2008 42c Flags of Nation, HI coin FDC

2008 42¢ Flags of Our Nation
Hawaii Coin Cover 

This Flags of Our Nation Coin Cover features the Hawaii stamp from the Flags of Our Nation Series, two uncirculated state quarters, and a cachet, or picture, that reflects the history of the state.

Palm trees gently sway as tropical flower-scented breezes move from the Pacific Ocean to the volcanic mountains of Hawaii, America’s paradise state.  First discovered by British Captain James Cook in 1778, a friendship gradually developed between the people of Great Britain and the Hawaiian Islands.  When King Kamehameha I adopted a flag for Hawaii in 1816, it featured Great Britain’s Union Jack in the corner, along with eight stripes, representing each of the main islands.  That original design is still displayed on Hawaii’s state flag.

Legend tells us that Kamehameha I, shown on the Hawaii state quarter, was born in 1758 as Halley’s Comet came into view above the Earth.  By 1810, Kamehameha had united all of the Hawaiian Islands into the Kingdom of Hawaii.  His sons and grandsons continued to rule through 1872 when King Kamehameha V died without an heir.  Queen Lili`uokalani ruled Hawaii briefly before it became a territory of the United States in 1898.  Hawaii became the 50th state in the Union in 1959.

A colorized woodcut shows a historic 1870s view of Honolulu.  Its Waikiki Beach, with Diamond Head in the background, can be seen before high-rise buildings took the place of wooden structures.  Today, Honolulu is Hawaii’s state capital, its most populous city, and a favorite tourist destination, drawing millions each year from around the world.