Coat of arms of the Hawaiian Kingdom

Royal Coat of Arms of the Kingdom of Hawaii

Coat of arms of the Hawaiian Kingdom refers to the official heraldic symbol representing the Kingdom of Hawaii, a sovereign state that existed from 1810 until its overthrow in 1893. The coat of arms is a significant element of Hawaii's national heritage and identity, encapsulating the kingdom's history, culture, and the ideals of its monarchy.

Design and Symbolism

The coat of arms of the Hawaiian Kingdom features a quartered shield, each section representing important aspects of Hawaiian life and governance. The quarters are divided by a cross, with each quarter displaying symbols of the natural wealth and royal authority of the islands.

1. The first quarter often depicts a field of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire, symbolizing the islands' volcanic origins and the power of nature. 2. The second quarter may show a puloulou (sacred staff of kapu, or laws), or other symbols representing the Hawaiian religion and the kapu system that governed ancient Hawaiian society. 3. The third quarter typically features a collection of kalo (taro) leaves, representing agriculture and the sustenance of the Hawaiian people. 4. The fourth quarter usually contains two crossed paddles, symbolizing the importance of travel and trade over the sea, as well as the warrior spirit of the Hawaiian people.

At the center of the shield is a pahukula (a type of cloak made from feathers), which signifies the royal authority and the sacred nature of the Hawaiian monarchy. Supporting the shield are two figures: Kamehameha I, the founder of the Kingdom of Hawaii, and Liberty, symbolizing the kingdom's laws and its relationship with the wider world. Above the shield is the Hawaiian crown, representing the monarchy itself, and below it is a banner with the state motto, "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono" ("The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness").

Historical Context

The coat of arms was officially adopted in the mid-19th century, during a period when the Hawaiian Kingdom was navigating complex relationships with both Western powers and its own subjects. It was a time of great change, with the monarchy seeking to modernize the kingdom while preserving its independence and cultural heritage. The coat of arms served as a symbol of the kingdom's sovereignty, its connection to the past, and its aspirations for the future.

Legacy

After the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the coat of arms continued to be used in various capacities, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the kingdom and its monarchy. Today, it is a powerful emblem of Hawaiian heritage and pride, featured in ceremonies, commemorations, and in the branding of Hawaiian institutions and organizations.

See Also

• Kingdom of Hawaii
• Hawaiian monarchy
• Heraldry
• Symbols of Hawaii