Hawaii

Hawaii is a state made up of several islands floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is the only island state far removed from the U.S. mainland, and its nickname is “The Aloha State,” taken from a warm greeting.

The reverse of the coin depicts the statue of Kamehameha I together with the state’s outline and the state motto. Below is engraved the motto in the Hawaiian language, “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono.”

Kamehameha I is the figure who united the Hawaii that had been divided into several islands, and he is a symbolic king of whom the Hawaiian people are proud. Placing his statue on the coin means honoring Hawaii’s roots and identity.

Hawaii joined the U.S. Union as the 50th state on August 21, 1959. As the very last state to join among the 50 states, it also adorned the very last (No. 50) place in the 50 State Quarters series.

This coin, which captures the history and pride of an island land with just one figure and a short motto, adorns the grand finale of the series. Looking at the coin, you can recall the story that the last state upon the Pacific has traveled through.