Hawaii Gun Laws & Concealed Carry Reciprocity (2026)
Quick answer: Hawaii (HI) is a restrictive permit state meaning you need a permit (License to Carry) to carry concealed. Hawaii honors no other state’s permit any visitors, need a Hawaii-issued license to carry. Your Hawaii permit is honored in 5 states and 29 more are permitless allowing carry in 34 states total.
📌 Reviewed against official sources: August 14, 2026 · By James Nicholas
Where your Hawaii permit works (carry out)
With a Hawaii-issued resident permit you can legally carry in 34 states: 5 honor the permit itself and 29 are permitless-carry states where eligible visitors need no permit at all.
✅ Permitless — no permit needed (29)
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNew HampshireNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontWest VirginiaWyoming
✅ Honor your Hawaii permit (5)
Whose permits does Hawaii honor? (carry in)
Hawaii does not honor any other state’s carry permit. Visitors must qualify for and obtain a Hawaii-issued license before carrying.
HRS 134-9 contains no recognition provision, requires state residency for concealed licenses and in-person application to the county chief of police — Hawaii honors no out-of-state carry license.
Key Hawaii carry restrictions
- Duty to inform: must immediately disclose carrying to law enforcement when stopped
- Handgun magazines limited to 10 rounds
- Extensive sensitive-places law (2023): government buildings, schools, hospitals, bars/restaurants serving alcohol, parks, public transit, beaches; private property presumptively off-limits without consent per secondary sources
- Loaded firearm in a vehicle without a carry license is a felony
Duty to inform police: Yes, disclose immediately when stopped.
Hawaii permit basics
License to Carry (pistol or revolver) County chief of police (all four counties); valid statewide, 4-year term. Minimum age: 21.
Hawaii carry FAQ
Can you conceal carry in Hawaii without a permit?
No. Hawaii requires a permit (License to Carry) to carry a concealed handgun. It is a restrictive permit state.
What states honor a Hawaii (HI) carry permit?
A Hawaii resident permit is honored in 5 states, and 29 more states have permitless carry where no permit is needed — 34 states total. See the full lists on this page or use our interactive reciprocity map.
Does Hawaii recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits?
No. Hawaii does not honor any other state’s carry permit.
Can I carry in California with a Hawaii permit?
No — California does not honor a Hawaii permit.
Is there a duty to inform police in Hawaii?
Yes — disclose immediately when stopped.
Official sources
- capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0134/H…
- honolulupd.org/police-services/firearms/
- handgunlaw.us/states/hawaii.pdf
- usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/hi-gun-la…
Facts on this page were checked against the sources above on August 14, 2026 — including a dedicated primary-source verification pass against state statutes, attorney general and state police pages. Spot an error or a law change? Tell us and we’ll fix it fast.
Related states & resources
Neighboring states: California.
Tools: Interactive Reciprocity Map · Concealed Carry Reciprocity Guide · Concealed Carry by State · 2A Legal Glossary · carry gear reviews at Popular EDC.
Not legal advice. Freedom’s Lodge and Brand Avalanche Media are not attorneys; this page is general educational information, verified against the official sources above as of August 14, 2026 and subject to change at any time. Confirm current law with the official state source and/or a licensed attorney before carrying. See our full legal disclaimer and how we verify this data.
Take Hawaii's carry rules with you
Download the Hawaii quick-reference PDF Get alerts when Hawaii laws changeFree & printable — verified from official sources. Recent changes: Carry Law Change Log.