Knives and pepper spray in Hawaii (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Hawaii makes carrying a dirk, dagger, blackjack, metal knuckles or other deadly or dangerous weapon concealed on the person or in a bag a misdemeanour. Carrying a switchblade or butterfly knife concealed is also a misdemeanour; since 2024 owning a switchblade is no longer banned. It is a defence that the person was lawfully in the person's own home.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a switchblade knife (a knife with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure on a button or device in the handle, or by inertia or gravity) concealed on the person or in a bag or container carried by the person is a misdemeanour. The same applies to a butterfly knife. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Any person not authorised by law who knowingly carries concealed on the person, or in a bag or container carried by the person, a dirk, dagger, blackjack, metal knuckles or other deadly or dangerous weapon commits a misdemeanour. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | It is a defence to these concealed carry offences that the person was lawfully present in the person's own home at the time of the offence. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Carrying a switchblade knife (a blade that opens automatically by a button or device in the handle, or by inertia or gravity) concealed on the person or in a bag or container is a misdemeanour. Act 21 of 2024 removed the former ban on manufacturing, selling, possessing or transporting switchblades. It is a defence that the person was lawfully in their own home. [1] |
Notes
- The 2024 Act text names no folding knives as such. Whether one is covered depends on whether it is a switchblade, butterfly knife or other deadly or dangerous weapon.
- This text comes from the 2024 Act, which amended HRS 134-51 to 134-53 and took effect on approval on 13 May 2024. The current compiled HRS page could not be read.
- The 2024 Act text does not cover pepper spray. HRS 134-16 and related sections were not read.
Sources
- Hawaii State Legislature: Act 21, Session Laws of Hawaii 2024 (H.B. 2342), Relating to Weapons (Internet Archive snapshot of 2025) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Hawaii
- Cannabis
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: Set by county ordinance or signs · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): Set by county ordinance or signs
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15½ (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3 · Minimum age: Class 2/3: 16 or supervised
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Oahu: No (firecrackers with permit) · Minimum age to buy: Oahu: 18 (firecracker permit)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $16.00 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (holding) · Hands-free use: Allowed (not under 18)
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, all seats · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, all seats
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Zero (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.