Hawai'i
Symbols of Hawaii
The State Seal
The seal was originally designed by Viggo Jacobsen for the then-Republic of Hawaii in 1895. The seal is a modified version of the royal coat of arms of the Hawaiian kingdom. Where the royal seal had two warriors, the state seal has King Kamehameha the Great on one side and the Goddess of Liberty on the other holding the Hawaiian flag.
The regal crown was replaced by the sun and the year 1959, which was when Hawaii officially became a state. The star in the center of the shield replaced canoe paddles crossed against a sail.
The Phoenix below the shield is new. In other places, emblems or royalty were replaced by emblems symbolic of a new Hawaii.
The state motto remains the same as that of the kingdom: "Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono." Its translation is: "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
The State Flag
Hawaii's state flag resembles the Union Jack of Great Britain because many of King Kamehameha's advisors were British and the islands were once placed under England's protection.
The flag consists of eight horizontal stripes, representing the eight major islands, and the British Union Jack. It has served as the flag of the kingdom, republic, territory, and the state of Hawaii.
The State Bird
The nene, or Hawaiian Goose, is the state bird of Hawaii.
Once nearly extinct, it has been rescued through the valiant efforts of conservationists here in the islands and throughout the world.
The State Flower
The striking and beautiful yellow hibiscus (hibiscus brackenridgei), known as the pua aloalo in the Hawaiian language, is the state flower.
It is believed that there were originally only five species of hibiscus native to Hawaii. Later other varieties were imported and growers began to develop hybrids to produce the kaleidoscope of colors and sizes found today.
The state flower graces the background of the Hawaii State Governmet web pages.
The State Tree
The kukui is the state tree of Hawaii.
Also known as the candlenut, the kukui was a most useful tree to the early Hawaiians who used it for oil, light, and other purposes.
The State Fish
The tiny, colorful fish with the long name - humuhumunukunuku apua'a -was designated as the state fish in 1985. The Rectangular Triggerfish is indigenous to Hawaii. It was selected after a high-profile campaign to educate the public about the kinds of fish that inhabit Hawaiian waters.
The State Gem
The black coral which grows in Hawaii's offshore waters has been established as the official state gem.
Since its discovery by early Hawaiian divers, harvesting of the spectacular corals has led to the establishment of a thriving black coral jewelry industry and enhanced visitor and resident appreciation of Hawaii's ocean resources.
The State Marine Mammal
Each winter, Hawaii welcomes and shelters entire herds of humpback whales as they migrate from northern waters to their traditional calving grounds off the island of Maui.
This spectacular animal has been designated the official state marine mammal. Hawaii offers a safe haven for the humpback, and the opportunity for the scientific community to study whales in a protected environment.
The Eternal Flame
The Eternal Flame burns as a tribute to the men and women of Hawaii who have served in our armed services in the defense of liberty, freedom, and justice.
It burns not only in memory of those who have made the greatest possible sacrifices for their fellow citizens, but as a beacon of courage and hope for all mankind.
The Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is a national symbol of liberty, freedom, and democracy.
Presented to the State of Hawaii in 1950 by the federal government, it stands as a testimony to the proud history of the United States and as an affirmation of the ideals and principles that have shaped our nation and the world.
