Maui, Hawaii Knife Laws

Hyesouljah

Hyesouljah

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I’m traveling to Maui and I’d really like to have one of my cutting tools with me. Can someone point me to the right direction as to what the laws are in Maui?

I read up on the recent laws that were passed that made it where you can openly carry previously banned knives like dirks and daggers but I haven’t really been able to find much else.

I usually just carry a SAK when I travel but since I’m traveling within the states I’m thinking of bringing a folder or one of my smaller fixed blades

I’m obviously going to put it in my checked luggage so I’m hoping it won’t be an issue with TSA but still kinda nervous because I do want to bring something more pricier along for my adventures this time
 
So I just asked ChatGPT and this is what I got, please advise if something is wrong.

In Maui, Hawaii, knife laws are governed by state law, which has specific regulations regarding the types of knives you can carry and how you transport them.

Knife Laws in Maui, Hawaii:

1. Types of Knives:
• Balisong (Butterfly) Knives: Illegal to possess or carry.
• Switchblades: Also known as automatic knives, these are illegal to possess, manufacture, sell, or carry.
• Gravity Knives: Knives that open by the force of gravity are illegal.
• Dirks and Daggers: Carrying concealed dirks, daggers, or knives with a blade longer than 3 inches is illegal without a permit. If carried openly, it may be permissible, but it is subject to local ordinances.
2. Concealed Carry:
• It is illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches concealed.
• It is legal to carry smaller knives (e.g., folding knives with a blade under 3 inches) concealed.
3. Open Carry:
• Knives can be carried openly without restrictions on blade length, but they must not be carried with the intent to use as a weapon.
 
The previous laws regarding the outright ban on switchblades, butterfly knives, and gravity knives, was repealed in May this year. However, they are illegal to carry concealed, as are "daggers" and "dirks." These terms are not well-defined but general refer to fixed blade knives that are single or double edged. Case law states that diver's knives don't count as daggers, being so commonly used in the area. There is not statutory prohibition on manual folding knives.

Maui's Code of Ordinances contains no laws pertaining to knives.

Never trust ChatGPT or any other AI chat bot for legal advice. They generally just repeat rumors people post on forums, and my attorney friends state they are notoriously inept at comprehending legal matters.
 
glistam said:
The previous laws regarding the outright ban on switchblades, butterfly knives, and gravity knives, was repealed in May this year. However, they are illegal to carry concealed, as are "daggers" and "dirks." These terms are not well-defined but general refer to fixed blade knives that are single or double edged. Case law states that diver's knives don't count as daggers, being so commonly used in the area. There is not statutory prohibition on manual folding knives.

Maui's Code of Ordinances contains no laws pertaining to knives.

Never trust ChatGPT or any other AI chat bot for legal advice. They generally just repeat rumors people post on forums, and my attorney friends state they are notoriously inept at comprehending legal matters.
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Thank you. I think I’ll just play it safe and take my Pioneer SAK
 
jfk1110 said:
Grab an Opinel or an Otter blade........Cheap and solid blades!!!

MolokaiRider MolokaiRider any thoughts on your neighbor isle...😉
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I think I might be taking my GEC 72LB or that white bone 47 Viper. It’s 3in which meets the 3in or less folder requirement and it’s a two handed knife.

I’ll carry it in a sheath and make some memories with it 😃

I’d love to know @MolokaiRider’s thoughts!

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This is not legal advice but. I have been to Maui several times in the last few years never had any problems carrying knives. My travel knives are a yellow Spyderco salt and an Emerson CQC-7 and use them all the time and don’t worry about them.
 
jfk1110 said:
Grab an Opinel or an Otter blade........Cheap and solid blades!!!

MolokaiRider MolokaiRider any thoughts on your neighbor isle...😉
Click to expand...

Hyesouljah said:
I think I might be taking my GEC 72LB or that white bone 47 Viper. It’s 3in which meets the 3in or less folder requirement and it’s a two handed knife.

I’ll carry it in a sheath and make some memories with it 😃

I’d love to know @MolokaiRider’s thoughts!

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Sorry fellas, I missed this.

No balisongs, no automatics.

Most everything else is fine. There are people walking around with all sorts of stuff, mostly since cutting coconuts, fishing, and cutting up fruits are so prevalent in the culture.

When going to a club or show, maybe leave the folder in the car.

Have fun during your visit!

Aaaaaaaaloha!
 
MolokaiRider said:
Sorry fellas, I missed this.

No balisongs, no automatics.

Most everything else is fine. There are people walking around with all sorts of stuff, mostly since cutting coconuts, fishing, and cutting up fruits are so prevalent in the culture.

When going to a club or show, maybe leave the folder in the car.

Have fun during your visit!

Aaaaaaaaloha!
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😉.......Pretty sure he's there and back...........Mahalo..👌
 
MolokaiRider said:
Yeah, I think I saw some neat pics of his visit, but felt bad about missing the tags and not answering!

😅 😅
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Mahalo my friend. I took my 47 Viper with me and had a great time. Quickly learned it’s just like every other state where nobody is going to bother you as long as you’re following the law.

I’m glad I made some incredible memories with this knife at my side!

IMG_5955.jpegIMG_5956.jpegIMG_5667.jpegIMG_5840.jpegIMG_5912.jpegIMG_6033.jpeg









IMG_6014.jpeg
 
I lived on the Big Island for 6 years and carried a knife every day. It is dicey if you are stopped by the Police and they take weapons in general pretty seriously. But I was a Professional Diver and wore two knives in the water at all times. I would say if you are not doing anything that is threatening you are OK, but I have heard of people getting arrested for having a knife on them.
 
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Unreal! worried about someone with a pocket knife! What is up with Hawaii? Heard the gun laws stink pretty bad too.
 
mauser9 said:
Unreal! worried about someone with a pocket knife! What is up with Hawaii? Heard the gun laws stink pretty bad too.T
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Hawaii tends to follow California in some ways. They did just legalize ownership of Bali-song knives and as far as firearms go they are a bit better than California in that you can own an AR type rifle with standard capacity 30 rnd magazines. At one point they tried to ban the mags and limit them to 10 rnds, but it did not pass because there were a lot of complaints to the local reps. The hardest thing about firearms is finding a place to shoot. The Big island where I lived was roughly 80 miles by 80miles in size and about 2x the size of all the other islands put together. There was only one place to shoot that was legal and you had to have a hunters license to legally shoot there which required classes, and fees. Although you could shoot on private land with the owners permission. I moved back to western PA and in that same area 80 x 80 miles there are roughly 100 shooting ranges. Most are membership required but there are also state gamelands ranges that do not require membership but an annual permit with a small fee.
 
vjb.knife said:
Hawaii tends to follow California in some ways. They did just legalize ownership of Bali-song knives and as far as firearms go they are a bit better than California in that you can own an AR type rifle with standard capacity 30 rnd magazines. At one point they tried to ban the mags and limit them to 10 rnds, but it did not pass because there were a lot of complaints to the local reps. The hardest thing about firearms is finding a place to shoot. The Big island where I lived was roughly 80 miles by 80miles in size and about 2x the size of all the other islands put together. There was only one place to shoot that was legal and you had to have a hunters license to legally shoot there which required classes, and fees. Although you could shoot on private land with the owners permission. I moved back to western PA and in that same area 80 x 80 miles there are roughly 100 shooting ranges. Most are membership required but there are also state gamelands ranges that do not require membership but an annual permit with a small fee.
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Thanks for your comments vjb. Here in cesspool Ma. they legalized switchblades in August which shocked me but we lost big time on semi-auto firearms. Some grand-fathering but now one needs a License To Carry and not just the F.I.D. card for possession of a semi auto. Even 22s! Hopefully the petition we signed will change things but not holding my breath in this lousy state. A non resident wishing to hunt here must register their gun before. Envy states like Maine and New Hampshire. Least they have permitless carry.
 
Yeah Mass is a tough one. I am surprised that they legalized Auto knives, but I was a little surprised that they did so here in Pennsylvania. We require a CWP here but they are a shall issue card in most areas besides Philthadelphia, and it is cheap and does not require any classes. I actually think some instruction might not be a bad thing, but it should not cost much and should be quick and easy; more informational than test laden.
 
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Yep surprised the heck out of me too. Gotta check my local Bass Pro next week to see if any are offered yet. Got a feeling it will depend on blade style as dagger, dirk, or stiletto blades are frowned upon. Will keep informed.
 
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