Brief History of the Hawaii State Flag

The flag of Hawaii is one of the most recognizable state flags in the United States. Featuring a union of eight stripes alternate red, white, and blue, with a British Union Jack in the canton, the flag of Hawaii is steeped in history and symbolism. Here’s a brief rundown of the flag’s origins.

The flag of Hawaii is often called the “Hawaiian Flag”, the ” Eight-Stripe Flag”, or the “Pineapple Flag”. It has been an official flag since 1845 and was designed during the reign of King Kamehameha III. The colors on the flag represent different aspects of Hawaiian life. Red stands for courage, white represents purity, and blue signifies decency. The Union Jack in the canton honors Hawaii’s historical relationship with Great Britain, while the eight stripes represent the eight major islands of Hawaii.

While today the Hawaiian Flag is flown with pride by residents and visitors alike, this was not always the case. During Queen Liliuokalani’s reign in 1893, a new flag was designed that featured 16 stripes instead of eight and included Kahili feathers as a symbol of royalty. This flag was flown for just a short time before being replaced by the American flag following Hawaii’s annexation by the United States in 1898. It wasn’t until 1959, when Hawaii became a state, that the current flag was made official.

The Hawaiian Flag is a cherished symbol of Hawaiian culture and history. With its unique design and meaningful colors and symbols, it is no wonder that the Hawaiian Flag is one of the most recognizable state flags in America.