Firearms in Hawaii

While Hawaii has some of the strictest firearms regulations in the United States, it has a large community of firearm enthusiasts, collectors, and competitors. Every legally owned firearm must be registered in Hawaii which makes Hawaii the top state per capita of firearm registrations. Below is a general overview of the key rules and procedures related to gun ownership, possession, and use in the state.

Firearm Types in Hawaii

Firearm rules are constantly changing and it is your responsibility as a law abiding citizen to understand and be informed when it comes to firearm possession and ownership. Below are some links to Hawaii’s firearms rules.

What Are the Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS)?

The Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) are the official codified laws of the State of Hawaii. They are organized into titles and chapters, similar to the U.S. Code, and cover everything from criminal law to business regulation to environmental policy.

  • The HRS is maintained by the Hawaii State Legislature.
  • It is updated regularly to reflect new laws passed by the legislature and signed by the governor.
  • You can view the entire HRS online at the official Hawaii State Legislature website: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/

What is Chapter 134?

HRS Chapter 134 is the section of the Hawaii Revised Statutes that governs Firearms, Ammunition, and Dangerous Weapons.

It includes laws about:

Section Topic
§134-2 Permits to acquire
§134-3 Firearm registration
§134-4 Transfer of firearms
§134-5 Possession in certain places
§134-6 Carrying and transportation
§134-7 Restrictions (felons, minors, etc.)
§134-8 Prohibited weapons (e.g., automatic weapons, silencers)
§134-9 Licenses to carry
§134-10 to §134-28 Additional rules about hunting, antique firearms, storage, etc.

Key Point: If you want to understand what types of firearms are legal in Hawaii, how to register them, or how to carry them legally — Chapter 134 is the go-to legal resource.

Firearm Registration

Hawaii’s stringent firearms registration process can be complicated and time consuming, but being informed and prepared can make it much easier. For the most up-to-date information on acquiring and registering your firearms, please refer to your local Police department’s web site.

City and County of Honolulu – https://www.honolulupd.org/police-services/firearms/

Hawaii Island (Big Island) County – https://www.hawaiipolice.gov/services/firearm-services/

Maui County – https://www.mauipolice.com/firearmstransactionprocedures

Kauai County – https://www.kauai.gov/Government/Departments-Agencies/Police-Department/Firearms-Section

Carrying Firearms in Hawaii

Hawaii has some of the strictest laws in the country when it comes to carrying firearms in public. Here’s what you need to know about open carry, concealed carry, and where you can legally carry a firearm in the state. Hawaii firearm laws can change so you should always refer to the latest version of the Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 134 for the most accurate information.

Licenses to carry: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0134/HRS_0134-.htm

Concealed Carry (CCW)

  • Legal with a permit
  • Hawaii is now a “shall-issue” state (as of 2022)
  • Requirements:
    • Age 21+
    • Background check
    • Firearm safety course
    • Apply through your county police department
  • License valid for 4 years

Open Carry

  • Also legal with a permit
  • Rarely issued; same application process as CCW

Where You Cannot Carry (Even With a Permit)

  • Government buildings
  • Schools & universities
  • Hospitals
  • Parks & beaches
  • Polling places
  • Private property with “No Firearms” signs

Transporting Without a Permit

  • Firearm must be unloaded and locked in a case
  • Only allowed between:
    • Home
    • Range
    • Gunsmith
    • Hunting area
    • Police station for registration
  • No detours

Hunting Firearms in Hawaii

Hunting is legal and regulated in Hawaii, and firearms are commonly used for hunting game animals across the islands.

Allowed Firearms for Public Hunting

  • Rifles (bolt-action, lever-action, etc.)
  • Shotguns (for birds and small game)
  • Muzzleloaders (during designated seasons)
  • Handguns (for hunting in some units with special permits)

Fully automatic firearms and assault pistols are not allowed for hunting.

Requirements for Hunting with Firearms

  • Must have a valid Hawaii hunting license
  • Completion of a Hunter Education Course is required for first-time licensees: https://gohunthawaii.ehawaii.gov
  • Follow all seasonal regulations and bag limits set by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)

For the latest and complete firearms laws please refer to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 134: https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0134/HRS_0134-.htm

For the latest and complete hunting laws please refer to Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 13: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/files/2016/01/Chapter-123_Final.pdf