Hawaiʻi State Flag vs. Kanaka Maoli Flag
If you are choosing a flag for a home, office, school, hotel, boat, or gift, it helps to know the difference before buying.
Hawaiʻi State Flag
The Hawaiʻi State Flag is the official state flag of Hawaiʻi. It has eight horizontal stripes, representing the eight main islands, and a Union Jack in the upper corner. It is the most common choice for general display, gifts, schools, offices, hospitality, and property use — and it's what we currently sell in Standard and Deluxe 3×5 sizes.
Kanaka Maoli Flag
The Kanaka Maoli flag was created in 1975. Its horizontal bands of green, red, and yellow each carry meaning: green represents the makaʻāinana (commoners), the land, and goodness; red represents the konohiki who served the aliʻi, genealogy, and strength; yellow represents the aliʻi (chiefs), spirituality, and alertness. It is widely used today to express Native Hawaiian identity. It is culturally significant — it should be treated with care and not used as decoration without understanding its meaning and context.
Which should I buy?
For general display, the Hawaiʻi State Flag is usually the safest and clearest choice. If you are specifically looking for the Kanaka Maoli flag, take time to understand the flag and buy from a source that treats it accurately and respectfully.
This store is starting with Hawaiʻi State Flags. Kanaka Maoli flags may be added later if we can source them responsibly.
Questions about which flag is right for you? Contact us — we're happy to help.