Hawaii
Secure Storage Laws in Hawaii
Hawaii has some of the strongest gun laws in the country and has all of the foundational gun laws in place. These gun safety laws include a full secure storage law, which took effect in Hawaii in 2025.
State Requirements
Secure Storage in Hawaii
Hawaii state law requires gun owners to securely store their firearms — in the home and in vehicles — to prevent unauthorized access by children, teens, and other unauthorized users. Expand each section below for full requirements and what happens if they aren’t met.
The information provided here is not legal advice and should not be understood as such. Consult with an attorney if you have questions about how your state’s laws apply to your specific circumstances.
Requirements for guns in homes in Hawaii
When not carrying a firearm on their person or within such close proximity to readily retrieve it, gun owners in Hawaii are required to store their firearm(s) in their homes securely to keep children, teens, and other unauthorized users from accessing them.
Secure storage means either:
- Securing the firearm in a locked box or container, such as a gun safe;
- Using a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device that is properly engaged to render the firearm inoperable by any unauthorized user; or
- Storing the firearm in a secure location.
Hawaii secure gun storage requirements for guns in vehicles
Hawaii’s secure gun storage laws apply to vehicles. If a gun owner does not have immediate control over their firearm in a vehicle, they are required to securely lock the firearm in a safe or other tamper-resistant container that prevents unauthorized access to the firearm.A vehicle’s trunk or glove box alone, even if locked, is not a sufficient method of secure storage.
Consequences for Hawaii gun owners who fail to meet the above requirements for storing their gun(s)
Gun owners may be subject to criminal penalties if they fail to follow these requirements. More serious criminal penalties may result if these requirements are not met and a child younger than 18 gains access to an improperly secured firearm.
By the Numbers
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More than 700 children die by gun suicide each year, most often using guns belonging to a family member.
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At least one-third of youth gun suicides and unintentional deaths could be prevented with secure storage.
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More than 200,000 guns are stolen from individuals every year, significant portion of those are stolen from cars
Best Practices
Secure Storage for Homes and Vehicles
Gun safety is always an adult’s responsibility, no matter what your state’s laws require — secure storage protects your kids, family, and community from tragedy.
There are many types of storage devices to meet the needs of different gun owners, but the best solution is one you will use consistently, every time.
Take the time, every time, to secure your gun.
Remember
Just because a gun is out of sight does not mean it is stored securely
Firearms “hidden” in places such as under mattresses, on closet shelves, in nightstand drawers, or under the seat in a vehicle can be found by curious or determined children and teens, who may — intentionally or unintentionally — kill or injure themselves or others. It only takes seconds for tragedy to strike.
Locked Up
With keys or codes kept private
Unloaded
Ensure there is no ammunition in the gun
Separate from ammunition
Store ammunition in a different place from guns
Download
Hawaii Secure Gun Storage Sheet
Download information about secure gun storage in Hawaii in English or Spanish.