Hawaii Gun Laws

Shall-issue concealed carry. 10-round magazine limit. 14-day waiting period. Assault weapon ban. Red flag law.

Last reviewed against official sources on 2026-09-25. Official state source.

Hawaii has highly restrictive firearm laws overall, though concealed carry became shall-issue in 2024 after the state's old 'exceptional need' standard became unenforceable following the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision. The state bans assault weapons, limits magazines to 10 rounds, requires a 14-day waiting period, and has a red flag law. Permit to purchase required for all firearms. In 2026 the Supreme Court (Wolford v. Lopez) struck down Hawaii's default ban on carrying on private property open to the public without owner consent.

Key facts

• Concealed Carry: Shall-issue permit required (since 2024) (HRS § 134-9)
• Open Carry: License required (the carry license covers open or concealed carry, though open-carry licenses are rarely issued) (HRS § 134-9)
• Permit to Purchase: Required for all firearms (HRS § 134-2)
• Assault Weapon Ban: Yes — assault pistols banned (HRS § 134-8)
• Magazine Limit: 10 rounds maximum for handguns (HRS § 134-8(c))
• Waiting Period: 14 days (HRS § 134-2)
• Universal Background Check: Required for all sales and transfers (HRS § 134-2)
• Red Flag Law (ERPO): Yes — Gun Violence Protective Order (HRS § 134-65)
• Castle Doctrine: Yes (HRS § 703-304)
• Stand Your Ground: Duty to retreat outside the home (HRS § 703-304)
• Concealed Carry Reciprocity: No reciprocity — does not honor any other state's carry permit

Frequently asked questions

Is it difficult to get a concealed carry permit in Hawaii?

It used to be. Hawaii's old 'exceptional need' standard became unenforceable after the Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen decision, and Act 52 (effective 2024) replaced it with a shall-issue framework with objective eligibility criteria instead of discretionary approval.

Does Hawaii require a permit to purchase firearms?

Yes. Hawaii requires a permit to acquire all firearms, including long guns and handguns. Permits are issued by county police departments.

What is the waiting period in Hawaii?

Hawaii has a 14-day waiting period for all firearm purchases.

Does Hawaii have a red flag law?

Yes. Hawaii has a Gun Violence Protective Order law allowing law enforcement, family or household members, medical professionals, educators, and colleagues to seek temporary firearm removal.

Does Hawaii have stand your ground?

Hawaii recognizes castle doctrine in the home but generally imposes a duty to retreat in public if safe to do so.

Does Hawaii honor an out-of-state concealed carry permit?

No. Hawaii does not recognize a permit issued by any other state. A non-resident carrying concealed in Hawaii needs a Hawaii-issued permit, obtained through the same county-police application process as residents.

Not legal advice. Laws change; verify with official sources.