You can own a TASER in Hawaii without a permit, but you cannot buy one online. You must be at least 21, and the sale has to happen in person at a licensed dealer's store. Before the device changes hands, the dealer runs a criminal history background check, shows you the printed result, witnesses you sign a declaration, and gives you a safety briefing. At SafetyStoreHawaii, Axon's first official TASER dealer in the US, all of that happens at our shop at 1773 S King St in Honolulu.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check our Hawaii laws guide or a licensed attorney for your own situation.
Who can buy a TASER in Hawaii
Hawaii treats TASER devices and other stun devices as electric guns. Our Hawaii laws guide covers the rules under HRS 134-82 and 134-84, and for buyers they come down to a few clear points:
- You do not need a permit to own an electric gun. The licence requirement applies to the dealer, not to you.
- You must be at least 21 years old. It is unlawful to transfer an electric gun to anyone under 21.
- Use is limited to self-defense, defense of another person, or protection of property.
The age line is the one that surprises people. The same guide lists pepper spray, Byrna launchers and PepperBall® devices at 18 and over, so a 19-year-old has other options. An electric gun has to wait until 21.
Why you cannot order a TASER online
A lot of people search for a TASER, land on a mainland website, and expect a box on the doorstep a week later. In Hawaii it does not work that way. The law requires the transfer to take place at the dealer's designated place of business. That is why we sell electric guns in the shop and not through the website.
Axon does not ship these devices to Hawaii addresses, and we never ship TASER products either. So whether you live in Kaimukī, Kapolei, Maui or Kauai, the purchase has to be finished in person at our Honolulu store. You can call ahead to arrange a special-order model, but the device only leaves with you after the in-store steps are complete.
The in-store process, step by step
Here is what state law requires before a TASER leaves the shop with you.
First, the age requirement. The dealer cannot transfer an electric gun to anyone under 21, so that has to be settled before anything else.
Next, the background check. The dealer must run a criminal history background check and show you the printed result. You review that result yourself.
Then, the signed declaration. The dealer witnesses you sign a declaration under penalty of law.
After that, the safety briefing. The dealer gives you an informational briefing that covers safe handling, the risks and limits of the device, state law, and proper disposal. You sign a certification confirming the briefing happened.
Finally, the transfer. Once those steps are done, the device changes hands at the dealer's place of business.
Take the briefing seriously rather than treating it as a formality. It is your best chance to ask how the device works, what it can and cannot do, and where the law draws the line on using it. It also helps that you can handle products before buying, which an online-only seller cannot offer.
What to bring and when to come in
The simplest way to find out what to bring is to call the store at (808) 489-2454 before your visit and ask. That call is also a good time to check whether the model you want is on hand or needs to be ordered in.
We are open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 to 5, and closed Mondays. If you are coming from a neighbor island, or fighting H-1 traffic from the west side, plan around those hours so you are not rushing the paperwork at closing time.
TASER models at our Honolulu shop
We carry four Axon models. Every one of them is an in-store purchase only.
- Taser X1, $799, regularly $1,099. A Professional Series TASER with a 15-foot range, built-in laser-assisted targeting, and contact stun for close encounters. Special order, usually 7 to 10 days, call the store.
- Taser 7 CQ, $1,499, regularly $1,799. A Professional Series TASER optimized for close quarters, with a 12-foot reach, a loud arc warning and double-shot capability. Special order, usually 7 to 10 days, call the store.
- Taser Pulse 2, $450. A compact civilian device with a 15-foot range. Sold in store only. Call to purchase, and ask about the free holster.
- Taser Strikelight 2, $189. A 20kV stun device built into a three-mode flashlight, USB-C rechargeable, with an audible arc warning.
If you are buying for a security department, ask about department pricing on the X1 and 7 CQ when you call. If you are still deciding between electric and non-electric options, you can browse everything else in the shop, or start building a layered setup with our kit builder.
Owning a TASER responsibly
A TASER is a last layer, not a first one. The things that keep most people safe are simple and free: paying attention to your surroundings, keeping your distance, walking away when you can, and calling 911. A device only matters when all of that has run out.
Hawaii's self-defense law, HRS 703-304 as described in our laws guide, allows force when you reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect yourself against unlawful force, and the force has to be proportional to the threat. There is a duty to retreat if you can do so safely, except in your own dwelling. Owning a TASER does not change any of that.
At home, store it where keiki and visiting ʻohana cannot get to it, and keep your paperwork somewhere you can find it. When the device reaches the end of its life, follow the disposal guidance from your briefing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to own a TASER in Hawaii?
No. Hawaii does not require a buyer permit for an electric gun. The licence requirement applies to the dealer, and you must be at least 21 and complete the purchase in person.
Can I buy a TASER online and have it shipped to Hawaii?
No. Hawaii requires the transfer to take place at the dealer's place of business after a background check, a signed declaration and a safety briefing. SafetyStoreHawaii never ships TASER products, and Axon does not ship them to Hawaii addresses.
How old do you have to be to buy a TASER in Hawaii?
You must be at least 21. It is unlawful for a dealer to transfer an electric gun to anyone under 21.
What should I bring when I come in to buy a TASER?
Call SafetyStoreHawaii at (808) 489-2454 before your visit and ask what to bring. The store is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 to 5, and closed Mondays.
Are the TASER X1 and TASER 7 CQ kept in stock?
No. Both are special order, usually 7 to 10 days, so call the store to arrange one. The purchase is still completed in person at the Honolulu shop.