Hawaii Gun Laws in Plain English
In Hawaii, you must be 21 to buy any gun and obtain a permit from the police for every single purchase. You have to register all your firearms with the police, even if you move here with them. While you can now get a concealed carry permit, you are banned from carrying in many public places like parks and beaches. Most AR-15 pistols and magazines holding more than 10 rounds are illegal.
Critical: Hawaii Gun Law Gotchas
These are the most important things to know that could get you arrested or charged with a crime:
- #1If you move to Hawaii, you have exactly 5 days after your gun arrives to register it in person at the police station (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-3).
- #2Your handgun purchase permit expires in 10 days. If you don't pick up the gun by then, you must start the application over (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-2).
- #3You cannot buy a rifle or shotgun until you are 21 years old, unlike most states which allow it at 18 (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-2).
- #4The 10-round magazine limit applies to ANY magazine 'designed for or capable of use with a pistol'. This traps many AR-15 owners because AR pistols exist (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-8).
- #5You cannot buy ammunition unless you own a registered gun of that specific caliber or have a valid permit to acquire (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-2.5).
- #6Transporting a gun in a glove box or center console is illegal; it must be in a rigid, enclosed container (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-23).
- #7Assault Pistols are banned by name and feature. An AR-15 pistol with a magazine outside the pistol grip is illegal (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-1).
- #8FOPA protections do not apply to flights ending in Hawaii. Once you leave the airport, you are subject to local registration laws immediately.
- #9Medical marijuana cards will disqualify you from gun ownership in Hawaii due to federal prohibition adherence (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-7).
- #10You cannot carry a gun in a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol, even with a permit (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-A).
- #11Leaving a gun unlocked where a minor obtains it is a crime (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-10.5).
- #12Suppressors and Short Barreled Rifles (SBRs) are completely banned, even with federal NFA tax stamps (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 134-8).
Read these carefully - they cover common mistakes that lead to felony charges.