Is it legal to own a monkey in Hawaii?
The short answer
No. Hawaii has the strictest exotic-animal law in the country to protect its island ecosystem. Nonhuman primates are prohibited for private ownership; only government zoos and research facilities may hold them. It cannot be imported or kept, and there is no pet permit pathway.
What Hawaii law says
Hawaii Administrative Rules chapter 4-71 bans introducing any live animal not on an approved list; unapproved mammals like this one are prohibited, with narrow exceptions only for government zoos and research.
Which agency regulates monkeys in Hawaii
Hawaii Department of Agriculture — Plant Quarantine is the authority for monkey (Nonhuman primates) possession in Hawaii.
Is there a permit for pet monkeys?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Permits are limited to accredited zoos, research, and exhibition by government agencies — not private owners.
Penalties for owning a monkey illegally
Illegal introduction or possession carries heavy fines and mandatory removal of the animal from the state.
Local city and county rules
County rules cannot loosen the statewide ban; it applies across all islands.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my monkey to Hawaii?
No — Hawaii prohibits importing this animal, and pets already owned elsewhere cannot be brought in.
Sources
More animals in Hawaii
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Hawaii?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Hawaii?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Hawaii?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Hawaii page, or compare every state on the pet monkey laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-03 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Hawaii Department of Agriculture — Plant Quarantine and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.