Firearm law reference
Hawaii firearm laws
A plain-English overview of the firearm rules most relevant to buying and selling in Hawaii — private-sale background checks, permits to purchase, restricted-firearm and magazine rules, handgun roster, waiting periods and ammunition. Federal law applies everywhere on top of these state rules.
At a glance
Reviewed 2026-06-26
What to watch for
- Important: Hawaii requires private firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer (background check).
- Important: Hawaii: A permit to acquire is required for every firearm, and firearms must be registered.
- Caution: Interstate transfers must ship to a licensed dealer (FFL) in the buyer's state for the background check; a private buyer can't take a handgun across state lines.
- Caution: Hawaii restricts large-capacity magazines. Detachable pistol magazines over 10 rounds are restricted.
- Important: Hawaii prohibits "assault pistols" (certain semi-automatic pistols with listed features).
- Note: Hawaii has a waiting period (about 14 days) before a firearm can be received.
- Note: Never transfer to a prohibited person or complete a straw purchase (buying for someone else) — both are federal crimes.
General information, not legal advice. Firearm laws change frequently and city or county ordinances may add requirements this summary doesn't capture. Verify the current law with the Hawaii Attorney General or state police and consult a licensed attorney before any transfer. Last reviewed 2026-06-26.
Frequently asked
Does Hawaii require a background check for private firearm sales?
Yes. Hawaii requires private firearm transfers to go through a licensed dealer (FFL), who runs the background check.
Do you need a permit or license to buy a firearm in Hawaii?
Yes. A permit to acquire is required for every firearm, and firearms must be registered.
Does Hawaii restrict "assault weapons"?
Yes. Hawaii prohibits "assault pistols" (certain semi-automatic pistols with listed features). Confirm a specific model and configuration is permitted before buying or selling.
Are magazine-capacity limits in effect in Hawaii?
Yes. Detachable pistol magazines over 10 rounds are restricted.
Is there a waiting period to receive a firearm in Hawaii?
Yes — about 14 days. The federal background check must also clear before transfer.
Are there rules for buying ammunition in Hawaii?
This summary doesn't list state ammunition-purchase rules for Hawaii. Federal law still bars prohibited persons from possessing ammunition, and dealers can't sell handgun ammunition to anyone under 21 or other ammunition to anyone under 18.
Buying or selling in Hawaii?
Rangium shows these state-specific notes right on every listing, and Vanta can answer compliance questions against your own inventory. Rangium is a neutral listings venue — it never processes payment or ships firearms.