Bret Pawlowski
NRA & BCI Certified Instructor · Safehouse Defense, LLC
What Solensky v. Lopez actually decided
The court held that Hawaii cannot categorically deny concealed carry licenses to residents of other states. The remedy is narrow: it flows to the named plaintiffs and, importantly, to members of the Hawaii Rifle Association, which was a party to the case. Whether and how other non-residents can rely on the ruling is unresolved.
Hawaii still does not honor concealed carry permits issued by any other state. There is no reciprocity. If you want to lawfully carry in Hawaii as a non-resident, you must obtain a Hawaii license — your home-state permit does nothing on Hawaiian soil.
Applications are filed with the county Chief of Police where you intend to carry. Each island runs its own permit unit: Honolulu Police Department (Oahu), Hawaii County Police (Big Island), Maui Police Department, and Kauai Police Department.
Where HRA membership fits
Because the injunction expressly protects HRA members, membership may be relevant to a non-resident's eligibility. HRA membership is not, however, listed on HPD's October 2026 civilian LTC checklist, and it should not be described as a universal requirement.
Confirm how the injunction applies to you with a Hawaii-licensed attorney before applying.
Statutory fees you should budget for
The core state fees are set by statute: a $150 application fee and a $50 renewal fee every four years. Some counties add per-firearm fees at the registration/permit-to-acquire stage, so the true out-the-door number depends on how many handguns you register in Hawaii.
These are the government fees only. They do not include training, the shooting test, photos, notary, or travel. HPD currently accepts cash only for the $150 fee. Our cost breakdown article walks the full budget end-to-end.
Eligibility requirements
You must be at least 21 years old and a lawful firearm owner — no disqualifying criminal history, no domestic violence restraining orders, no adjudicated mental health prohibitions under state or federal law.
You must complete training meeting HRS §134-9 and §134-2(g). In Honolulu, HPD asks for notarized affidavits from a verified instructor, with the shooting proficiency test dated within 90 days of application.
You must pass a character and temperament review and sign a HIPAA authorization allowing the county to review relevant mental health records. Disclose accurately — inconsistencies between your disclosures and the records the county pulls are one of the top reasons packets are denied.
Hawaii-specific carry rules you must know
One handgun at a time. Hawaii permits authorize carry of a single specific handgun; you cannot rotate through a collection under one license the way some states allow.
Duty to inform. If you have any contact with law enforcement while carrying, you must proactively inform the officer that you are licensed and armed.
The 'vampire rule' for private property. You may not carry onto private property — including businesses open to the public — without the express permission of the owner or lawful possessor. Silence is not consent in Hawaii; posted signage is not required for the restriction to apply.
On top of that, Hawaii's sensitive-places list is broad: schools, government buildings, bars, hospitals, stadiums, polling places, and more. Our Hawaii Gun Laws page maintains the current list.