Open Carry in Hawaii
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Hawaii prohibits open carry of firearms in public; concealed carry requires a permit.
How Hawaii treats Open Carry
Hawaii law effectively bans open carry of handguns and long guns in public spaces. Residents may only carry firearms concealed with a permit issued by the county police chief, and permits are issued sparingly. Hawaii is one of the most restrictive states for firearm carry rights. The state treats open carry as illegal under its general weapons statutes.
The general definition of Open Carry
The legal right to carry a firearm openly and visibly in public.
Open carry means carrying a firearm in plain view on your person or in a vehicle in public spaces. Unlike concealed carry, the weapon is visible to others. Open carry laws vary widely by state and sometimes by city or county within a state. Some states allow open carry without any permit, while others prohibit it entirely or require a permit even for visible firearms.
Read the full Open Carry entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.