Hawaii’s knife laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly with amendments in 2024. Here’s what you need to know about owning and carrying pocket knives in the Aloha State:
What Pocket Knives Are Legal to Own and Carry?
- Legal to Own: As of May 2024, Hawaii law allows the possession of most types of knives, including previously banned automatic (switchblade), gravity, and butterfly (balisong) knives. However, federal law may still prohibit certain knives (such as switchblades) if they cross state lines during manufacture or shipping, so there is some legal ambiguity at the federal level.
- Legal to Carry: You can openly or concealed carry most single-edged pocket knives, with no state-imposed blade length restrictions. These knives are not considered “deadly or dangerous weapons” unless used or intended for use as a weapon.
What Is Illegal to Carry?
- Dirks, Daggers, and Other Deadly Weapons: It is illegal to carry (openly or concealed) dirks, daggers, or any knife classified as a “deadly or dangerous weapon” unless you are authorized by law. This includes knives designed or intended primarily for use as weapons.
- Concealed Carry Restrictions: Concealed carry is not generally an issue for legal pocket knives unless the knife is used in the commission of a crime or is classified as a deadly weapon.
- Schools and Certain Locations: Carrying any knife on school property or in certain restricted locations is strictly prohibited.
No Statewide Preemption
- Local Variations: Hawaii does not have statewide preemption for knife laws, meaning counties or cities could enact their own restrictions, though state law is the primary reference.
Blade Length
- No Length Limit: There are no state restrictions on blade length for legal pocket knives, so you can carry larger knives (such as machetes or cane knives) for legitimate purposes like hiking or camping.
Summary Table: Pocket Knife Laws in Hawaii
| Activity | Legal Status (as of 2024) |
|---|---|
| Own single-edged pocket knife | Legal |
| Open carry pocket knife | Legal |
| Concealed carry pocket knife | Legal (unless used as a deadly weapon or in a crime) |
| Carry dirk/dagger/deadly weapon | Illegal (open or concealed) |
| Carry on school property | Illegal |
| Blade length restriction | None |
| Switchblade/gravity/balisong | Legal under state law, but federal law may apply |
Key Takeaways
- Single-edged pocket knives are legal to own and carry (openly or concealed) in Hawaii, with no blade length restriction.
- It is illegal to carry dirks, daggers, or knives classified as deadly weapons, regardless of whether they are concealed or openly carried.
- Switchblades, gravity knives, and butterfly knives are now legal under state law, but federal restrictions may still apply if the knife was transported across state lines.
- Knives are strictly prohibited on school property and in certain sensitive locations.
Always check for local ordinances or updates to the law, and use caution when transporting knives that may be subject to federal restrictions.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/hawaii/
- https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/hawaii-knife-laws-with-all-new-updates-2022
- https://www.hawaiifreepress.com/Articles-Main/ID/29360/What-knives-can-you-carry-in-Hawaii
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-hawaii-understanding-the-aloha-states-regulations/