Navigating Hawaii’s gun laws is essential for responsible gun owners and enthusiasts. This 2025 guide covers ghost guns, 80% lowers, concealed carry, magazine limits, and more, ensuring you stay compliant and informed in Hawaii. For related resources, check out our detailed breakdown of ghost gun laws, 80% lowers, and more.
Summary and Gun-Friendliness Rating for Hawaii
Summary: Hawaii has strict gun laws, with a partial assault weapons ban, a 10-round magazine limit, a 14-day waiting period, red flag laws, and universal background checks, alongside shall-issue concealed carry.
Gun-Friendliness Rating:
13% – 0 = Strictest gun laws, 100 = Most gun-friendly
Assault Weapons Ban in Hawaii
Hawaii has a partial ban on assault weapons, restricting specific models or features. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Magazine Capacity Limits in Hawaii
Hawaii restricts firearm magazines to a maximum capacity of 10 rounds. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Ghost Gun Laws in Hawaii
Hawaii regulates ghost guns, typically requiring serialization and background checks for frames and receivers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Concealed Carry in Hawaii
- Permit Type:
- Shall-issue (Giffords Law Center)
- Description:
- Hawaii is a shall-issue state, meaning permits are issued to qualified applicants who meet statutory requirements.
Waiting Period in Hawaii
Hawaii enforces a 14-day waiting period for firearm purchases. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Red Flag Laws in Hawaii
Hawaii has enacted red flag laws, allowing temporary removal of firearms from individuals deemed a danger. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Safe Storage Requirements in Hawaii
Requirement Level: Medium (Source: Giffords Law Center)
Description: Hawaii has moderate safe storage requirements, potentially involving locking devices in certain situations.
Background Checks in Hawaii
Hawaii mandates universal background checks for nearly all firearm sales, including private transfers. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Open Carry in Hawaii
Open carry of firearms is generally allowed in Hawaii, potentially subject to local restrictions or permit requirements in certain areas. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Types of Guns Regulated in Hawaii
In addition to assault weapons, Hawaii may regulate other specific types of firearms. Source: Giffords Law Center.
Important Legal Cases in Hawaii
- Young v. Hawaii (2021): Open carry restrictions (Source: Giffords Law Center)
- Hawaii v. Wilson (2019): Firearm registration laws
- Yukutake v. Connors (ongoing): Concealed carry restrictions (Source: Giffords Law Center)
- Hawaii v. Kendrick (2017): Permit issuance challenge
Our Opinion on Hawaii’s Gun Laws
As advocates for the Second Amendment, Husky Armory finds Hawaii’s gun laws, with a dismal rating of 13/100, to be a severe infringement on constitutional rights. Hawaii has strict gun laws, with a partial assault weapons ban, a 10-round magazine limit, a 14-day waiting period, red flag laws, and universal background checks, alongside shall-issue concealed carry—a litany of restrictions that stifles the freedoms of law-abiding citizens while doing little to address actual crime. The right to bear arms is a cornerstone of American liberty, and Hawaii’s heavy-handed approach undermines that fundamental principle.
We urge Hawaii to reconsider its stance, particularly on measures like assault weapons bans and universal background checks, which disproportionately burden responsible gun owners. The Second Amendment exists to protect against such overreach, and Hawaii must work to dismantle these barriers to ensure its citizens can exercise their rights without fear of government intrusion. Liberty demands nothing less.
Disclaimer: This guide provides a general overview and is not legal advice. Gun laws change frequently. Always consult official state statutes and qualified legal counsel for specific guidance. Information primarily sourced from Giffords Law Center and state legislative websites as of April 2025.
