Is a South Carolina Non-Resident Permit Valid in Hawaii?

Why

• Hawaii does not recognize any out-of-state carry permit.

No provision of HRS chapter 134 recognizes any out-of-state carry permit; only a license issued by a Hawaii county chief of police authorizes carry, and county licensing pages describe no reciprocity path. Post-Bruen (Act 52, 2023) concealed licenses are issued on objective shall-issue criteria; unconcealed licenses still require showing 'urgency or need' (HRS 134-9(b)).

Carry rules in Hawaii

Carry law is state law. From the moment you enter Hawaii, these rules replace the ones you know from South Carolina.

• Hawaii imposes a duty to inform: you must tell an officer you are carrying. HRS 134-9.2 (enacted by Act 52, 2023) requires a person carrying a firearm who is stopped by law enforcement (including as driver or passenger) to immediately disclose that they are carrying; licensees must also keep the license card in immediate possession and produce it on request (county rules). Violation is a petty misdemeanor.
• Hawaii limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.
• Hawaii is not a permitless-carry state: concealed carry there requires a permit Hawaii recognizes.
• Without a Hawaii license there is no lawful loaded vehicle carry; firearms may only be transported unloaded and enclosed between narrowly permitted places, and Act 52 restricts leaving firearms in unattended vehicles even for licensees.

Off-limits places in Hawaii

• Schools, preschools, summer camps and child care facilities
• Government buildings and courthouses
• Bars and restaurants serving alcohol
• Hospitals and medical facilities
• Beaches, parks and playgrounds
• Public transit and polling places

Frequently asked questions

Is a South Carolina non-resident permit valid in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not accept South Carolina non-resident permits. There is no visitor permitless option. Carrying anyway risks a criminal charge, so plan transport under federal peaceable-journey rules instead.

Do I have to tell police in Hawaii that I am carrying?

Hawaii imposes a duty to inform: you must tell an officer you are carrying. HRS 134-9.2 (enacted by Act 52, 2023) requires a person carrying a firearm who is stopped by law enforcement (including as driver or passenger) to immediately disclose that they are carrying; licensees must also keep the license card in immediate possession and produce it on request (county rules). Violation is a petty misdemeanor.

Does Hawaii limit magazine capacity?

Hawaii limits magazine capacity to 10 rounds — a limit that applies to visitors, and one of the easiest laws to break by accident.