Hawaii State Flag

Date adopted: Dec 29, 1845

The flag of Hawaii, known as Ka Hae Hawaiʻi, boasts a rich history and distinctive symbolism. Initially adopted by the Hawaiian Kingdom in the early 19th century, it continued to be used even after the kingdom's overthrow in 1893. It holds the unique distinction of being the only U.S. state flag to feature another country's national flag—the Union Jack of the United Kingdom. This inclusion commemorates the historical relations between the Royal Navy and the Kingdom of Hawaii, particularly the pro-British sentiment of its founder, King Kamehameha I. Comprising eight stripes, the flag represents the principal islands of the Hawaiian archipelago, and while the colors lack official symbolism, they are believed to reflect other Polynesian kingdoms and the flags of the foreign powers that first visited Hawaii, including the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, and France. Additionally, the flag has an inverted variant used by the Hawaiian sovereignty movement. Its history can be traced back to Captain George Vancouver's visit in 1793 when he presented King Kamehameha I with a Red Ensign, later serving as the unofficial flag of Hawaii until 1816. The flag's design and aesthetics have garnered recognition and praise from vexillologists, earning it a notable place among U.S. state flags.