The Hawai’i State Flag – Current and “Original?”

In 1816, Kamehameha the Great authorized the creation of the current Hawaiian Flag to represent the nation, Hawaii. Hawaii’s independence was challenged in 1843 by Lord Paulette but on July 31, 1843, Admiral Thomas was sent by Great Britain to officially restore and recognize Hawaii’s sovereignty and flag.

This was the birth of “Ua mau ke ea o ka ‘aina i ka pono,” as spoken by King Kamehameha III. Translated: The life of then land is perpetuated in righteousness. On May 1, 1959, this was adopted as the official motto of the State of Hawaii.

Kamehameha III officially re-commissioned and dedicated the Hawaiian Flag at the opening of the Kingdom’s Legislature on May 20, 1845.

So what exactly does the Hawaiian Flag represent?

The horizontal stripes represent the eight Islands, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Niihau, Big Island, Kahoolawe, Molokai and Lanai. The British Union Jack represents Hawaii’s historical relationship with Great Britian as its protectorate. It also represents a stylized puela (a triangular standard laying across two crossed spears called an alia) which is the symbol of the Hawaiian ali’i (hereditary chiefly or noble rank in traditional Hawaiian society) .

But what’s this I hear about the “Orginal” Hawaiian Flag?

Gene Simeona, of Honolulu, is said to have rediscovered the “original” Hawaiian Flag. This flag bears a kahili and two pointed paddle. According to Fonseca, Gene Simeona’s partner, the green in the flag represents the maka‘ainana (commoner) caste, the land and goodness; the red represents the landed konohiki who served the ali‘i, genealogy and strength; and the yellow represents the ali‘i, spirituality and alertness to danger.

This flag is said to have been destroyed by Lord Paulette in 1843.