Hawaii’s knife laws have undergone recent changes and remain among the more restrictive in the United States, but they now offer more clarity—and a bit more freedom—for pocket knife owners. Here’s a breakdown of the current legal landscape for pocket knives in Hawaii:
Ownership and Possession
- Single-Edged Pocket Knives:
- Legal to own and carry (openly or concealed), with no blade length restrictions.
- Most common folding knives are permitted as long as they are not classified as “deadly or dangerous weapons” by design or intent.
- Bowie, Throwing, and Disguised Knives:
- Legal to own in most cases, but carry restrictions may apply.
- Switchblades, Butterfly (Balisong), and Gravity Knives:
- Recent changes: As of May 2024, Hawaii updated its laws (HB2342) to allow the possession, sale, and open carry of switchblades, balisong (butterfly), and gravity knives.
- Concealed carry of these knives remains restricted—you cannot carry them concealed upon your person or within a vehicle unless authorized by law.
- Daggers, Dirks, and Knuckle Knives:
- Illegal to carry (openly or concealed) or have in your vehicle.
- Legal to own but not to carry in public.
Carry Regulations
- Open Carry:
- Single-edged pocket knives: Allowed with no length restrictions.
- Switchblades, balisong, and gravity knives: Now allowed under HB2342, but only openly—not concealed.
- Concealed Carry:
- Single-edged pocket knives: Allowed, with no restrictions on concealment.
- Switchblades, balisong, and gravity knives: Not allowed unless authorized.
- Restricted Areas:
- Schools: Strict zero-tolerance policy—no knives allowed.
- Other sensitive locations: Some public and private properties may have their own restrictions.
Intent and Use
- Unlawful Intent:
- Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is prohibited.
- Self-Defense:
- Knives marketed or intended as weapons for self-defense, fighting, or combat may be considered “deadly or dangerous weapons” and are subject to stricter regulation.
Penalties
- Carrying prohibited knives (e.g., daggers, dirks, knuckle knives):
- Misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail.
- Carrying switchblades, balisong, or gravity knives concealed:
- Also a misdemeanor offense.
- Use in commission of a crime:
- Class C felony if a deadly or dangerous weapon is used or threatened to be used during a crime.
Summary Table
| Knife Type | Own | Open Carry | Concealed Carry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-edged pocket knife | Yes | Yes | Yes | No length limit |
| Bowie, throwing knives | Yes | Varies | Varies | Not always allowed to carry |
| Switchblade, gravity, balisong | Yes | Yes | No | Concealed carry prohibited |
| Dagger, dirk, knuckle knife | Yes | No | No | Illegal to carry or have in vehicle |
Key Takeaways
- Single-edged pocket knives are legal to own and carry (open or concealed) with no length restrictions.
- Switchblades, balisong, and gravity knives are now legal to own and open carry, but not to conceal.
- Daggers, dirks, and knuckle knives are illegal to carry or have in your vehicle.
- Knives are strictly prohibited on school grounds.
- Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is always illegal.
This updated legal landscape reflects Hawaii’s balance between personal liberty and public safety, and aligns with your broader interest in weapon regulations11.
Sources
[1] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/hawaii-knife-laws/
[2] https://www.hawaiifreepress.com/Articles-Main/ID/29360/What-knives-can-you-carry-in-Hawaii
[3] https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/hawaii-knife-laws-with-all-new-updates-2022
[4] https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-hawaii-understanding-the-aloha-states-regulations/
[5] https://ravencresttactical.com/hawaii-knife-laws/
