Postage stamps from Hawaii

Hawaii’s postage stamps offer a fascinating glimpse into its unique history, from its days as an independent kingdom to its status as a U.S. territory and eventually, a state. Here’s an overview of Hawaii’s postage stamps, including historical context, notable issues, and themes:

Historical Background

1. Kingdom of Hawaii (1851-1893)

  1. Missionary Issues (1851):
    • First Stamps: Hawaii issued its first postage stamps in 1851, known as the “Missionary” stamps because they were used primarily by American missionaries.
    • Designs: These early stamps were very basic, featuring denominations of 2 cents, 5 cents, and 13 cents, printed in Honolulu. They are among the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world today.
  2. Kamehameha III Issues (1864):
    • Designs: Featured a portrait of King Kamehameha III. These stamps came in denominations such as 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, and 13 cents.
  3. Numeral Issues (1859-1865):
    • Designs: Simple numeral designs in black on colored paper, with denominations like 1 cent and 3 cents.
  4. Bank Note Issues (1871-1893):
    • Designs: Stamps featured portraits of Hawaiian monarchs such as King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. The American Bank Note Company produced these stamps.

2. Provisional Government and Republic of Hawaii (1893-1898)

  1. Provisional Government Issues (1893-1894):
    • Overprints: Existing stamps were overprinted with “Provisional Govt. 1893” following the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy.
  2. Republic of Hawaii Issues (1894-1898):
    • New Designs: Stamps featured designs reflecting the new Republic, including images of President Sanford B. Dole and symbols of the Republic.

3. U.S. Territory (1898-1959)

  1. Overprinted U.S. Stamps (1898):
    • Overprints: U.S. stamps were overprinted with “Hawaii” for use on the islands after Hawaii was annexed by the United States.
  2. Regular U.S. Stamps (1900-1959):
    • Designs: After becoming a U.S. territory, Hawaii used regular U.S. stamps.

4. Statehood (1959-Present)

  1. Commemorative Stamps:
    • Themes: Since achieving statehood in 1959, Hawaii has been featured in various U.S. commemorative stamps celebrating its history, culture, and natural beauty.

Notable Series and Stamps

  1. 1851 Missionary Issues:
    • 2 cents, 5 cents, 13 cents: Extremely rare and valuable, used primarily by missionaries.
  2. 1864 Kamehameha III Issues:
    • 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 13 cents: Featured the portrait of King Kamehameha III.
  3. 1859 Numeral Issues:
    • 1 cent, 3 cents: Simple numeral designs.
  4. 1871 Bank Note Issues:
    • King Kalakaua, Queen Liliuokalani: High-quality stamps produced by the American Bank Note Company.
  5. 1893 Provisional Government Overprints:
    • Overprints on Existing Stamps: Reflecting the political changes following the overthrow of the monarchy.
  6. 1894 Republic of Hawaii Issues:
    • President Sanford B. Dole: New designs reflecting the Republic.
  7. 1898 U.S. Overprinted Stamps:
    • U.S. Stamps with “Hawaii” Overprint: Used after annexation by the United States.

Collecting Hawaii Stamps

Rarity and Value:

  • Missionary Issues: Among the rarest and most valuable stamps globally, particularly sought after by serious collectors.
  • Early Kingdom Issues: Stamps featuring Hawaiian monarchs and numeral issues are also highly valued.
  • Provisional and Republic Issues: Stamps from this transitional period are of significant historical interest.

Thematic Collections:

  • Collectors often focus on themes such as Hawaiian royalty, historical transitions, and overprinted issues.
  • Modern commemorative stamps featuring Hawaii’s natural beauty and cultural heritage are also popular.

Philatelic Societies:

  • Joining societies such as the Hawaiian Philatelic Society can provide valuable resources and networking opportunities.

Obtaining Stamps:

  • Philatelic Dealers: Specialized dealers often have a selection of Hawaiian stamps, including rare and historical issues.
  • Online Platforms: Websites like eBay, Delcampe, and other philatelic marketplaces frequently list Hawaiian stamps for sale.
  • Stamp Shows and Expos: These events provide opportunities to buy, sell, and trade stamps, and connect with other collectors.
  • Auction Houses: Rare and valuable stamps are often auctioned, providing opportunities to acquire high-quality specimens.

Example Stamps

  1. 1851 Missionary Issue:
    • 2 cents, 5 cents, 13 cents: Rare early stamps used by American missionaries.
  2. 1864 Kamehameha III Issue:
    • 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 13 cents: Featuring King Kamehameha III.
  3. 1871 Bank Note Issues:
    • King Kalakaua, Queen Liliuokalani: High-quality stamps by the American Bank Note Company.
  4. 1893 Provisional Government Overprints:
    • Overprinted Stamps: Reflecting the political transition to the Provisional Government.
  5. 1894 Republic of Hawaii Issues:
    • President Sanford B. Dole: Stamps representing the Republic.

Conclusion

Hawaii’s postage stamps provide a fascinating window into the islands’ rich history, from an independent kingdom to a U.S. state. Collecting these stamps offers insights into significant historical transitions and the unique cultural heritage of Hawaii. Whether interested in rare early issues or modern commemorative stamps, Hawaii’s philatelic history offers a rewarding and diverse collecting experience.