With a coastline of about 750 miles of beautiful Pacific beaches surrounding its 6,427 sq. miles, the 50th state 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. Hawaii's name is believed to derive from the native Hawaiian word for homeland, "Owhyhee", while the Aloha State's nickname, Paradise of the Pacific, is simply based on observation!

Click for random Hawaiian photo