Hawaii is now a shall-issue state since the Supreme Court’s ruling on the NYSRPA v Bruen on June 23rd, 2022. Permits are issued by the Chief of Police at the county level.
An applicant for an unconcealed carry license is not affected in that it is only issued “in an exceptional case, when an applicant shows reason to fear injury to the applicant’s person or property.”
A permit to purchase, a background check and firearms registration are required to buy a handgun from a private individual. There is a minimum 14-day wait when applying for a purchase permit. All firearms and ammunition must be registered with the chief of police of the county of one’s place of business, one’s residence or one’s place of sojourn (temporary place of lodging).
The possession of all firearms and ammunition is restricted to the possessor’s place of business, residence or sojourn, but it is lawful to carry firearms and ammunition in an enclosed container or other suitable container from the place of purchase to the purchaser’s home, place of business or place of sojourn; or between these places when moving; or between these places and a place of repair, police station, licensed dealer’s place of business, firearms show or exhibit or a target range.
Non-residents may transport a firearm to the state provided they possess a hunting license, shooting preserve permit or invitation to shoot on private land, or written notification from a firing range indicating the person will engage in target shooting. Any firearms must be registered at a police station within 72 hours of arrival. Current law requires fingerprinting and having a photograph taken. A license is provided for each firearm/make/model/serial number.
Hawaii permits open carry and concealed carry of handguns on the person with a Hawaii license to carry. HRS § 134‑9(r) explicitly permits concealed carry licenses issued by any county to be used throughout the state now. Carrying a loaded firearm without a license to carry, whether openly or concealed, including in a vehicle, is a class B felony. Concealed carry licenses require a firearms training course that has been state-approved. The state and county of Hawaii have sought rehearing of the Young v. Hawaii court case by the Ninth Circuit due to Hawaii’s restrictive handgun permitting policies. In terms of throughout the entire state of Hawaii reciprocity, Hawaii does not issue non-resident licenses nor does it honor CCW licenses from any other state.
Where can I carry with my Hawaii permit?
Yes
Yes, Constitutional Carry
Yes, Other Restrictions
No
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Important Firearm Laws
"no weapons allowed" signs enforced?
Yes. It is considered criminal trespass in the second degree. The statute includes detailed descriptions of what constitutes trespass on a variety of premises.
non-resident permitting?
No. Hawaii does not issue concealed carry licenses to non-residents.
carry while using alcohol or prescription medication?
Not addressed in state statutes.
As a responsibly armed American, regardless of the laws in your state, it is unwise to carry while under the influence of any substance that could impair your judgement, slow your reaction times, or impact your decision-making abilities. Any decision you make while carrying a firearm could have life-altering consequences.
public access to concealed carry registry?
No. The registry of Hawaii concealed carry license holders is not public information.
brandishing?
No definition of brandishing was found in Hawaii law. However, a person commits the offense of disorderly conduct if the person engages in fighting or threatening, or in violent or tumultuous behavior, or creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which is not performed under any authorized license or permit.
driver's license linked to carry license?
No. Your Hawaii driver’s license is not linked to your Hawaii carry license. Therefore, a law enforcement officer (LEO) will not be notified that you are a concealed carry license holder immediately when they run your driver’s license. However, LEOs may have access to other databases where they can obtain this information.
red flag law?
Yes, Hawaii has a red flag law. A law enforcement officer, family or household member, medical professional, educator, or colleague, may file a petition. If granted, the respondent shall not own, purchase, possess, receive, transfer ownership of, or have in the respondent's custody or control, or attempt to purchase, receive, or transfer ownership of, any firearm or ammunition while the order is in effect.
duty to inform officer you're carrying?
Yes. You have a duty to inform a law enforcement officer that you're carrying a concealed firearm in Hawaii.
preemption?
No, there is no state preemption of firearms laws in Hawaii. Local governments in Hawaii retain authority to regulate firearms and ammunition, and local licensing authorities in Hawaii have discretion in determining whether to issue a license to carry a firearm.
Carry Basics
constitutional carry?
No. Hawaii does not recognize constitutional carry.
gun permit licensure?
Hawaii is now a shall-issue state.
ammunition restrictions?
Yes. Armor-piercing and Teflon-coated ammunition are prohibited in Hawaii.
magazine limits for handguns?
No more than 10 rounds. Handgun magazines may not hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition in Hawaii.
weapons other than handguns allowed?
No. Handguns are the only weapons allowed to be carried with a Hawaii concealed carry license.
open carry permitted?
Yes, with a Hawaii license to carry, but licenses are rarely issued.
minimum age for concealed carry?
You must be 21 to apply for a Hawaii concealed carry license.
byrna's?
Yes, these are legal for purchase and possession by civillians. Byrna guns are not classified as firearms under Hawaii law; however:
non-lethal weapons?
STUN GUNS & TASERS As of Jan. 1, 2022, Hawaii Revised Statute §134-16, was repealed and it is legal for private citizens who are at least 21 years old and who meet specific criteria to own a Taser and other electric gun. It is unlawful for any person to knowingly or recklessly use an electric gun for any purpose except:
PEPPER SPRAY - Legal for self-defense purposes. Hawaii law allows individuals to purchase and carry pepper spray but:
BEAR SPRAY - Legal for self-defense against wildlife. There are no specific state restrictions, but misuse against humans could lead to legal consequences.
BLUGEONS AND BATONS -
Previously, carrying batons (also called billy clubs, truncheons, nightsticks, etc.) was also illegal under the same statute.
However, in May 2023, a federal court permanently enjoined enforcement of that portion of the law (the “billy” ban) following Yukutake v. Lopez.
This means:
It is now legal to own and carry a baton (openly or concealed) for self‑defense, unless you’re committing a crime while carrying it (which can be a felony under HRS § 134‑51(b)) .
The injunction does not protect against using or possessing a baton during another crime—that’s still a felony.
NUNCHUCKS - Prohibited unless specifically authorized for training purposes.
BRASS KNUCKLES - Illegal under Hawaii law. Brass knuckles are classified as "dangerous weapons," and their possession, sale, or use is strictly banned.
Handgun Purchase & Possession
minimum age to possess and transport?
The minimum age to obtain a permit to acquire a firearm is 21 years old. According to Hawaii laws, a permit is not required when any lawfully acquired firearm is lent to a person, including a minor, on a target range or similar facility for purposes of target shooting; provided that the period of the loan does not exceed the time in which the person actually engages in target shooting upon the premises.
A person may carry unconcealed and use a lawfully acquired pistol or revolver while actually engaged in hunting game mammals, if that pistol or revolver and its suitable ammunition are acceptable for hunting by rules adopted pursuant to section 183D-3 and if that person is licensed pursuant to part II of chapter 183D. The pistol or revolver may be transported in an enclosed container, as defined in section 134-25 in the course of going to and from the place of the hunt, notwithstanding section 134-26.
Any child who, while attending school, is found to be in possession of a firearm, will be excluded from attending school for not less than one year.
waiting period?
There is a minimum 14-day wait when applying for a purchase permit except for sales to state or federally licensed dealers, law enforcement officers, persons with a license to carry a handgun or where a firearm is registered pursuant to state law.
possess a handgun on my private property without a license?
No. No person shall acquire the ownership of a firearm, whether by purchase, gift, inheritance, bequest, or in any other manner, until the person has first procured a permit to acquire the ownership of a firearm.
background checks for private gun sales?
Yes. Private gun sales in Hawaii require a purchase permit, which includes a background check. There are no exceptions for gifts, inheritances, bequests or in any other manner, whether procured in the state or imported by mail, express, freight or otherwise. When title to any firearm is acquired by inheritance or bequest, the purchase permit must be obtained before taking possession of a firearm, provided that upon presentation of a copy of the death certificate of the owner making the bequest, any heir or legatee may transfer the inherited or bequeathed firearm directly to a dealer licensed under section 134-31 or licensed by the United States Department of Justice without complying with the requirements of this section.
handgun registration?
Yes. Hawaii requires all handguns to be registered.
purchase permits?
Yes. A permit is required to purchase a handgun in Hawaii.
hawaii license exempts from background check?
Yes.
handgun purchase process
To purchase a handgun in Hawaii, whether through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) or a private transaction, you will need to complete a Permit to Acquire Firearms Application. Each firearm requires an individual permit to acquire. You may be required to purchase the firearm before obtaining your permit, but you cannot pick up your firearm immediately.
The permit application form shall include:
(A) The applicant's name, address, gender, height, weight, date of birth, place of birth, country of citizenship, social security number, alien or admission number;
(B) Information regarding the applicant's mental health history;
(C) Any aliases or other names previously used by the applicant;
(D) Information that is or may be relevant in determining whether the applicant is disqualified under section134-7from the ownership, possession, or control of a firearm; and
(E) Information that is or may be relevant in determining whether the applicant lacks the essential character or temperament necessary to be entrusted with a firearm as set forth in subsection (e); and
(2) Require the fingerprinting and photographing of the applicant by the police department of the county of registration; provided that where fingerprints and a photograph are already on file with the department, these may be waived.
(c) An applicant for a permit shall :
(1) Sign a waiver at the time of application, allowing the chief of police of the county issuing the permit or a designee of the chief of police access to all records that have a bearing on the mental health of the applicant; and
(2) Identify any health care providers who possess or may possess the records described in paragraph (1).
(d) The chief of police of the respective counties shall issue permits to acquire firearms to :
(1) Citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents of the United States of the age of twenty-one years or more;
(2) Duly accredited official representatives of foreign nations;
(3) Duly commissioned law enforcement officers of the State who are aliens; provided that any law enforcement officer who is the owner of a firearm and who is an alien shall transfer ownership of the firearm within forty-eight hours after termination of employment from a law enforcement agency;
(4) Aliens of the age of eighteen years or more for use of rifles and shotguns for a period not exceeding sixty days, upon a showing that the alien has first procured a hunting license under chapter183D, part II; and
(5) Aliens of the age of twenty-one years or more for use of firearms for a period not exceeding six months, upon a showing that the alien is in training for a specific organized sport-shooting contest to be held within the permit period.
There is a 40-day waiting period to pick up your Permit to Acquire. After you have your permit, you can pick up your firearm. Your Permit to Acquire will only be valid for 10 days from the date it is issued. If this permit expires, you must reapply for a permit.
Top Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Permit Information For Hawaii Residents
Concealed Carry Basics Faq
carry while gun hunting?
No.
[HI Dept of Land and Nat Resources Rules Title 13 Chapter 123-22(2)]
what are the knife laws in hawaii?
As of 5/13/2024 butterfly knives and switchblades are now legal in Hawaii, and can be carried in public as long as it is done so openly. Any other type of knife is legal. It is illegal to concealed carry, go armed with, or carry the following weapons in a vehicle: any dirk, dagger, blackjack, slungshot, billy, metal knuckles, pistol, or other deadly or dangerous weapon. Ordinary pocket knives and diver's knives are not considered dangerous weapons unless they are used in a way that make them a dangerous weapon.
hunter harassment law?
Yes. No person shall intentionally prevent or attempt to prevent the lawful taking of game by a person. No person shall enter or remain upon public lands or waters, or upon private lands or waters, without permission of the owner or the owner's agent, with intent to violate this section.
carry while bow hunting?
No.
Lost/Stolen licenses:
Contact your county chief of police.
Residency Changes:
Moving to Hawaii and interested in applying for a resident license? How soon can you apply?Hawaii issues licenses to residents only and is now a shall-issue state. The county chief of police grants licenses. You can apply for your license with the chief of police once you have established your residence in that county.
Moving from Hawaii and have a Hawaii resident license? Does that license transfer to your new state? Is there a grace period during which your Hawaii license remains valid?If a person with a Hawaii license to concealed carry establishes residency in another state, the license expires upon the establishment of residence in the other state.
Application:
There is no online application.
Name/Address Changes:
Contact your county chief of police.
Processing Time:
No time specified by statute.
Non-Resident Concealed Carry licenses:
Hawaii doesn’t issue licenses to non-residents.
Requirements:
An applicant must:
*Consult with an attorney if you have any questions about your eligibility. If you don’t have an attorney, you can find one by contacting the State Bar of Hawaii.
Fees:
$10 for initial and renewal licenses; $42.00 for fingerprinting
Valid For:
4 years
Step 1:
No process is outlined in the rules. Contact your county chief of police and provide the reason you fear injury to your person or property.
carry in vehicle?
Yes, only with a Hawaii license to carry. Hawaii generally prohibits any person from carrying or possessing a loaded firearm on any public highway.
carry/possess at a hotel?
Hawaii statutes don't specifically address firearms at hotels. Please note that each hotel develops their own policies and the individual hotel should be contacted to inquire about it's concealed carry policy. See the Handguns at Hotels page for additional information.
carry in state/national parks, state/national forests and wildlife management areas (wmas)?
No. You may not carry a concealed firearm in state/national parks, state/national forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Hawaii. See the National Parks webpage for links to each Park in Hawaii.
store in a vehicle in an employee parking lot?
Not addressed in Hawaii state law, although employers may have a policy.
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 134-9.3 states that a person may not leave a loaded or unloaded firearm in an unattended vehicle unless the firearm is:
The statute also specifies that a vehicle's trunk or glove box alone is not considered a safe storage depository, even if locked.
carry at roadside rest areas?
Yes, but not in buildings, with a Hawaii license to carry.
carry in bars/restaurants that serve alcohol?
No.
Use of Force for the Protection of Property
The use of force is justifiable when the actor believes that such force is immediately necessary:
The actor may use such force as the actor believes is necessary to protect the threatened property, provided that the actor first requests the person against whom force is used to desist from the person’s interference with the property, unless the actor believes that:
The use of deadly force for the protection of property is justifiable only if the person against whom the force is used is attempting to:
Use of Force for the Protection of Other Persons
The use of force upon or toward the person of another is justifiable to protect a third person when:
The same requirements to to retreat, to surrender the possession of a thing or to comply with a demand apply to protection of another as in self-defense.
Use of Force in Self-Protection
A person acting in self defense may estimate the amount of force necessary under the circumstances as he or she believes them to be when the force is used without retreating, surrendering possession, doing any other act which one has no legal duty to do or abstaining from any lawful action.
The use of deadly force is not justifiable under this section if:
The actor knows that he or she can avoid the necessity of using such force with complete safety by retreating or by surrendering possession of a thing to a person asserting a claim of right thereto or by complying with a demand that one abstain from any action which he or she has no duty to take, except that:
Self-Defense
Hawaii is a Castle Doctrine state. There is no duty to retreat inside one’s home or place of business. Outside of those locations, there is a duty to retreat if it can be done in “complete safety.”
Hawaii Gun Law Updates
DateDetails
2025-04-03
Added non-lethal weapons to Carry Basics section.
2024-01-01
Updated Permit to Purchase information.
2023-04-03
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangardi signed Bill 57 into law
2021-08-09
Updated info on Tasers/stun guns in At A Glance table
2021-05-17
Added info on driver's license link to permit in At A Glance table
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