The Interesting History of Hawaii’s Flag
When you look at the Hawaii state flag, your mind may not immediately jump to picturing the tropical islands of the United States but instead to the United Kingdom. This is because the flag of Hawaii consists of eight alternating horizontal white, red, and blue stripes and the Union Jack, the flag of the UK, in its canton (top left corner).
This seems odd for a flag of one of the 50 United States, right? Let’s dive into some interesting Hawaiian history, the meaning behind the state’s flag, and even take a look at Hawaii’s unofficial second flag.
Why Does the Hawaii Flag Include the UK Flag?
To understand the islands’ flag, we have to look to Hawaiian history: in the late 18th century, the Hawaiian King Kamehameha I flew the British flag throughout his kingdom. It was a gift of friendship from the United Kingdom’s King George III. During the War of 1812, King Kamehameha I raised an American flag over his home to bolster his relationship with the Americans.
But British officers in the Hawaiian king’s court opposed the flying of the American flag, and it was removed quickly. To appease both sides, King Kamehameha I commissioned a new flag of Hawaii that incorporated elements of both the United States and the United Kingdom.
This resulted in the current Hawaii state flag: the UK’s Union Jack in the flag’s top left canton and the stripes echoing the American flag. The eight white, red, and blue stripes represent each of Hawaii’s eight major islands. Historians believe this flag was designed by an officer in Britain’s Royal Navy, and that it was modeled after the British naval flag.
United Kingdom vs. Great Britain vs. England
Before we dive deeper into Hawaiian history and the state’s flag, it’s important to clear up some confusion surrounding the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and England. The United Kingdom is a sovereign state in Europe.
Countries in the United Kingdom:
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
Great Britain is the large island (including England, Scotland, and Wales) off the northwest coast of Europe. England itself is a country within the United Kingdom.
The Union Jack, which is featured on the Hawaii state flag, is the flag of the United Kingdom. It is a red, white, and blue flag with the combined Crosses of St. George of England, St. Andrew of Scotland, and St. Patrick of Ireland from the respective countries’ flags.
What is the “Native” Flag of Hawaii?
The white, red, and blue flag featuring the Union Jack came to be Hawaii’s official state flag, but some people believe that it is not the original flag of Hawaii. In 2001, Gene Simeona of Honolulu shared the Kanaka Maoli flag, meaning Native Hawaiian flag, with the world.
In his account (there is some controversy about the flag’s origins), Simeona said that this flag was a design resurrected from the original flag of Hawaii that was green, red, and yellow striped. He maintained that this flag was destroyed in 1843 when British Navy Captain Lord George Paulet had seized the nation for five months. Simeona also claimed that this “original” flag was King Kamehameha’s personal flag many years before he raised the Union Jack or the Stars and Stripes.
This noncolonial flag is considered “the people’s flag” by many Hawaiians of native descent. Many people feel that this native flag better represents their true spirit, culture, and Hawaiian history than the state’s official flag. The Kanaka Maoli flag is widely used throughout Hawaiian communities.
What Does the Native Flag of Hawaii Look Like?
The red, green, and yellow striped Kanaka Maoli flag features a central green shield with a coat of arms including kahili and two paddles. The kahili is the nation-state’s original royal standard, and the paddles represent Hawaii’s history and tradition of voyaging.
Native Flag of Hawaii Color Scheme Meaning:
- Yellow: representing the ali’i, the powerful nobility of Hawaiian society
- Red: symbolizing the konohiki, the land-owning group who served the ali’i
- Green: representing the maka’ainana, the commoners
Hawaiian History: A Brief Overview
The Kanaka Maoli flag is said by some accounts to be the flag of the Native Hawaiian people, but who exactly are they, and what is their history? Hawaii, along with Easter Island and New Zealand, is one of the three island groups that make up the Polynesian Triangle, which shares similar language, culture, and traditions. Polynesian people from Tahiti and Marquesas were the first to settle in Hawaii around the 7th century, and this original society developed around a caste system.
Each island had its own specialized trades, and four individual chiefdoms emerged, which were Hawai‘i, Maui, O‘ahu, and Kaua‘i. A significant event in Hawaiian history is when King Kamehameha I brought the four chiefdoms together into a single kingdom under his rule in 1810. In the 19th century, Hawaii grew not only in population but also in commerce, with a plantation system for sugar cane, coffee, and pineapples.
Hawaii was annexed by the United States in 1898. Another major event in Hawaiian history was Japan’s attack on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which spurred the US into World War II. On August 21, 1959, Hawaii became America’s 50th state.
What Is Hawaii Known For?
Hawaiian history is full of discovery, conflict, and battles but also of peace, prosperity, and the spirit of aloha. Because of Hawaii’s beautiful beaches and balmy weather, the state is also an extremely popular spot for tourism. In addition, learning about the rich Polynesian culture and interesting Hawaiian history can make a visit to the 50th state even more significant.
For instance, you are probably familiar with Maui hook necklaces (maybe even thanks to Disney’s “Moana” movie). However, you probably don’t know that this fish hook necklace, with the traditional name of Makau, has a major historical significance for island culture — it symbolizes the connection between the wearer and the ocean.
And while the islands are known for crystal-clear waters, did you know that Hawaii is home to approximately 40 different species of sharks? Shark tooth necklaces are tied to Hawaiian history — legend says a young Hawaiian warrior once battled and defeated a sea god, and he came out of the ocean wearing a shark tooth necklace. These necklaces are believed to be a symbol of strength and protection.
Honoring Hawaiian History with Hawaiian-Inspired Jewelry
Whether you have traveled to Hawaii on vacation or are simply interested in Hawaiian history, wearing Hawaiian-inspired jewelry can help you feel connected to these beautiful and lush islands. Hawaiians are known for connecting with nature, and their beautiful, naturally inspired jewelry creations are reflective of their deep connection to their surroundings — as well as an acknowledgment of their rich history.
If you are searching for a meaningful piece of jewelry or a special gift, Hawaiian-inspired jewelry that reflects the beautiful traditions of the islands is an easy choice.