Currencies/Hawaiian dollar

Introduction

The Hawaiian Dollar (Hawaiian: dala) served as the official currency of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi from 1847 to 1898. It was introduced to establish a national coinage system compatible with the U.S. dollar and to support Hawaii’s growing role in Pacific trade.

History

The first Hawaiian coinage was authorized in 1847 under King Kamehameha III, beginning with the copper one-cent (keneta). A complete silver series was later introduced in 1883 during the reign of King Kalākaua I, minted at the San Francisco Mint. These coins followed the same weight and fineness standards as U.S. coinage, ensuring full interchangeability. The Hawaiian Dollar circulated until annexation by the United States in 1898, after which all coins were gradually withdrawn and replaced by U.S. currency at equal value.

Coins

Hawaiian coins were produced in copper and silver, featuring traditional island emblems and inscriptions in the Hawaiian language. They appeared in denominations of 1 Cent (Keneta), 10 Cents (Dime), 25 Cents (Quarter Dollar), 50 Cents (Half Dollar), and 1 Dollar (Dala), all issued between 1847 and 1883. The coins reflected simple yet durable designs, emphasizing clear value and compatibility with U.S. standards.

Banknotes

The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi also issued banknotes denominated in dollars through the Hawaiian Treasury and private banks during the late 19th century. These notes circulated alongside coins and bore inscriptions in both English and Hawaiian, reinforcing the dual linguistic and cultural character of the kingdom’s economy.

Currency

The Hawaiian monetary system followed the U.S. decimal structure:

100 Keneta = 1 Dala (Dollar)

The Hawaiian Dollar was kept at par with the U.S. Dollar, allowing for easy exchange and trade between the islands and the mainland.

Legacy

The Hawaiian Dollar symbolizes the kingdom’s brief but significant era of monetary independence. Its coinage and paper money reflect Hawaii’s ambition to maintain sovereignty while adapting to global commerce. Today, surviving coins and notes are highly valued for their rarity and cultural significance.