only) - $1,500 - $3,500+ (Trophy Fee for Ram/Billy often applies) • Axis Deer | Not Common (Mostly on Private Land) - $2,000 - $4,500 (For a Trophy Buck) Note: Unguided costs reflect state hunting permits and tags only. Guided costs typically include a guide, transportation, field dressing, and potentially firearm rental.

Part 4: Cultural and Historical Context of Hunting in Hawaii

Hunting in Hawaii has no historical context related to bears, as all game species are introduced. The tradition revolves around sustenance and land management. • Pre-Contact Era: Hunting in ancient Hawaii focused almost entirely on birds (for feathers and meat) and small non-mammalian prey. The only native terrestrial mammals were the Hawaiian hoary bat and the monk seal, which were not typically hunted for sport. • The Introduction of Game: Beginning with the arrival of Captain Cook in 1778, European and Asian settlers introduced various hoofed animals (goats, sheep, pigs, cattle, deer) for food and cultural reasons. These non-native species thrived in the predator-free environment and rapidly became a major issue for the native flora. • Modern Hunting as Conservation: Today, hunting wild boar, goats, and sheep is not just a recreational activity; it is a critical component of conservation and land management in Hawaii. Hunters perform a vital service by managing the populations of these non-native, invasive animals to protect the fragile, endemic Hawaiian ecosystem. This is a unique perspective that makes Hawaiian hunting an act of environmental stewardship.

Hunting Gear & Supplies Store

Find all the top hunting gear and supplies for your next bear hunting adventure at the Mendenhall Outdoors Hunting Gear & Tackle Store.

Cottages and Vacation Home Rentals

Looking for place to stay on your next hunting adventure? Expedia has vacation homes, hotels, motels, cabins, and cottages for many locations that would be great for your next vacation, all at really great prices. Start your adventures today.

About The Author

Mike Mendenhall is the the founder of Lunker Hunter. This website is an extension of the Mendenhall family’s lifestyle and passion for the great outdoors. Everything that they learn, and experience, along the way that they find may be valuable to our website visitors is on the site for you to enjoy. We highlight products and services that you might find interesting. We frequently receive free products from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you click a link on this page, then go on to make a purchase, we might receive a commission – at no extra cost to you, and does not impact the purchase price of any products that you may purchase.