State Laws · HI
Hawaii Gun Laws
Effective as of Current through 2025; post-Bruen carry permits being issued (HRS Chapter 134 (firearms, ammunition, and dangerous weapons)). Laws change — you should check for updates or consult with a licensed firearms trainer in your state before acting on this information.
Concealed Carry
Hawaii requires a license to carry a concealed firearm, issued by the county chief of police. Prior to the Bruen decision, Hawaii was effectively no-issue — permits were almost never granted. Following Bruen, counties have begun issuing permits. Applicants must complete a firearms safety course, demonstrate knowledge of state firearms laws, qualify at a range, and pass a background check. Permits are county-specific and weapon-specific.
Key statute: HRS § 134-9 — licenses to carry. HRS § 134-2 — permits to acquire firearms.
Open Carry
Open carry requires the same license as concealed carry. Practically, open carry remains extremely uncommon in Hawaii.
Who Cannot Carry
Hawaii has some of the most restrictive eligibility criteria in the nation. Prohibited persons include: convicted felons, persons indicted for a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, fugitives from justice, unlawful users of controlled substances (including marijuana, which remains a federal prohibitor), persons adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution, persons subject to restraining orders, persons convicted of domestic violence, and persons under 21.
Prohibited Locations
Extensive prohibited locations include: schools and school grounds, government buildings, hospitals, places of worship, bars and restaurants serving alcohol, public parks and beaches, public transit, and any property with posted prohibition. Hawaii's sensitive places restrictions are among the broadest in the nation.
Purchase Requirements
Hawaii requires a permit to acquire for all firearms, issued by the county police chief after a background check, fingerprinting, and a mandatory waiting period of at least 14 days. All firearms must be registered with the county police chief within five days of acquisition (three days for firearms brought from out of state). Hawaii maintains a comprehensive firearms registry. Hawaii has an assault weapons ban and magazine capacity restrictions.
Citations
HRS Chapter 134 (firearms, ammunition, and dangerous weapons).
Look up statutes at Hawaii Legislature →Legal disclaimer
This summary is for informational purposes only. Firearms laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes and consult a qualified attorney before making legal decisions.
Sources & official resources
Federal firearms laws
ATF.gov — Laws: Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives →Hawaii statutes
Hawaii Legislature →This link goes to Hawaii's legislative website. To find specific firearms statutes, search for terms like "concealed carry," "firearms," or "weapons permit" in the site's search function.