How do I get a gun permit on the Big Island?

To get a gun permit on the Big Island, you must apply for a Permit to Acquire from the Hawaii Police Department. This requires completing a mandatory NRA-certified firearm safety course, passing a background check with a $42 fingerprint fee, and completing a 14 to 40-day waiting period.

The Definitive Guide to Big Island Gun Permits

Navigating the Hawaii Police Department's "Permit to Acquire" Process

The Bottom Line Up Front

To get a gun permit on the Big Island, you must apply for a Permit to Acquire from the Hawaii Police Department. This process requires:

Completing a mandatory NRA-certified firearm safety course.
Passing a background check and paying a $42 fingerprint fee.
Completing a 14 to 40-day waiting period.

Hawaii has some of the strictest firearm laws in the nation. Under HRS 134-2, no person can acquire a firearm—whether through purchase, gift, or inheritance—without first obtaining a "Permit to Acquire" from the Chief of Police. The first step is passing a certified Permit to Acquire class on the Big Island.

Whether you live in Kailua-Kona, Hilo, Waimea, or anywhere else on the Big Island, the process is standardized. Here is the step-by-step roadmap to legally purchasing a firearm in Hawaii County.

Step 1: The Training Prerequisite & Affidavit

Before you even step foot inside a police station, you must prove you know how to safely handle a firearm.

For Handguns: You must provide a notarized firearm safety affidavit in Kona, HI, signed by a state-certified or NRA-certified instructor proving you have completed a safety course within the last 4 years.
For Long Guns: A Hunter Education Certification Card or a certified safety course is required for your first long gun permit.

Pro Tip: Need your signed paperwork for the police station? Safe Shooting Solutions provides the exact certified courses required to get your affidavit. Book your class in Kona today.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

You must make an appointment at any police station island-wide in order to apply for your permit. Walk-ins are generally not accepted.

Eligibility: You must be at least 21 years old and a United States citizen (or provide proof of citizenship if born outside the U.S.).
The Fee: There is a one-time $42.00 fee for a fingerprint check. This must be paid via money order or cashier’s check only, made payable to the Hawaiʻi Criminal Justice Data Center.

Step 3: The Waiting Period

Patience is required. Hawaii law mandates a waiting period to allow the HPD time to conduct a thorough background and mental health check.

Processing Time: Expect a minimum wait of 14 to 40 calendar days between applying and being granted the permit.

Step 4: Pick Up Permit and Purchase

Once you are cleared, you will return to the station to pick up your permit. Pay close attention to the expiration dates:

Handgun Permits: Valid for only 30 days. You need a separate permit for each handgun you wish to acquire.
Long Gun Permits: Valid for one (1) year, and covers multiple rifles or shotguns acquired during that timeframe.

Step 5: Mandatory Registration

Purchasing the firearm is not the final step. According to HRS Chapter 134, all firearms in Hawaii must be registered.

Once you take possession of the firearm from the dealer or private seller, you have exactly five (5) days to register it with the Hawaiʻi Police Department. You must physically bring the unloaded firearm to the station for inspection.