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.
Legalized in 2024 after decades of prohibition.
Legalized in 2024 following the Ninth Circuit balisong ruling.
Concealed carry of switchblades and balisongs remains banned (open carry only); carrying with unlawful intent is a crime.
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?
Are butterfly knives legal in Hawaii?
Is it legal to carry a knife in Hawaii?
What size knife can you legally carry in Hawaii?
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.