complete an approved firearms safety or training course;
apply for a permit from the chief of police of county of business or residence with fingerprinting and provide a photograph;
pay applicable fee for permit;
background check;
if approved, pick up within allotted time
usable or unusable firearms acquired in Hawaii
serviceable or unserviceable firearms acquired in Hawaii
all firearms that that are imported or brought into Hawaii regardless of whether they are unusable or unserviceable within 5 days of arrival with the chief of police of the county of the person's place of business, place of residence, or place of sojourn
firearms designed to fire loose black powder and firearms manufactured before 1899 only require permits
Requirements to hold a firearm license
at least 21 years old
not under indictment for or convicted of a felony or crime of violence
not under indictment or convicted of illegal sale of drugs
completed approved firearms training course
More information on Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL), as well as what each license type can do, can be found on our FFL home page.
We also have a very helpful
FFL search tool if you want to search by postal code, state, business name, or even license number.
Does Hawaii Require a Background Check to purchase a Firearm?
Yes, Hawaii has a state law that requires a background check prior to the sale of a firearm.
Once issued, permits to acquire firearms are valid for six (6) calendar days after which they are void and a new application will need to be filed.
Owning a firearm in Hawaii
Does Hawaii have a Gun Free Zone law?
Yes, Hawaii has a defined list of gun free zones:
Schools
In Hawai'i County Only:
hospitals, medical facilities,medical offices (unless permission granted)
daycare centers, playgrounds, parks (unless permission granted)
churches or religious assemblies (unless permission granted)
voter service centers
government buildings and accompanying parking lots
private property open to public if conspicuously noticed that public carry is not allowed
public transportation
bars, restaurants, and establishments that serve alcohol
public events, gatherings, demonstrations if conspicuously noticed that public carry is not allowed
Does Hawaii Require a Safety Course to own a Firearm?
Yes, you are required to take a safety course prior to owning a firearm in Hawaii.
anyone requesting a permit to obtain a firearm must complete an approved firearms training course
Common Firearm Offenses in Hawaii
criminally negligent storage of a firearm (HRS 707-714.5)
[HRS 134-26: Carrying or possessing a loaded firearm on a public highway] (https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol03_Ch0121-0200D/HRS0134/HRS_0134-0026.htm)
reckless endangering in the second degree (HRS 707-714)
robbery in the first degree(HRS 708-840)
terroristic threatening in the first degree (HRS 707-716)
extortion (HRS 707-764)
impersonating a law enforcement officer in the first degree (HRS 710-1016.6)
reckless endangerment in the first degree (HRS 707-713)
theft in the first degree (HRS 708-830.5)
criminal trespass in the first degree (HRS 708-813)
commercial promotion of marijuana in the first degree (HRS 712-1249.4)
Riot (HRS 711-1103)
carrying or using a firearm in the commission of a separate felony (HRS 134-21)
possession of a firearm with intent to facilitate the commission of a felony drug offense (HRS 134-22)