Maui, Hawaii Knife Laws

Hyesouljah

Hyesouljah

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Joined
Dec 21, 2019
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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The previous laws regarding the outright ban on switchblades, butterfly knives, and gravity knives, was repealed in May this year.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!

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