Is a Kentucky 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

Crossing into Hawaii swaps the rulebook. Here is what changes for a visiting carrier.

• 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 Kentucky resident permit valid in Hawaii?

No. In Hawaii your Kentucky Concealed Deadly Weapon (CCDW) License counts for nothing, and the state has no permitless carry for visitors. You would need a Hawaii permit to carry there.

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.