Hawaii’s pocket knife laws balance public safety with recent reforms legalizing certain blades since 2024’s Act 21. Standard folding pocket knives remain fully legal to own and carry openly or concealed, with no blade length limits.
2024 Reforms Overview
Act 21 (HB2342, signed May 2024) repealed outright bans on switchblades, butterfly (balisong), and gravity knives, shifting focus to carry method under HRS §§ 134-51 to 134-53. Ownership, sale, manufacture, and transport of these are now legal statewide—no local bans preempted. Triggered by Teter v. Lopez (9th Circuit, Second Amendment challenge), changes prioritize “knowing” concealed carry violations.
Legal Knives
- Pocket/Folding Knives: Single-edged folders (e.g., Swiss Army, assisted-open) legal openly or concealed; no restrictions.
- Fixed Blades: Bowie, machetes, standard hunters OK openly; concealed risks if deemed “deadly.”
- Newly Legal: Switchblades (auto-open by button/gravity), balisongs (wrist-folding), gravity knives—own/carry openly fine.
Restrictions
Concealed carry banned for:
- Dirks/daggers (stab-focused).
- Switchblades (§134-52).
- Butterfly knives (§134-53).
- “Deadly/dangerous weapons” (sole purpose: injury, per State v. Muliufi).
Misdemeanor: up to 1 year jail/$2,000 fine; felony if used in crime. Assisted-open knives risky due to switchblade ambiguity—avoid concealed.
| Knife Type | Own | Open Carry | Concealed Carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket Folder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Switchblade | Yes | Yes | No |
| Butterfly/Balisong | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dagger/Dirk | Yes (if not concealed) | Restricted | No |
| Disguised (lipstick, belt) | Yes | Case-by-case | No |
Locations and Exceptions
Zero tolerance in schools (§302A-1134.6), airports, courts; check parks/beaches locally. Home/business: full rights. No statewide blade length limit—type matters over size.
Enforcement Tips
Carry openly (sheathed/visible) for exotics; pocket everyday folders discreetly. Tourists: airport-check bags. Footage/cases: Reforms clarified post-Bruen, but police discretion high—de-escalate. Consult HRS Chapter 134 for updates.
SOURCES:
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/hawaii-knife-laws/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/hawaii-knife-laws/
