Hawaii Flag - Hi Vis

Hawaii

The flag of Hawaii is a fascinating blend of loyalty and independence, symbolizing the islands’ unique history as a sovereign kingdom and later a U.S. state. First adopted under King Kamehameha I around 1816, it features eight horizontal stripes of white, red, and blue—representing the eight main islands—beneath the Union Jack of Great Britain in the upper left corner. The British influence reflects Hawaii’s early ties to the United Kingdom, while the overall design expresses a balance between native sovereignty and foreign diplomacy during a time when global powers vied for influence in the Pacific. Retained after statehood in 1959, the flag remains the only U.S. state flag to include the Union Jack—a reminder that Hawaii’s story began as an independent kingdom navigating between worlds.