Legal note: This page is a CJRB educational summary, not legal advice. Hawaii knife law can change, and local, federal, school, courthouse, airport, workplace, event, public-property, private-property, and transit rules may add restrictions. Use the source links below as a starting point and consult a qualified attorney for legal advice.
Last checked: July 25, 2026 · Primary sources: official state code, Justia, and official local/agency sources listed below
Hawaii Knife Law Snapshot
Short version: Hawaii is strict on certain knife types. Switchblade knives and gravity knives are prohibited, butterfly knives have concealed-carry and felony-use restrictions, and carrying or possessing dirks, daggers, blackjacks, slungshots, billy clubs, metal knuckles, pistols, or other deadly/dangerous weapons is restricted.
Hawaii prohibits switchblade and gravity knives.
Concealed carry and use during separate crimes are restricted.
Dirks and daggers are listed in deadly/dangerous weapon rules.
Knife type and carry method matter a lot.
Can You Carry a Knife in Hawaii?
| Situation | Plain-English summary | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary pocketknife | Lower risk than listed prohibited types, but Hawaii's weapon statutes and local/place rules should still be checked. | Medium caution | HRS chapter 134 |
| Switchblade or gravity knife | Hawaii prohibits manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, and transport of switchblade and gravity knives. | Prohibited | HRS section 134-52 |
| Butterfly knife concealed on person or in bag/container | Hawaii restricts knowingly carrying a concealed butterfly knife on the person or in a container carried by the person. | Restricted | HRS section 134-53 |
| Butterfly knife during another offense | Possession, use, or threatened use of a butterfly knife during a separate felony or misdemeanor is a class C felony. | High risk | HRS section 134-53 |
| Dirk or dagger | Hawaii restricts carrying or possessing dirks, daggers, and other listed weapons. | Restricted | HRS section 134-51 |
Knife Type Notes
Use this as a practical EDC check. Ownership, open carry, concealed carry, place restrictions, age, and intent can be separate questions.
| Knife type | State summary | Carry risk |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket knives | Lower risk if not a listed prohibited weapon and not carried in a restricted place. | Medium |
| Switchblades / gravity knives | Prohibited. | High |
| Butterfly knives | Concealed carry is restricted; offense-use penalty is higher. | High |
| Dirks / daggers | Listed restricted weapons. | High |
Type-Specific Hawaii Rules
Place-based and local rules are where many EDC mistakes happen. Check the exact school, courthouse, airport, park, transit system, workplace, venue, and private-property rule before carrying.
| Rule area | What to know | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switchblade / gravity knife | Treat as prohibited, not normal EDC. | Caution | HRS section 134-52 |
| Butterfly knife | Concealed carry and use during another offense are restricted. | Caution | HRS section 134-53 |
| Other deadly/dangerous weapons | Dirks, daggers, and other listed weapon types are restricted. | Caution | HRS section 134-51 |
Practical EDC Checklist
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01Start with knife type: Confirm whether the knife is ordinary utility carry or a listed/restricted weapon category.
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02Check carry method: Open carry and concealed carry can be treated differently.
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03Check the place: Schools, courthouses, airports, jails, public buildings, parks, and private venues often have stricter rules.
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04Check age and status: Minors, prohibited persons, and restricted-license contexts can change the answer.
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05Avoid weapon-like conduct: Threatening display, unlawful intent, or criminal-use facts can turn a tool into a legal problem.
Relevant Legal Sources
| Source | Why it matters | Status | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HRS section 134-51 | Deadly weapons; prohibitions. | Source | HRS section 134-51 |
| HRS section 134-52 | Switchblade and gravity knives. | Source | HRS section 134-52 |
| HRS section 134-53 | Butterfly knives. | Source | HRS section 134-53 |
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