Unveiling of Our Redesigned National Team Crest

Aug 23

WAILUKU, MAUI — In keeping with its commitment to honor the rich heritage of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Football proudly announces a redesign to its National Team Crest. The updated Crest continues to draw inspiration from the historic Coat of Arms unveiled during the Hawaiian Legislative Assembly in May 1845.

The National Banner adopted by the Hawaiian Legislature featured eight stripes, symbolizing the unity of the eight islands under one sovereign. In this new design, the Crest has been updated to better reflect this symbolic representation.

Central to the Crest, and in the first quarter, are the royal standards of ancient Hawaiian chiefs—the Pūlo‘ulo‘u, Puela, and Ālia—elements historically adopted by the Legislature to represent the refuge and protection offered by the Hawaiian monarch. The Union Jack, displayed vertically in the second quarter, serves as a reminder of Great Britain’s role as Hawai‘i’s Protectorate from 1794 to 1843. This relationship formally ended with the recognition of Hawaiian independence by the United Kingdom and France in 1843.

“We believe these updates further align the National Team Crest with the profound history and vibrant identity of Hawai‘i as we represent our State in football competitions worldwide.”

— Trisha Kapua'ala, General Secretary & Chair of the Board

A key revision to the Crest is the inclusion of eight stripes at its base, an enhancement from the previous four, which better represents the heritage and origins of the Kingdom’s national symbols. The colors of the Crest remain true to the traditional feathered cloaks (‘ahu ‘ula) and helmets (mahiole) worn by the chiefs of ancient Hawai‘i, continuing to embody the enduring strength and cultural legacy of the Hawaiian National Team.

ABOUT THE FEDERATION

Founded in 1975, Hawaiian Football (Hui Kanaka Pōwāwae) is a Maui-based nonprofit organization committed to representing Hawaiians on the global football stage. Guided by the values of pono (righteousness), aloha ‘āina (love of country), and aloha kānaka (love for humanity), the Federation’s mission is to strengthen the overall well-being and resilience of Native Hawaiians for generations through the global platform of football. Its vision is to cultivate a strong sporting nation rooted in Hawaiian national character and identity, with its teams serving as modern symbols of culture, unity, and pride.

Hawaiian Football’s National Teams—Nā ‘Ālapa Hawai‘i—provide a powerful platform for Hawaiian athletes to showcase their talents and represent the Hawaiian State with distinction. Through its programs, the Federation integrates Hawaiian language, history, and cultural education, using football as a vehicle for global engagement and the collective expression of national identity.