Is Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) Legal in Hawaii? (2026)
No — Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is illegal in Hawaii as of 2026.
Law changed in 2022: Following a 2022 Supreme Court ruling, Hawaii was forced to change its permit issuance laws. However, the state responded with new legislation creating extensive restrictions on where firearms can be carried, which are currently being challenged in c...
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Quick Answer
Hawaii requires a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes §134-9, carrying a concealed firearm without a permit is prohibited, and the state does not recognize permitless concealed carry.
- Age restriction: Must be at least 21 years old to obtain a permit
What the Law Says
Hawaii Revised Statutes §134-9 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, and the state does not recognize permitless concealed carry.
— Hawaii Revised Statutes §134-9
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Permitless Carry Rules | Firearms must be registered and carried openly or with a permit for concealed carry. |
| Permit Availability | Sales are regulated with background checks and registration requirements. |
| Penalties | Carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is a misdemeanor or felony depending on circumstances (HRS §134-9). |
| Minimum Age | Must be at least 21 years old to obtain a permit. |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
Following a 2022 Supreme Court ruling, Hawaii was forced to change its permit issuance laws. However, the state responded with new legislation creating extensive restrictions on where firearms can be carried, which are currently being challenged in court as of early 2026.
Enforcement Reality
Hawaii has some of the strictest gun laws in the nation and does not have constitutional carry. Enforcement is rigid, and obtaining a carry permit is exceptionally difficult, making any form of public carry rare.
A common mistake is believing that a permit to own a firearm also allows for carrying it in public. Another is being unaware of the numerous and strictly enforced location restrictions, even for the few who have permits.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Hawaii. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Bottom Line
Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) is illegal in Hawaii. This activity can result in criminal charges. Do not assume enforcement is lax — penalties are real. Consult a licensed attorney if you have specific questions.
Hawaii vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, carrying a concealed weapon without a permit is fully legal in 23 states, restricted in 14, and illegal in 13. Hawaii falls in the ILLEGAL category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is carrying a concealed weapon without a permit legal in Hawaii?
What are the penalties for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Hawaii?
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What is the minimum age for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit in Hawaii?
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Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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Constitutional Carry (Permitless Concealed Carry) in Other States
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