Hawaii maintains some of the nation’s strictest knife laws, even after 2024 reforms via Act 21 legalized ownership of more blade types. Pocket knives remain broadly legal for everyday carry, but concealed restrictions and prohibited types demand caution.
Key Legal Changes
Act 21 (HB2342), effective May 2024, ended bans on possessing switchblades, butterfly (balisong) knives, and gravity knives at home, driven by the Teter v.
Lopez federal ruling on Second Amendment grounds. However, concealed carry of these remains illegal statewide under Hawaii Revised Statutes §134-52 and §134-53, distinguishing ownership from transport. No blade length limits apply to permitted knives.
Allowed Pocket Knives
Standard non-automatic folding pocket knives—manual folders like slip joints or lockbacks—are fully legal to own, openly carry, or conceal anywhere except restricted areas.
You can pocket-carry them without issue, as they fall outside “dangerous weapon” definitions. Switchblades and balisongs allow open carry (e.g., visible sheath) but not pocket or bag concealment.
Prohibited Practices
- Concealing switchblades, balisongs, gravity knives, dirks, or daggers: misdemeanor offense.
- Carry in schools, courthouses, or government buildings: banned for all knives.
- Intent to harm elevates any knife to a felony weapon.
Knife Types Table
| Type | Ownership | Open Carry | Concealed Carry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Pocket Knife | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Switchblade | Legal (2024) | Legal | Illegal |
| Butterfly (Balisong) | Legal (2024) | Legal | Illegal |
| Dirk/Dagger | Legal | Illegal | Illegal |
Enforcement Realities
Police focus on context—furtive behavior or complaints trigger stops, with penalties up to one year jail and $2,000 fines for violations.
No 2026 changes altered this framework; locals advise sticking to basic folders for daily use. Tourists: declare knives at airports; mailing home avoids issues.
SOURCES:
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/hawaii-knife-laws/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/hawaii/
