Hawaii was once an independent kingdom. (1810 - 1893) The flag was designed at the request of King Kamehameha I. It has eight stripes of white, red and blue that represent the eight main islands. The flag of Great Britain is emblazoned in the upper left corner to honor Hawaii's friendship with the British. The combination of the stripes of the United States flag and the Union Jack of Great Britain is said to have pleased the merchant shippers of both nations. Flag adopted for official state use in 1959.

Population, 2006 estimate 1,285,498, White persons 26.8%, Black persons 2.3%, American Indian and Alaska Native persons 0.3%, Asian persons 41.5%, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 9.0%, Persons reporting two or more races 20.1%, Persons of Hispanic or Latino origin 8.0%.