Hawaii Island (the Big Island) · Hawaii
Hawaii County CCW permit requirements
Hawaii County covers the Big Island and operates firearm services out of both Hilo and Kailua-Kona. Which station you use affects your travel plan, so confirm the filing location before booking flights. The training and HRA requirements are identical to the rest of the state.
Issuing agency
Hawaii Police Department
Records / Firearms Section — Hilo and Kona stations
- 349 Kapiolani Street, Hilo, HI 96720 (Kona: 74-611 Hale Makai Place, Kailua-Kona)
- (808) 935-3311
- Weekday business hours — Hilo and Kona hours differ; confirm before travel
- Call ahead; some services are handled at specific stations on specific days
Application steps in Hawaii County
- 1
Join the Hawaii Rifle Association
Required statewide for the non-resident pathway.
- 2
Complete coursework and live-fire qualification
Done on the mainland with a certified instructor before you travel.
- 3
Confirm your station
Decide whether you will be handled in Hilo or Kailua-Kona and call ahead to verify services offered there.
- 4
Register your handgun
Register within 5 days of arriving on the island.
- 5
Fingerprinting
Completed as part of the background investigation.
- 6
File the CCW application in person
Submit your full packet at the confirmed station.
- 7
Background investigation
Character, temperament, and mental-health review.
- 8
Issuance
Approved licenses are issued by the Hawaii County Chief of Police.
Documents to bring
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of current HRA membership
- Course completion certificate
- Live-fire qualification score sheet from your certified instructor
- Handgun registration documentation
- Application forms and mental-health/HIPAA authorization
- Payment for statutory fees
Fees
| CCW application | $150 | |
|---|---|---|
| Renewal (every 4 years) | $50 | |
| HRA membership | $21/yr or $510 life | |
| Firearm registration | Confirm current fee with the department |
Processing time
Plan for several weeks to a few months. Big Island volume is lower than Oahu, but staffing at each station varies.
Travel and logistics
- Fly into Hilo (ITO) or Kona (KOA) depending on your filing station.
- Declare and check your handgun with your airline per TSA rules.
- Driving between Hilo and Kona takes roughly 1.5–2.5 hours — do not assume you can do both in one morning.
- Transport unloaded and locked between lawful locations until licensed.
Verify before you travel
County procedures change without notice. Confirm the following directly with Hawaii Police Department — or let our concierge team confirm it for you:
- • Whether firearm registration and CCW filing are both available at your chosen station
- • Notarization requirement for qualification scores
- • Current fingerprinting arrangements and fees
- • Interview scheduling practice
Hawaii County FAQs
Can I apply in Kona instead of Hilo?
Hawaii Police Department operates in both Hilo and Kailua-Kona, but the services available at each station can differ. Call ahead to confirm where your CCW packet will be accepted.
Is the Hawaii County process different from Honolulu's?
The statutory requirements are the same statewide — HRA membership, training, qualification, registration, fingerprints, in-person filing. The scheduling and station logistics differ.
How long does a Big Island application take?
Expect several weeks to a few months from filing to decision, depending on the background investigation queue.
What does it cost?
$150 application, $50 renewal every four years, $21/year HRA membership, plus training, registration, and travel.
Does my home-state permit help?
It does not authorize carry in Hawaii, but a documented training history and clean record are viewed favorably during the review.
Ready to start your Hawaii County application?
Begin the online course, add concierge support, or call 1-623-850-4134 — 9AM–9PM PST, 7 days a week.