Everything You Should Know About Hawaii Knife Laws

Hawaii was known for strict weapons laws, and knives were no exception until recently. For many years, owning a switchblade or butterfly knife could lead to a misdemeanor charge. This changed in May 2024, when Governor Josh Green signed Act 21, which lifted ownership bans on several types of knives that had been illegal for decades. The change followed federal court rulings that Hawaii’s total prohibition of butterfly knives violated the Second Amendment.

In Hawaii, the primary legal difference is between owning a knife and carrying one.

• Ownership of nearly any type of knife is now permitted.

• Carrying a knife in public is subject to specific restrictions and can result in criminal charges if ignored.

Here’s what changed with the 2024 law, what is still not allowed, and what you should know before carrying a knife in Hawaii.

Hawaii Knife Carry Laws Explained

• Ownership: All knives are legal to own in Hawaii, including switchblades, butterfly knives, and gravity knives

• Open carry: Legal for most knives with no blade length restrictions

• Concealed carry: Illegal statewide for switchblades and weapons-designed knives

• Daggers and dirks: Prohibited from carrying in any manner if designed primarily as weapons

• Restricted locations: Schools, government buildings, airports, and public events

• Penalties: Misdemeanor charges with up to 1 year confinement for violations

• Local laws: No state preemption exists, so county and municipal rules may apply

• 2025 update: A proposed bill to ban most public knife carry (SB 433) failed to pass

What Changed in 2024

Act 21, signed in May 2024, ended Hawaii’s long-standing bans on making, selling, owning, or transporting butterfly knives, switchblades, and gravity knives. The law also removed restrictions on brass knuckles, swords, and spears. These changes took effect right away.

This reform followed Teter v. Lopez, in which a 9th Circuit panel unanimously held that Hawaii’s total ban on butterfly knives was unconstitutional. The ruling, issued in August 2023 (76 F.4th 938), prompted the state to reconsider its knife laws. Governor Green then asked for the bill that became Act 21, noting that Hawaii had lost several Second Amendment cases.

On January 22, 2025, the 9th Circuit issued a full-court opinion in the Teter case, further confirming the legal basis for these changes.

Knives You Can Legally Own

There are no restrictions on owning knives in Hawaii. You can legally have:

*Single-edged pocket knives designed as tools rather than weapons may be concealed, though the distinction can be subjective.

Concealed Carry Restrictions

The 2024 law changed the rules on knife ownership but left most concealed-carry restrictions unchanged. Right now, if you knowingly carry a concealed switchblade on you or in something you’re carrying, it’s a misdemeanor.

The ban isn’t just for switchblades. Daggers, dirks, and any knife mainly made as a weapon can’t be carried, whether openly or concealed. This is important because it creates a gray area based on how the knife was designed.

How Courts Define “Dagger”

The Hawaii Supreme Court addressed this question in State v. Giltner (1975), a case that remains relevant for knife carriers. The court defined a dagger as “a short weapon used for stabbing,” and found that the trial judge had erred in classifying a diver’s knife with double edges as a dagger. The Giltner case established that a knife’s intended purpose and design features determine its legal classification, not simply the presence of two edges.

A fixed-blade hunting knife or dive knife may not qualify as a dagger if it is made and sold as a tool. But if you carry a knife that looks mainly meant for fighting, you could still face charges.

Where You Cannot Carry Knives

Some places in Hawaii do not allow you to carry knives at all, no matter what kind or how you carry them.

Schools and School Grounds

HRS 302A-1134.6 prohibits knives on school property. This rule covers all knives, not just those considered weapons. For example, if you pick up your child from school with a folding knife clipped to your pocket, you could be charged.

Airports and Secured Areas

Federal law prohibits any blade past airport security checkpoints. This rule applies nationwide and is enforced by the TSA.

Government Buildings

Most state and county buildings prohibit weapons, including knives. There may be signs showing these rules, but if you don’t see a sign, it doesn’t mean you’re allowed to carry a knife.

Public Gatherings and Events

Large public events typically have security policies that prohibit knives. This includes events such as festivals, concerts, and sports events.

Penalties for Violations

Violating Hawaii Revised Statutes sections 134-51 to 134-53 is a misdemeanor and may result in up to one year in jail. The details of your case will affect the sentence.

If a knife is used or threatened during another crime, the charges are more serious. This can become a felony, which means much longer sentences and permanent marks on your record.

Local Laws and the Preemption Problem

Hawaii does not have a law that overrides local knife rules. Cities and counties can impose restrictions beyond state law. What’s legal in one place might be illegal in another.

Before traveling between counties in Hawaii, check the local rules on carrying knives. Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii County, and Kauai may all have different laws. A knife that is fine on the Big Island might get you in trouble in Waikiki.

Because there’s no statewide rule, it can be hard for visitors and residents who travel between islands. It’s your responsibility to know the rules wherever you are.

The 2025 Legislative Attempt

In 2025, lawmakers looked at SB 433, a bill that would have banned the open carry of most knives in public. The bill did not pass, so the rights from Act 21 stayed in place. Still, the bill indicates that knife laws in Hawaii remain under debate.

If you care about your right to carry knives, keep an eye on future legislative sessions. Hawaii lawmakers have indicated they may change firearm laws again, and new proposals could be introduced at any time.

Practical Guidance for Everyday Carry

With these laws in mind, here are some tips for carrying a knife in Hawaii:

Pick knives that are made and sold as tools, not weapons. Utility knives are less likely to cause legal trouble than tactical or defensive knives. Single-edged folding knives for cutting are usually safer legally than double-edged daggers.

Carry your knife openly when you can. If you have a switchblade or butterfly knife, keeping it visible rather than concealed helps you comply with the law. A knife clipped to your pocket with the clip showing usually counts as open carry.

Be aware of where you’re going. Before visiting a government building, school, airport, or big event, assume knives are not allowed. Leave your knife in a locked car or at home.

Check the local rules before visiting another county. There may be restrictions that state law doesn’t cover. Spending a few minutes researching can help you avoid problems with the police.

If you carry a dive knife, fishing knife, or another tool that could look like a weapon, bring proof of its intended use. This can help if someone questions you about it.

Quick Reference Table

Staying Current With Hawaii Knife Laws

The 2024 changes shifted how Hawaii handles knife ownership and carrying. Court cases like Teter v. Lopez prompted the state to rethink its prior rules. Lawmakers are still reviewing and updating these laws.

If you often carry a knife in Hawaii, check for legal updates before each legislative session ends to stay informed. Groups like Knife Rights track state law changes and can alert you when new bills come up.

You can now own knives that were previously banned. Focus on: 

• Distinguishing between ownership and carry.

• Knowing restricted locations.

• Staying aware of local variations to remain compliant with the law.