Hawaii Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Hawaii. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Hawaii for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes regarding body armor have been enacted in Hawaii in the 2023-2026 period.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Hawaii has no state-level body armor restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. Despite Hawaii's strict weapons laws, body armor is not regulated as a weapon.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions. Limited local retail availability; most purchases are online.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Hawaii does not have specific state-level enhanced sentencing for body armor worn during crimes.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALIn Hawaii, brass knuckles are classified as prohibited weapons under Hawaii Revised Statutes §134-1. Possession, sale, or manufacture of brass knuckles is illegal except for law enforcement or military use.
Possession
Illegal to possess except for authorized personnel (law enforcement, military).
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or transfer to civilians.
Penalties
Class C felony with potential imprisonment and fines.
Age Restriction
None (possession itself is prohibited).
Butterfly Knives
ILLEGALButterfly knives are illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture in Hawaii.
Possession
Illegal
Sale & Purchase
Illegal
Penalties
Misdemeanor or felony charges depending on circumstances.
Age Restriction
N/A
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.
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.
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Hawaii with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Hawaii with no specific restrictions. Hawaii law does not restrict the possession or carry of nunchucks.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
ILLEGALOpen carry of firearms is generally prohibited in Hawaii. Recent court decisions have challenged Hawaii's restrictive gun laws, but as of early 2026, the state's strict licensing requirements for open carry remain in place.
Open Carry Rules
Illegal for most civilians
Permit Requirements
Firearms sales legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Criminal weapons charges for open carry violations.
Minimum Age
21+
Pepper Spray Restrictions
RESTRICTEDIn Hawaii, possession of pepper spray is legal for self-defense, but it is restricted under Hawaii Revised Statutes §134-6.5. The law prohibits possession by certain individuals such as convicted felons and restricts the size and concentration of pepper spray devices.
Carrying
Legal for self-defense; prohibited for convicted felons and certain other persons. Devices must comply with size and concentration limits.
Purchase
Sales are allowed but regulated; sellers must ensure buyers are not prohibited persons.
Penalties
Possession by prohibited persons is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
Age Restriction
Must be 18 years or older to purchase or possess.
Suppressors / Silencers
ILLEGALHawaii prohibits the possession, sale, and transfer of firearm silencers under Hawaii Revised Statutes §134-7. Suppressors are classified as prohibited weapons, making their ownership illegal even with federal registration.
Ownership (with NFA)
Illegal to possess any firearm silencer or suppressor under HRS §134-7.
Dealer Availability
Illegal to sell or transfer silencers in Hawaii.
Penalties
Class B felony for possession or transfer of prohibited weapons, punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and fines.
Age Restriction
N/A
Switchblades / Automatic Knives
ILLEGALHawaii prohibits the possession, sale, and manufacture of switchblade knives under Hawaii Revised Statutes §134-51. Switchblades are classified as dangerous weapons, and carrying or possessing them is unlawful except for certain law enforcement exceptions.
Possession
Possession of switchblades is prohibited except by law enforcement or authorized persons.
Sale & Purchase
Sale and manufacture of switchblades are prohibited.
Penalties
Violations are misdemeanors punishable by fines and/or imprisonment under HRS §134-51.
Age Restriction
None (possession is prohibited regardless of age).
Tasers & Stun Guns
ILLEGALTasers and stun guns are illegal for civilian possession in Hawaii.
Ownership
Illegal for civilians
Purchase
Illegal
Penalties
Criminal charges including fines and possible imprisonment.
Age Restriction
N/A