What is required to own a gun in Hawaii?

Asked by: Mrs. Sophie Predovic  |  Last update: March 26, 2026
Score: 4.8/5 (66 votes)

To own a gun in Hawaii, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident, at least 21 (21 for all firearms), pass a background check, complete a firearm safety course (for handguns), get a Permit to Acquire from the county police chief, and register the firearm within five days of purchase, adhering to strict laws that prohibit certain individuals and high-capacity magazines.

Is there a waiting period to buy a gun in Hawaii?

There is a minimum waiting period of 14-40 calendar days between the time you apply for a permit and the time you may be granted the permit. This waiting period gives HPD time to conduct a background check to make sure you are eligible for a permit to acquire.

How strict are Hawaii's gun laws?

HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii's gun laws, long among the strictest in the nation, will be the focus of arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday. The court is taking up the state's ban on firearms on private property that is open to the public, such as stores and hotels, unless the owner explicitly allows it.

What weapons are illegal in Hawaii?

Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: firearms, ammunition, explosives, knives or blades, arrows, spears or spear guns, powerheads (bang sticks), batons, fighting sticks, edged throwing stars, keychain weapons, defensive sprays.

Does Hawaii require gun owners to have insurance?

The permit to acquire a firearm must be renewed every five years during the ownership of the firearm, and the renewal requires continued proof of coverage under a firearms insurance policy.

Everything you need to know to purchase a firearm in Hawaii!

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Does your insurance go up if you own a gun?

Generally speaking*, simply owning a firearm will not increase your insurance premium. However, it's important to note that there is still a liability risk if you store it in your home. And while no one wants to imagine worst-case scenarios, accidental shootings happen every year.

What state has the strictest gun law?

California consistently ranks as the state with the strictest gun laws, leading in comprehensive safety regulations like assault weapon bans, universal background checks, and red flag laws, followed closely by states like Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. These states generally implement strong universal background checks, waiting periods, permits to purchase, and restrictions on certain types of firearms, leading to lower gun death rates compared to less regulated states.
 

Can I own an AR-15 in Hawaii?

Are AR-style and other semi-auto rifles legal in Hawaii? Yes. Magazine-fed semi-auto rifles are legal to buy and possess in Hawaii. However, magazine-fed AR pistols with two or more banned features are illegal.

Can you carry a gun in your car in Hawaii?

(A) The firearms shall be transported either concealed in the locked storage area of the vehicle, or in a locked metal box or the equivalent which is bolted to the floor of the vehicle. The vehicle shall be locked at all times while unattended.

Is concealed carry illegal in Hawaii?

Concealed Carry in Hawaii

Firearms may also be carried concealed under circumstances like taking the firearm home from a purchase, to and from a target range, or to a police station. Firearm possession is typically limited to the owner's residence (permanent or temporary) or their place of business.

What is the #1 cause of death in Hawaii?

The leading causes of death in Hawaii consistently include heart disease, cancer, and stroke (cerebrovascular diseases), which account for a significant portion of all fatalities, with unintentional injuries (accidents) often ranking fourth, particularly impacting younger populations, and Alzheimer's disease also being a major factor. While heart disease and cancer are generally top overall killers, injuries are a huge concern, killing more young people than all other causes combined.
 

Which states have the worst gun violence?

These are the 20 states with the highest firearm homicide rates in the country along with their gun-friendliness scores:

  • Louisiana: 11.0 (3)
  • Mississippi: 10.2 (5)
  • Alabama: 9.5 (4)
  • Missouri: 8.5 (5)
  • Maryland: 7.4 (1)
  • South Carolina: 7.4 (3)
  • Tennessee: 6.7 (4)
  • Illinois: 6.5 (2)

Do I need a license to own a gun in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not recognize concealed carry permits issued by other states. Acquiring a firearm in Hawaii requires a permit to acquire, issued to qualified applicants passing a criminal background check by the county police chief.

What is the hardest state to get a gun license?

The hardest states to get a gun license often include California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, due to strict permit-to-purchase requirements, comprehensive background checks, mandatory training/interviews, waiting periods, and local police discretion, with California often cited as the strictest overall for its broad regulations. These states have extensive laws covering everything from firearm types to safe storage and training, making the process lengthy and selective, especially for concealed carry permits.
 

What self-defense weapons are legal in Hawaii?

Hawaii Self Defense Weapons Laws

Pepper spray: Legal for adults; product/sale rules apply. Cannot ship pepper spray to Hawaii. Taser/Stun gun: Legal since 1/1/2022; regulated (background check/authorized sellers, sensitive-place rules subsequently added).

Can I bring my gun to Hawaii on vacation?

All firearms brought into the State must be registered within 5 days. Aliens may bring in firearms for 90 days only for bona fide hunting or target shooting. US citizens do not need a permit to bring their own firearms into the State.

What firearms are not allowed in Hawaii?

§134-8 Prohibited Weapons and Devices; Penalties

  • Prohibited Items: Automatic firearms. Short-barreled rifles and shotguns. ...
  • Penalties: Class C felony for possession, manufacture, or sale of prohibited items. Misdemeanor for possession of high-capacity magazines not inserted into a firearm; Class C felony if inserted.

What is the castle law in Hawaii?

The Castle Doctrine in Hawaii allows individuals to use reasonable force, including deadly force, to defend themselves against intruders in their homes or legally occupied structures. However, the use of force must be proportional and immediate, with a duty to retreat if safe to do so.

Does Hawaii have a magazine capacity limit?

The following states have implemented capacity-based magazine bans: California – 10 rounds, Colorado – 15 rounds, Connecticut – 10 rounds, Hawaii – 10 rounds, Massachusetts – 10 rounds, New York – 10 rounds; New Jersey – 10 rounds (previously restricted to 15 rounds); Vermont – 10 rounds for rifles and 15 rounds for ...

Are silencers legal in Hawaii?

No. Civilian ownership, possession, or use of suppressors is strictly prohibited in Hawaii. According to Hawaii Revised Statutes §134-8, suppressors—also known as silencers—are classified as illegal weapons under state law. There are no exceptions for hunting, recreational shooting, or sporting purposes.

Are AR-15 pistols considered handguns?

An AR pistol lacks a stock and, therefore, can be classified as a handgun. This allows AR-15 owners who want a barrel shorter than 16 inches to avoid dealing with the ATF and paying two hundred dollars for a tax stamp. AR pistols can come in standard pistol calibers like 9mm, 40 S&W, and more.

Why are Hawaii gun laws so strict?

In briefs to the Supreme Court, Hawaii notes that long before it became a state, during the Hawaiian Kingdom, King Kamehameha III prohibited people from possessing deadly weapons, and subsequent laws maintained strict restrictions on firearms.

What state is the least gun friendly?

The 10 States With the Strictest Gun Laws

  • New York.
  • Connecticut.
  • Hawaii.
  • New Jersey.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Washington.
  • Colorado.

Which state is most gun-friendly?

There isn't one single "most" gun-friendly state, as rankings vary, but New Hampshire, West Virginia, Montana, Arkansas, and South Dakota consistently appear at the top for lenient laws, permitless carry (constitutional carry), and lack of sales tax on firearms, with strong protections like "stand-your-ground" laws. These states offer broad rights for lawful gun owners, with New Hampshire often cited as #1 due to its combination of permitless carry for ages 18+, no sales tax, and self-defense protections.