Hawaii
"Hawai`i Pono`i"

Words by: King David Kalakaua
Music by: Henry Berger
In use: 1876-1893 (as state song since 1967)

Hawaii, an island group in the north Pacific currently a U. S. state, was once a sovereign kingdom with a distinct culture, flag, and anthem. The words are written by Hawaii's last king (who reigned from 1874-1891), and the music was by the royal bandmaster. When the Hawaiian monarchy was replaced with first a republic then with American control, the anthem was abolished. It was a natural choice, however, for a state song after Hawaii became a state in 1959. (As a U. S. state, the official anthem is "The Star Spangled Banner".)

Special thanks to: Pavel Zinovatny for the sheet music.

See also: United States.