It's a far cry from Aloha when it comes to knife laws in Hawaii. While at a glance it may seem that the knife laws of ‘Paradise’ are blissfully relaxed, a close look reveals a different landscape. Hawaii knife laws wear a grim face behind a smiley mask. They often make little sense to the locals and even less to the tourists. Many are of the opinion that these laws constrain outdoor enthusiasts from enjoying the lush nature that the Aloha State has to offer.
Places like Nā Pali Coast State Park are advertised as some of the most beautiful places on earth. A full experience of these natural wonders demands camping gear. And that includes a capable cutter. But the question begs - what knives are you allowed to carry in Hawaii (if any)? And what knives can you own? Are you allowed to buy switchblades? Here, you'll find answers to questions like these.
What Hawaii Knife Law Says (In Garbled English)
HRS § 134-51. Deadly weapons; prohibitions; penalty.
(a) Any person, not authorized by law, who carries concealed upon the person’s self or within any vehicle used or occupied by the person or who is found armed with any dirk, dagger, blackjack, slug shot, billy, metal knuckles, pistol, or other deadly or dangerous weapon shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and may be immediately arrested without warrant by any sheriff, police officer, or other officer or person. Any weapon, above enumerated, upon conviction of the one carrying or possessing it under this section, shall be summarily destroyed by the chief of police or sheriff.
(b) Whoever knowingly possesses or intentionally uses or threatens to use a deadly or dangerous weapon while engaged in the commission of a crime shall be guilty of a class C felony.
What the Law Really Means (In Plain English)
Knife laws in Hawaii basically allow you to own most knives. You can purchase and possess almost any kind of knife except switchblades and gravity knives. This allows you to lawfully own most folding and fixed blade knives.
You can legally own:
- Bowie knives and other large knives.
- Throwing stars and throwing knives.
- Disguised knives like pen knives, lipstick knives, and comb knives.
- Undetectable non-metallic knives
- Bowie knives, dirks, daggers, and stilettos.
IT IS ILLEGAL TO OWN:
- Switchblades or automatic knives and gravity knives.
- Butterfly knives or balisong knives.
Knives Legal To Carry In Hawaii
There are strict regulations in Hawaii that ban you from carrying most knives as they fall under the category of 'deadly weapons'. Here's what you can legally carry openly or concealed. Most single-edged pocket knives are legal with no length limitations imposed by statute. You can carry these knives. There is no restriction on concealment, it's not an issue.IT'S ILLEGAL TO CARRY (OPEN OR CONCEALED):
- Daggers
- Dirks
- Knives with knuckles such as WWI trench knives
- Illegal Knives
Roundup
Knife laws in Hawaii allow you to own most knives except for switchblades and balisong knives. However, if you want to carry a knife on you, your choices are limited to single-edged pocket knives. Conceal carry is not an issue.
