Axis deer, also known as chital, were first introduced to Hawaiʻi in 1868 when eight deer were gifted by the King of India to King Kamehameha V. They were released on Molokaʻi, and over time, they were moved to Lānaʻi and eventually made their way to Maui.

With no natural predators and year-round breeding, their population grew fast. Today, axis deer are considered invasive — they overgraze native plants, damage crops, and threaten the health of Maui’s forests and watersheds. But they also provide some of the leanest, cleanest wild meat in the world.

At Maui Hunting Expedition, we offer guided and self-guided hunts on private land, where you'll get a real chance to stalk and harvest these fast, sharp-eyed animals.

Cool Facts About Axis Deer:

• Only eight deer started the entire population we hunt today — that’s how fast they multiply.

• They breed year-round in Hawaiʻi due to our tropical climate, unlike in most parts of the world.

• Their meat is extremely lean and naturally sweet — prized by chefs and hunters alike.

• As of 2024, the estimated axis deer populations across the Hawaiian Islands are:

  • Maui: Approximately 34,000 deer, down from an estimated 60,000 in 2022 due to increased management efforts.

  • Molokaʻi: Between 50,000 and 70,000 deer.

  • Lānaʻi: Around 25,000 to 30,000 deer.

  These numbers indicate that axis deer populations remain substantial across the islands, despite ongoing control measures. The deer continue to impact native ecosystems and agriculture, underscoring the importance of sustained management efforts.

• Estimated Axis Deer Population vs. People (2024)

  • Axis Deer on Maui:
    ~34,000 deer island-wide (after management efforts)

  Local Human Population Estimates:

  • Hāna: ~1,500 people

  • Kaupō: ~100 people

  Comparison:

  • There’s roughly 22 axis deer for every one person in Kaupō

  • There’s about 23 deer for every household in Hāna (assuming average household size of 2–3 people)

  Why This Matters:

  • That’s more deer than people by a massive margin in East Maui.

  • These deer eat crops, destroy native forests, and crash through fences.

  • Hunting is one of the only ways to control the population and protect the ʻāina, especially in rural communities like Hana.