Union Jack in canton with eight horizontal red, white, and blue stripes.
Ratio: 2:3
Unusually, Hawaii’s flag bears the Union Jack in its canton, a legacy of ties to Britain, with stripes of white, red and blue flowing across. It is the only U.S. state flag with a foreign emblem, a reminder of the islands’ distinct monarchy and history before annexation.
Flag Symbolism & Meaning
Union Jack
Represents historic relations with the United Kingdom.
eight stripes
Symbolize the eight major Hawaiian islands.
Historical Timeline
1845
Flag adopted under King Kamehameha.
1959
Hawaii admitted as 50th state.
Fascinating Facts
1
Only U.S. state flag with the Union Jack.
2
Eight stripes represent the islands.
For Students & Teachers
Key Learning Points (4-12)
Identify unique features of Hawaii’s flag.
Explain the symbolism of the Union Jack and island stripes.
State Information
- Population
- 1,455,271
- Area
- 10,932
- Founded
- 1959-08-21
- Region
- Pacific