Hawaii gun laws

Last verified November 1, 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice. Gun laws change often and vary by city and county. Verify every rule with the state's agency or statutes before you carry or travel.

Carry

Permitless (constitutional) carry: No, a permit is required to carry concealed
A license is required to carry.
Open carry: Only with a county license to carry unconcealed, which requires showing urgency or need and being engaged in protecting life and property, and is valid only in that county (HRS 134-9(b)). Source
Permits: Hawaii permit guide

Vehicle transport

Without a carry license, a handgun must be unloaded in an enclosed container and moved only between home or business and listed places such as a range, repair shop or dealer (HRS 134-25). License holders may carry as their license allows, subject to 134-9.1. Source

Places where carry is banned

Even with a license (HRS 134-9.1): state and county government buildings; hospitals and medical offices; jails; bars and restaurants serving alcohol; stadiums, theaters and sporting events; libraries; schools, colleges, child care and summer camps; beaches, parks and playgrounds; shelters; polling places; banks; public transit; and in most cases their adjacent parking areas. Private property is off-limits unless the owner expressly allows carry (134-9.5). Parts of these rules are being challenged in court. Source

Magazines and assault weapons

Magazine capacity limit: Yes, 10 (handgun magazines only) rounds
Assault-weapon restrictions: Yes, a general ban on sale, manufacture and transfer

Duty to inform

Not confirmed. Check with County chief of police.

Stand your ground and castle doctrine

Not on NCSL's list of states with no duty to retreat. Castle-doctrine rules at home may still apply. Not confirmed. Check with County chief of police.

Red-flag law

Yes. Courts can issue extreme risk protection orders.

Reciprocity

Hawaii does not honor out-of-state permits.

Does not honor other states' permits.

Official reciprocity information

Check whether Hawaii honors your permit

Sources

Magazine, assault-weapon and red-flag lists come from Giffords Law Center summaries; stand-your-ground from NCSL. Carry, vehicle, banned-place, duty-to-inform and reciprocity details come from the state's own legislature, attorney general or state police pages.