Hawaii NFA Laws
Hawaii bans all four major NFA item categories under state law. Suppressors, machine guns, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns are each independently prohibited for civilian ownership (HRS §§ 134-8, 134-16). Federal NFA registration does not create an exemption. Hawaii is one of only a handful of states that ban every common NFA category.
NFA item legality in Hawaii
- Suppressors: Banned
- Short-barreled rifles (SBRs): Banned
- Short-barreled shotguns (SBSs): Banned
- Machine guns (pre-1986 transferable): Banned
- Hunting with a suppressor: Not permitted
State requirements
- Suppressors, SBRs, SBSs, and machine guns are all prohibited under Hawaii Revised Statutes, regardless of federal NFA compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Are suppressors legal in Hawaii?
No. Suppressors are banned under Hawaii state law, regardless of federal NFA registration.
Are short-barreled rifles (SBRs) legal in Hawaii?
No. Short-barreled rifles are banned under Hawaii state law, regardless of federal NFA registration.
Are machine guns legal in Hawaii?
No. Machine guns are banned under Hawaii state law regardless of federal registration.
Do I need a state permit for NFA items in Hawaii?
No state-specific NFA permit is required in Hawaii; the standard federal process (ATF Form 4 or Form 1, fingerprints, background check, tax stamp) applies.
Last reviewed 2026-07-04. This is general information, not legal advice — verify with the ATF or a qualified attorney.
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