Hawaii has some of the most stringent restrictions on who it will issue a concealed carry permit to. The state is a may issue state that requires individuals to show reason for fear of life or property to obtain a permit. Furthermore, Hawaii permits are valid only in the county of issuance. In addition to showing cause for a license, individuals must be 21 years old and in good moral standing. Applicants must be proficient in safely handling firearms as well. To apply for a HI concealed permit, residents should apply with the police chief of the county. Upon approval, a $10 fee is required. Licenses are valid for one year unless renewed. While Hawaii does not recognize other states’ concealed permit, 23 other states will recognize a HI permit or allow eligible persons to carry.
This information was last updated in January 2019.
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Hawaii Concealed Carry By The Numbers
Average Cost in Dollars
# of States That Accept HI License
# of Years Valid
Minimum Age
# of Days To Get A Permit*
Reciprocity Map for Hawaii
Use the tabs below to display states that will accept an Hawaii concealed carry permit or those states that Hawaii will honor. Click the sections below for a complete listing of states in each category, along with other relevant information.
States That Honor Hawaii Concealed Carry
- Alabama
- Alaska – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arizona – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Mississippi – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Missouri – Must be of legal age to carry, and state ID required. Also honors state issued concealed carry permit.
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Hawaii Will Honor The Following States
The state of Hawaii does not honor any concealed carry permit issued in another state. Furthermore, even licenses issued in Hawaii are only accepted in the county of issuance.
How To Apply for a Hawaii Concealed Carry License
Can I get a concealed carry permit in Hawaii?
Hawaii is a may issue state. However, the process for both owning a firearm and obtaining a concealed permit are extremely difficult. Among other qualifications, an applicant for a CCW must “show reason to fear injury to the applicant’s person or property.“
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What is the minimum age to obtain a CCW license in HI?
According to Hawaii state code, no person under the age of 21 years old is eligible to obtain a concealed carry permit. No exceptions are listed in the code regarding minors being granted the possibility to obtain a concealed carry permit.
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Who issues a concealed carry permit in Hawaii?
Hawaii residents should send their application for a concealed permit to the chief of police of the county in which they plan to carry. It appears that unlike other states, concealed permits are valid in the county of issuance rather than across the entire state.
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How long is a Hawaii concealed carry permit good for?
Unless otherwise renewed, a concealed carry permit is valid for a period of one year.
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Does HI issue concealed permits to non-residents?
Hawaii state code does not expressly address non-resident permits. However, based on stringent application requirements, it would be difficult if near impossible to be issued a CCW as a non-resident. Although, the code does state the following:
“[…]may grant a license to an applicant who is a citizen of the United States [or] duly accredited official representative of a foreign nation[…]“
Permits appear to be valid only in the county of issuance, which may be a result of the state being split into islands. Therefore, the state of Hawaii will not issue non-resident permits.
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How long does it take to process a concealed carry application?
No information was readily available on the processing time for concealed carry applications.
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N/A
How much does a concealed carry permit cost?
A fee of $10 will be charged for any license issue. This money will be directly deposited in the treasury of the county where the license is issued.
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What are the accepted forms of competency training?
The state of Hawaii requires persons issued a concealed carry permit to be “qualified to use the firearm in a safe manner.“ However, there is no definition as the meaning of this phrase, nor whether online training is acceptable.
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Restrictions on Carrying A Firearm in Hawaii
Is Hawaii an Open Carry State?
Though generally not practiced, the code does not expressly forbid the open carry of firearms to licensed individuals. However, it does appear that this licensure may be a separate or additional permission granted by the county of issuance.
“[…]a license to carry a pistol or revolver and ammunition therefor unconcealed on the person within the county where the license is granted“
“No person shall carry concealed or unconcealed on the person a pistol or revolver without being licensed to do so under this section[…]“
Individuals who are not licensed may openly carry under the following code, which applies to hunting:
“A person may carry unconcealed and use a lawfully acquired pistol or revolver while actually engaged in hunting game mammals“
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Vehicle?
Persons with a concealed permit are permitted to carry in their vehicle. There are no regulations forbidding concealed carry in a car by licensed individuals in section 134-009.
However, individuals without a license must keep their firearms unloaded and in a case when in a vehicle. These cases must be “rigidly constructed receptacles or commercially manufactured gun case.” Furthermore, there is a listing of places where firearms may be transported.
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Can I Conceal Carry in State Parks?
According to Hawaii state parks, firearms are allowed in state parks if it is in accordance with “federal, state, and county laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.”
However, this section also states that firearms must be unloaded when transported through non-hunting areas.
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Am I Allowed To Conceal Carry In Restaurants?
Hawaii state code does not prevent any licensed individual from carrying in the county of issuance in any specified location. This includes establishments that serve alcohol. However, it is highly recommended that you not jeopardize your permit by carrying in a restaurant or bar.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Church?
Similar to Hawaii’s published code regarding restaurants, there is no code forbidding licensed individuals from carrying in places of worship. Although, it is recommended that you refrain from carrying in such places to avoid possible revocation of your permit. As always, obey any posted signage, though given Hawaii’s policies, you are likely not to see any.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Bank?
Another place not referenced in Hawaii state code regarding concealed carry are financial institutions and banks. Therefore, since the state does not expressly forbid it, concealed carry is permissible in banks if in accordance with section 134-009. However, it is highly recommended that you avoid doing so to prevent any cause for revocation of your permit.
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Can I Conceal Carry in a Hospital?
Any questionable location, such as banks, hospitals, and churches should be avoided while concealed carrying, even when licensed to do so. However, I was unable to find any code expressly forbidding concealed carry in a medical facility. It is recommended that any posted signage be followed. Failing to do so could jeopardize your permit.
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The content of this page is for informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for legal council, or intended as legal advice. It is recommended that you inquire with the state about the validity of the information contained herein.