Hawaii: Meaning and History

History of the flag

The Hawaiian flag, adopted in 1845, is the only American state flag to feature the British Union Jack.

King Kamehameha I is said to have received a British flag from Captain George Vancouver and had it incorporated into the local flag.

What do the elements of the flag mean?

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  A tribute to the United Kingdom.

• Symbolizes purity and the clouds that cover volcanic peaks.

• Red represents the courage and sacrifice of the Hawaiian people.

• Evokes the Pacific Ocean that surrounds the archipelago.