This one always blows people’s minds. Hawaii’s state flag has the Union Jack in the canton (the top corner), even though Hawaii is not a former British colony. Why? Because King Kamehameha I was a huge fan of the British explorer Captain George Vancouver. The king ordered a flag that combined British and American influences to show his kingdom’s diplomatic savvy.
So Hawaii’s flag is like a friend who wears both a Yankees cap and a Spurs jersey—eclectic, confident, and totally unique. It reminds us that flags aren’t just about history; they’re about vibes.
The Quirky Small-Scale: Anguilla and the Cook Islands
Anguilla’s flag is a navy blue ensign with the Union Jack, plus a cocktail of three dolphins on a white stripe. Those dolphins represent unity, strength, and endurance. It’s the most upbeat flag I’ve ever seen—it practically screams “beach party.”
The Cook Islands, a self-governing nation in the Pacific, stars fifteen white stars in a circle. The Union Jack sits quietly in the corner, like a grandparent watching the grandchildren play. Each star represents one island, so it’s a visual roll call. Neat, right?
Red Flag Union Jack Corner at Christopher Larochelle blog
