Whose flag is this?

Hawaii is the only US state to contain Union Jack in its flag.

The Union flag is at the top quarter of the flag, closest to the mast. The field of the flag is composed of eight horizontal stripes, symbolizing the eight major islands (Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Kahoʻolawe,Lānaʻi, Maui, Molokaʻi and Niʻihau).

Presumably, King Kamehameha I flew a British flag given to him by a British explorer as a token of friendship. Following visitors reported seeing the flag flying from places of honor. An adviser to the king noted that the Union Flag could draw Hawaii into a big conflict, as his kingdom could be seen as an ally of the UK, and afterwards he lowered the Union Flag over his home.

This somehow explains why the resulting flag of Hawaii was a deliberate hybrid of the two nations' flags, but this version is not the only one.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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30 Comments

james parrillo

Clay Wilson, Please read Richard Boyle's comment. He researched this. Thank you, Christine, James's wife

james parrillo

Louis Michael Durocher,, Please check Richard Boyle's comment. He researched this. Thank you, Christine, James's wife

Gary Kirkman

Many people forget that the Hawaii was called the Sandwich Islands after the Earl of Sandwich.

Richard D. Boyle

This is one of the best trivia questions in recent memory. Hawaii would have been my last choice and after getting it wrong, I did some research. My understanding is that King George III presented the British flag to King Kamehameha I as a symbol of friendship between their two nations during the 18th Century. By the time of the War of 1812, American businessmen had become influential in Hawaii and they objected to the British flag so the King complied with their wishes. However, British officials on the islands soon began pulling the King in the opposite direction. In order to placate both sides, the King had a new flag designed incorporating both the small British flag in the corner and the stripes of the American flag in red, white and blue. I can’t vouch for this version, but I love the story and I’ll go with it until I hear a better one.

Fred Keogh

You need to read about the history of Hawaii to find the answer. It surprises me that so many Americans on here do not know the answer already.

Fred Keogh

David MacGregor, I never knew red and white stripes were known as a Butcher's Apron! Thank you for the information.

Louis Michael Durocher,

Can someone please explain to me why would there be a Union Jack on an American State?

Julie Allen

David MacGregor, Well the Australian flag has a Union Jack.

Marian Spitzig

Very interesting. I see it as showing the close relationship our two countries have had for so long!

Rob Farr

Yes, it’s certainly unique ... thanks for a great trivia question and explanation.

Ian Swindale

Skibo Castle (which at one time was owned by Andrew Carnegie in the North East corner of Scotland - Carnegie came from a poor Scottish family) has a unique flag which has the Stars and Stripes on 1 side and the Union Jack on the other. I doubt if there is anywhere else that has such a flag although Hawaii's comes pretty close

Ian Swindale

Skibo Castle which was owned at one time by Andrew Carnegie in the North East of Scotland has an unique flag which has the Stars and Stripes on one side and the Union Jack on the other. I doubt there is anywhere else which has such a flag but I could be wrong