A License to Carry
HRS 134-9 — the chief of police shall grant a concealed carry license to a resident twenty one or older who qualifies
The chief of police shall grant a license to carry a pistol or revolver concealed to an applicant who meets the criteria, is not prohibited from having a firearm, is not found lacking the essential character or temperament, is a citizen, national or lawful permanent resident, lives in the State, and is twenty one or older. The license is valid in every county.
Who handles this in Hawaii: Hawaii State Bar Association, Lawyer Referral and Information Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Hawaii directory.
- The application is made in person, with a nonrefundable fee of $150, waived for financial hardship.
- The applicant must be the registered owner of each firearm the license covers.
- The course is in person and covers safety, handling, storage, transport, prohibited places, low light, conflict management and the law on deadly force, with a mental health component, a written examination passed at seventy per cent, and live fire with each firearm.
- The license expires four years from issue unless renewed.
- A request for a hearing on a denial is due no later than thirty days after the notice.
An unconcealed license is discretionary: the chief may grant one, valid in that county, to someone engaged in the protection of life and property who sufficiently establishes the urgency or need.
One at a time. A licensee may not carry more than one firearm on their person at one time.
Sources for this section (1)
- HRS 134-9 — Licenses to carry
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Hawaii attorney.