Aloha Unveiled: The Intriguing Saga Behind Hawaii Flag [updated in 2024]

Hawaii Flag: Hawaii is an inland state of the United States. It is located about 2000 miles (ca. 3,219 km) south-west of the U.S. mainland. It is the only states that is not the part of North American mainland. The island is located in the Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is located in the tropics. It, being an archipelago, consists of 137 islands, which are volcanic in nature.

Hawaiian Kingdom also known as Kingdom of Hawaii’ first adopted the flag of Hawaii in the early 19th Century. In 1893 the Hawaiian kingdom was overthrown and since then the flag of Hawaiian continued to be used.

Features of Hawaii Flag

1. The flag of Hawaii is the only U.S. flag that represents a foreign country’s national flag.
2. It features the national flag of the United Kingdom also known as Union Jack.
3. The Hawaii flag commemorates the Royal Navy’s historical relations with the Kingdom of Hawaii, especially the pro-British sentiment of its founder and first ruler, King Kamehameha.
4.  The flag has eight stripes that represent the main islands of the Hawaiian archipelago., namely, Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe, Lānaʻi, Molokaʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, and Niʻihau.
5. The color of the stripes, from the top down, follows the sequence as white, red, blue, white, red, blue, white, red.
6. It is often thought that the color reflect the symbols flags of the foreign powers that first visited Hawaii, i.e., the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, and France.
7. The flag also represents a stylized puela (a triangular standard laying across two crossed spears called an alia) which is the symbol of the Hawaiian ali’i.
8. In the top left corner of the flag, the Union Jack pays homage to the historical ties between the Royal Navy and the Kingdom of Hawaii.
9. Hawaii’s flag is the 11th most popular flag design. Out of 72 Canadian territories and US states, Hawaii has the 11th most popular flag design, according to data by the North American Vexillological Association (NAVA).
10.  Previous to 1845 the white stripe of the Flag was at the bottom instead of the present position of at the top. The person, who is accredited with the designing of the new flag, which was unfurled from December 29, 1845, was Captain Hunt of H.B.M.S. Baselisk.

Also read: What is Miami Heat? History and Importance.

History of Hawaiian Flag

1. The Hawaii flag was commissioned in 1816 at the request of the first king to unite the eight major Hawaiian Islands
2. Stories speculate that the flag was meant as a symbol to appease both British and American interests during the War of 1812 (which pitted the United States against Great Britain).
3. In the Polynesian Newspaper of May 31, 1845, was the following article: “At the opening of the Legislative Council, May 25, 1845, the new national banner was unfurled, differing little however from the former.
4. The Hawaiian flag previous to 1845 differed only in the amount of stripes, which was formerly “seven”, and also the arranging of the colors.
5. American business interests supported the overthrow of the Hawaiian government in January 1893, whereupon they hoisted the Stars and Stripes.
6. However, being turned down in their attempt to secure annexation by the United States, the new leaders proclaimed Hawaii a republic in 1894 under its former national flag.
7. On August 12, 1898, however, Hawaii became a U.S. territory, and 61 years later it was admitted to the Union as the 50th state.

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Summary: Hawaii Flag

As we’ve explored, the evolution of the Hawaii flag mirrors the complex journey of Hawaii itself. Its ancient roots through centuries of colonization to its eventual status as a vibrant multicultural state within the United States.

So, the next time you see the Hawaiian flag waving in the breeze, take a moment to appreciate the depth of its symbolism and the stories it holds.

For in those vibrant colors and bold symbols, we find not just a flag, but a living testament to the enduring spirit of aloha that defines Hawaii and its people.