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Hawaii was a British protectorate in the 18th century, but King Kamehameha united the islands and had both British and American flags flown. He later created a hybrid flag, which resembles both the Union Jack and the flag of the British East India Company.
In the early 18th century, Hawaii was technically a kingdom. The king who ruled the islands at the time was flying a British flag because the area was a protectorate of Great Britain. During the war of the 18th, an American flag was raised, but was removed when the British objected. Some believe that the king then had a hybrid flag created, so as not to offend either nation. Others believe that the Hawaiian state flag has had more of a British influence.
For years, explorers have been trying to find a passageway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. This is also known as the Northwest Passage. During this search in 1778, British explorer and navigator James Cook discovered a series of islands that would later become known as Hawaii.
Prior to 1795, these islands were governed by a number of chiefs. Around this time, one of these chieftains began conquering the other tribes and islands. With the help of British weapons and munitions, Kamehameha managed to unite all the Hawaiian Islands into a single kingdom under his rule.
King Kamehameha had a number of British advisers. His islands were also protected by the British government, although they were considered a separate nation. As a sign of friendship and alliance, King Kamehameha often flew a British flag.
By the War of 1812, the United States had also discovered the Hawaiian Islands. It was around this time that King Kamehameha hoisted the American flag outside his home. His British advisers, however, were offended and strongly urged him to be removed.
In 1816, King Kamehameha decided to have his own flag created. The resulting Hawaiian flag closely resembles a blend of the two nations’ flags. A Union flag is in the upper left corner, next to the flagpole. Eight alternating red, white, and blue horizontal stripes across it make up the remainder of the state flag of Hawaii. Each of these stripes on the Hawaiian state flag represents one of the eight islands of Hawaii.
There are a couple of theories as to why the flag was made this way. Some believe that King Kamehameha had the flag drawn this way so as not to offend any of the larger nations. On the other hand, this flag also closely resembles the flag of the British East India Company, which has a small union flag in the corner and alternating red and white stripes. Since King Kamehameha had a number of British advisers, some believe that the state flag of Hawaii was modeled after this flag instead.
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