Is it legal to own a hedgehog in Hawaii?
The short answer
No. Hedgehogs are illegal in Hawaii. The state's quarantine system allows only animals on approved lists, and hedgehogs are not on any permitted list — they are treated as prohibited under HAR 4-71 to protect Hawaii's isolated island ecosystem. Penalties for smuggling prohibited animals are among the harshest in the nation.
What Hawaii law says
Hawaii Administrative Rules §4-71-6 and the Plant Quarantine lists bar importing or possessing animals not on the conditional-approval lists; hedgehogs are excluded, making possession unlawful statewide.
Which agency regulates hedgehogs in Hawaii
Hawaii Department of Agriculture — Plant Quarantine Branch is the authority for hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) possession in Hawaii.
Is there a permit for pet hedgehogs?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Limited permits exist only for research institutions and exhibitions, not private pets.
Penalties for owning a hedgehog illegally
Possessing or importing a prohibited animal can bring fines up to $200,000 and criminal charges, plus seizure of the animal.
Local city and county rules
The ban applies on every island; no county can authorize hedgehog ownership.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Hawaii ban hedgehogs?
Hawaii's quarantine law protects its fragile island ecosystem; hedgehogs are considered a potential invasive predator of native insects and ground-nesting species, so they are excluded from the approved animal lists.
Sources
- Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture — Animal Import Program
- Are Hedgehogs Legal in My State? (50-State Guide)
More animals in Hawaii
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Hawaii?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Hawaii?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Hawaii?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Hawaii page, or compare every state on the pet hedgehog laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-13 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Hawaii Department of Agriculture — Plant Quarantine Branch and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.