Hawaii is often envisioned as a serene tropical paradise, filled with hula dancers and luxurious resorts. However, many people are not aware that it is also home to remarkable big-game hunting opportunities, particularly on the less-traveled islands.
Among these islands is Lanai, a lesser-known destination where I served as a resident wildlife biologist for the Hawaiian Division of Fish and Game.
Surprisingly, the entire island is owned by the Dole Corporation, known for its pineapple production. Lanai’s private ownership means it seldom sees tourist crowds, leading many residents of Honolulu to mistakenly believe it is solely a vast pineapple plantation.
In reality, only the central plateau of this 141-square-mile island comprises the cultivated pineapple fields, while approximately 60,000 acres of brushland and forest have been designated as public hunting areas by the Hawaiian Division of Fish and Game.
Far from being exclusive to tourists, Lanai offers ample opportunities for public recreation. Most of the island’s 2,300 residents reside in Lanai City, a quaint town reminiscent of New England, situated at an elevation of 1,600 feet. This provides plenty of uninhabited space for hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities.
The Lanai Game Management Area is a designated playground for game-bird hunting, introducing species such as pheasants, chukars, Japanese quail, and various doves during the fall season, typically from mid-October through December, on Sundays only.
Additionally, the island boasts a robust population of stunning spotted axis deer, with hunting opportunities limited solely to Lanai and Molokai within the entire United States.
Yet, it is the hunting of goats that stands out as a unique adventure on Lanai.
When one thinks of hunting, goats may not seem an appealing target, but let me shed some light on the wild goats that roam Lanai’s rugged terrain. These goats are not the typical backyard varieties you may associate with the farm; rather, they have evolved over the past century into respectable game animals.
These billies have developed distinct markings, generally featuring a solid coat of black, brown, or cream, complemented by a bold black stripe down the back and another around their shoulders. Their horns vary greatly in shape, providing hunters with a range of trophy options, with a desirable spread of about 30 inches often sought after.
While their scent recalls typical goats, particularly for the older, trophy-size billies, goat meat is surprisingly flavorful when prepared correctly. Many local hunters prize it, often going beyond traditional roasts and steaks.
Yet the true allure of hunting these goats lies in the stunning landscapes they inhabit. Contrary to the popular notion that Hawaiian Islands consist solely of beaches and palm trees, Lanai showcases a long, wooded ridge called Lanaihale, which stands at over 3,300 feet above sea level.
The ridge slopes down sharply on the windward side, creating a series of steep fingers that extend toward the ocean. Deep gulches, exceeding 1,000 feet from ridge to bottom, separate these fingers, presenting thrilling challenges to those who dare to climb them.
The upper region of the ridge falls into the cloud belt, adorned with lush shrubbery and fern jungles, while the primary areas of the fingers are more open, showcasing grassy areas amid occasional trees and shrubs.
Goat territory spans elevations from the fern forest down to about 500 feet, making this landscape a genuine playground for avid hunters.
Access routes into the rugged goat territory include a drive from Lanai City along the paved road to the northeast coast, then following a jeep track along the beach and through coastal forests for around 11 miles.
This leads hunters to the chosen ridge, where they can embark on foot— crossing through thorn bushes before reaching open terrain.
Another route involves ascending the jeep road running through the main mountain ridge, requiring hunters to descend about a mile through fern jungles to reach the open ridge from above.
Each path offers unique benefits and challenges. When approaching from the bottom, hunters endure heat and distance, but once they have secured their goat, they can easily make their way downhill. Conversely, starting from atop the ridge may seem easier on the way down, but retrieving the goat requires a demanding uphill trek.
Most local hunters prefer to pursue goats on foot, sometimes utilizing horses, but cross-country hunting through much of the goat territory remains highly discouraged.
One jeep road runs alongside Awehi Gulch from the mountain top to the coastal road, providing fair goat range, but it is prone to heavy hunting pressure due to its accessibility.
Consequently, trophy hunting results near this road tend to be less favorable.
Having previously lived in Colorado, I was accustomed to the more solid terrain of the Rocky Mountains. However, the loose, crumbling mixture of rocks on Lanai creates treacherous footing, akin to traversing a landscape of stacked tennis balls.
Despite how daunting these terrains can seem to a hunter, the goats navigate these steep slopes with remarkable ease, grazing and resting in areas that make many spectators dizzy just to observe.
When hunting along the ridges between larger gulches, the key strategy lies in catching the goats before they descend. Spotting a herd from a distance and stalking them is often straightforward, as goats typically are less alert than deer, allowing for careful shot placement.
If a hunter shoots at a goat situated on the edge of a gulch, the carcass frequently slides down to the base, making retrieval nearly impossible. However, when goats fall into less steep gulches, it’s more manageable to pack them out.
Therefore, aiming for shots on the ridge tops is preferred, increasing the chances of an effective and successful hunt.
Unfortunately, I have witnessed inexperienced hunters attempting long-distance shots at goats on distant ridges, often as far as 600 yards away.
Even if successful, many lack the motivation to recover long-lost animals, leading to wasteful hunting practices.
Nevertheless, not all local hunters are reckless; many are meticulous sportsmen who value ethical hunting practices.
I came to know two such individuals, Ray Fabrao and Clarence Fujimoto, who work for the Dole Corporation on Lanai. Both dedicated hunters took their pursuits seriously, exemplified when they achieved limits during the 1958-59 archery season.
During one sunny Sunday in August 1958, I had the opportunity to accompany Ray and Clarence as they explored the Awehi Gulch area.
Initially doubtful due to previous hunting pressure, I was pleasantly surprised by the swift turn of events.
Before we even exited our vehicles, Clarence spotted a nanny goat about 200 yards away on a neighboring ridge.
As the hunt fell during an either-sex season, he aimed carefully with his Marlin .30/30 and scored a direct hit.
Before the shock waves of the bullet reached our ears, the nanny had dropped.
At that moment, an additional band of goats stumbled into view nearby, triggering nervousness among the goats who did not remain still for long.
In a stroke of luck, Ray also fired, downing another nanny just moments later with his Winchester Model 64.
In less than five minutes, the two hunters had secured their goats, leaving only the arduous task of retrieving the animals ahead.
Details quickly surfaced showcasing the challenging geography: the distance of 200 yards was over a steep gulch measuring 600 feet deep, with rock-slope angles of 60°.
After an hour and a half of navigating treacherous terrain, both hunters successfully dressed the goats, packed them out, and made their way back to their jeep.
Reflecting on my personal experiences hunting on Lanai, I had my version of a ‘fun hunt’ on another Sunday that same season.
To clarify, when I say “fun hunt”, it refers to enjoying recreational hunting without the added stress of collecting samples for research.
In August, I ventured into goat country along a ridge above Hauola Gulch, where the goats thrive among the most dramatic landscapes on Lanai.
As I emerged from the fern forest, numerous goats appeared on the steep hillsides below.
However, shooting from that position seemed futile, so I continued the hunt searching for the best head I could find within that day.
While traversing about two miles down the slope, I spotted a small herd comprised of four billies and two nannies taking a rest.
Among them, one black billy had notably impressive horns that piqued my interest – wide and upcurving, making him an appealing target for a trophy.
I decided to pursue him, carefully descending my ridge through the small canyons while keeping concealed from the goats’ line of sight.
Upon reaching a suitable position within 75 yards of the herd, my pulse quickened with a hint of buck fever.
Despite having taken over 50 head of big game, I felt the familiar thrill of the moment.
Steadying my aim, I fired a shot from my Remington .30/06, hitting the billy through the lungs.
He collapsed on the spot, serving as a trophy I had been hoping to secure.
The horns measured a respectable 26 inches in width with a beautifully symmetrical and heavy structure.
Although not a record, this head adorned my collection as one of the finest captures I had achieved.
Hunting for goats on Lanai also comes with humorous encounters.
Legal hunting equipment varies practices, with a minimum muzzle energy of 1,200 foot-pounds required for rifles and rifled shotgun slugs permitted.
I recalled running into an older gentleman who appeared downtrodden as he explained how he attempted to shoot a goat using only his 12 gauge pump action.
He confidently claimed to have taken three shots, but the unfortunate goat had not fallen.
As he pointed toward the location, it became evident that the goat had been about 200 yards away on the next ridge entirely, too distant for a shotgun.
Significantly, many local hunters of Filipino descent boast a strong appreciation for goat meat, often cooking various parts, including internal organs.
When bringing in their catches, these hunters sometimes prefer to transport them ungutted, presenting a noticeable contrast to practices on the mainland.
One memorable encounter involved the Lanai game warden, Dick Morita, who stopped an old Filipino carrying a bag filled with entrails after a hunt.
Upon inspection, the man chuckled and mentioned how the terrain had been too steep for him to retrieve the entire goat, leading him to prioritize the more desirable parts of the animal.
While my perspective may differ on these diverse preferences, the traditional island hunters demonstrate remarkable resourcefulness.
On one occasion, I witnessed one of these determined hunters retrieve goat meat from the edge of a steep gulch.
After dropping the goat, he assessed the treacherous situation and carefully removed his shoes for better grip on the sharp lava stones.
With commendable skill, he made the descent barefoot, retrieving his prize before returning to solid ground.
Hunting equipment varies widely among Hawaiian hunters, with strong preferences for rifles equipped with scopes for clearer targets during long shots.
The prevalent calibers include .270, .30/06, and the classic .30/30, alongside an emerging popularity of 6 mm rifles noted for accuracy and range.
As the largest game animal, axis deer thrive in the regions where these flat-shooting cartridges excel, supported by well-placed shots.
Beyond the essentials of a good rifle and knife, a full canteen is vital, as navigating these high, arid ridges under the tropical sun can lead to extreme thirst.
High-quality binoculars facilitate effective game spotting throughout its habitats, enhancing the overall experience.
Post-examination studies revealed feasible possibilities for establishing a limited annual hunting season for axis deer without damaging the primary breeding population on Lanai.
The 1959 hunting season ran for two Sundays in October, with 150 permits issued through a drawing system.
Each permit allowed one deer of the specified sex to be harvested, reflecting ongoing management strategies.
Hawaii remains an accessible destination from Honolulu, with daily flights available to reach Lanai.
Fishing enthusiasts, campers, and adept hunters alike often find shelters challenging to secure unless booked ahead of time at the Lanai Inn.
However, numerous outdoor spaces allow camping to those yearning for a more adventurous experience.
During the previous year, hunters enjoyed a limited three-day billies-only season from April 24 to May 8, resulting in a 55% success rate among participants.
As the editorial deadline approached for this piece, details for the upcoming spring hunts remained pending, rendering the hunting community eager for updates.
Other islands host varying hunts throughout the year while the State regulations for goat hunting differ based on the unique circumstances present on each island.
To obtain the latest information and updates on hunting seasons, contacting the Hawaiian Division of Fish and Game is recommended.
Similar opportunities exist for hunting feral sheep and pigs in designated settings, alongside annual axis deer hunts in both Lanai and Molokai.
Consequently, these hunts often require drawings for limited permits, while methods differ based on the management of local populations.
It’s essential to note that passing through Honolulu allows access to all these extraordinary outdoor experiences, where traditional expectations include visitors indulging in tourist attractions.
However, true sportsmen may find a greater calling in the fields, pursuing goats or deer amid the beauty of Hawaii’s wilderness, ensuring that their rifles see action before any Tahitian dancers take the spotlight.
image source from：https://www.outdoorlife.com/hunting/wild-goats-hawaii/
