Kauai and Niihau · Hawaii
Kauai County CCW permit requirements
Kauai County is served by the Kauai Police Department records bureau in Lihue. It handles the lowest permit volume in the state, which means limited firearms-window hours and appointment slots that fill up. Book early and confirm before you buy flights.
Issuing agency
Kauai Police Department (KPD)
Records Bureau — Firearms
- 3990 Kaana Street, Suite 200, Lihue, HI 96766
- (808) 241-1711
- Weekday business hours — firearms services often on limited hours
- Appointments strongly recommended; the smallest permit unit in the state
Application steps in Kauai
- 1
Join the Hawaii Rifle Association
Required statewide for the non-resident pathway.
- 2
Complete coursework and live-fire qualification
Completed on the mainland before you travel.
- 3
Schedule with KPD
Call the records bureau to confirm firearms hours and reserve your appointment before booking travel.
- 4
Register your handgun
Within 5 days of bringing the handgun into Hawaii.
- 5
Fingerprinting
Part of the background investigation.
- 6
File the CCW application in person
Submit the complete packet in Lihue.
- 7
Background investigation
Character, temperament, and mental-health review.
- 8
Issuance
Approved licenses are issued by the Kauai County Chief of Police.
Documents to bring
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of current HRA membership
- Course completion certificate
- Live-fire qualification score sheet signed by your 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 KPD |
Processing time
Several weeks to a few months. Scheduling, not review time, is usually the bottleneck on Kauai.
Travel and logistics
- Fly into Lihue Airport (LIH).
- Declare and check your handgun per TSA and airline rules.
- Everything you need is within a short drive of Lihue — a single well-scheduled trip is realistic here.
- Transport unloaded and locked between lawful locations until licensed.
Verify before you travel
County procedures change without notice. Confirm the following directly with Kauai Police Department (KPD) — or let our concierge team confirm it for you:
- • Current firearms-window days and hours
- • Whether qualification scores must be notarized
- • Fingerprinting location and fee
- • Lead time needed to secure an appointment
Kauai FAQs
Where do I apply for a CCW on Kauai?
In person at the Kauai Police Department records bureau, 3990 Kaana Street, Lihue, Hawaii.
Why do you recommend calling KPD first?
Kauai has the smallest permit unit in the state with limited firearms-window hours, so appointment availability often determines your travel dates.
Is the Kauai training requirement different?
No. The coursework and live-fire qualification are the same statewide and are completed before you travel.
What does a Kauai County non-resident CCW cost?
$150 application, $50 renewal every four years, $21/year HRA membership, plus training, registration, and travel.
Can I use a Kauai license on Oahu or Maui?
Yes. A Hawaii license issued by any county chief of police is valid statewide, subject to Hawaii's carry restrictions.
Ready to start your Kauai application?
Begin the online course, add concierge support, or call 1-623-850-4134 — 9AM–9PM PST, 7 days a week.