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Louis Martin Custom Knives

Reviewed September 2026

Hawaii Knife Laws

In Hawaii, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Concealed carry of switchblades and balisongs remains banned (open carry only); carrying with unlawful intent is a crime. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Legalized in 2024 after decades of prohibition.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Legalized in 2024 following the Ninth Circuit balisong ruling.

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry of switchblades and balisongs remains banned (open carry only); carrying with unlawful intent is a crime.

Local Ordinances

Hawaii has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. One of the newest law changes in the country (2024): verify current carry rules before traveling with automatics.

Not legal advice. Statuses reviewed September 2026 from state statutes and reputable trackers. Laws change; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying. See the full 50-state comparison.

The Law in Detail

Key statutes: Haw. Rev. Stat. §§134-51, 134-52, 134-53

Hawaii long banned switchblades and butterfly knives outright, with violations punished as misdemeanors carrying up to one year of confinement. After the Ninth Circuit's Teter v. Lopez decision challenged the butterfly knife ban, the legislature in May 2024 broadly legalized automatic knives, butterfly knives, and daggers. The Hawaii Supreme Court in State v. Wilson took the unusual position that the state constitution is read independently of federal Bruen doctrine, and there is no statewide preemption.

Hawaii Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Hawaii?
Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Hawaii. Legalized in 2024 after decades of prohibition. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.
Are butterfly knives legal in Hawaii?
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Hawaii. Legalized in 2024 following the Ninth Circuit balisong ruling.
Is it legal to carry a knife in Hawaii?
Generally yes, within limits: Concealed carry of switchblades and balisongs remains banned (open carry only); carrying with unlawful intent is a crime. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.
What size knife can you legally carry in Hawaii?
Hawaii has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. One of the newest law changes in the country (2024): verify current carry rules before traveling with automatics.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Hawaii

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.