Hawaii State Flag Size Guide: What Size Should You Fly?

Choosing the right Hawaii state flag size is the difference between a display that looks clean and respectful… and one that feels awkward, oversized, or even puts too much strain on your flagpole. Whether you’re flying the Hawaii flag at an Oahu beachfront home, a Honolulu storefront, a Maui resort, a Big Island farm, a Kauai plantation-style house, or in front of a school or government building, the flag and pole need to be in proportion — especially in a state known for strong trade winds, tropical sun, salt air, and storm seasons.

Explore our Hawaii State Flags →

It’s easy to assume “bigger is better,” but an oversized flag can create too much wind load, fade faster in the tropical sun, and even bend or damage a smaller pole. This guide breaks down which Hawaii flag sizes work best for house-mount poles, residential in-ground flagpoles, and commercial sites — plus which materials hold up best in Hawaii’s coastal, high-UV, and windy climate.


Quick Answer — Standard Hawaii Flag Sizes

Short on time? Here are the most common Hawaii flag sizes and where they’re typically used across the islands:

Display Type Recommended Hawaii Flag Size
House-mount pole (porch, lanai, wall bracket) 3' × 5' (or 2' × 3' for smaller lanais)
Residential in-ground flagpole (15'–20') 3' × 5'
Residential / light commercial in-ground (20'–25') 4' × 6'
Commercial in-ground poles (25'–30') 5' × 8'
Indoor / presentation set 3' × 5' or 4' × 6' with pole sleeve

For a full national overview, see our Flag Size Chart & Buying Guide.


Choosing the Right Hawaii Flag Size for Your Location

House-Mount (Wall-Mounted) Hawaii Flags

For most Hawaii homes — from Honolulu and Kapolei neighborhoods to Hilo, Kona, Lihue, and smaller coastal communities — the classic setup is a 3' × 5' Hawaii flag on a 5'–6' house-mount pole. This size looks balanced on one- and two-story homes and provides enough visibility without overwhelming your lanai or entryway.

  • Standard recommendation: 3' × 5' Hawaii flag on a 5'–6' pole.
  • Smaller lanais or condo units: Use a 2' × 3' flag for tighter balcony spaces.
  • Clearance: Ensure the flag can fly freely without hitting railings, coconut trees, vehicles, or roof overhangs.

Hawaii’s strong trade winds and occasional Kona winds can put significant stress on wall mounts. A 3' × 5' flag keeps wind load manageable while still offering strong visual appeal.

Residential In-Ground Flagpoles

For in-ground poles in front of homes, ranch-style lots, or large coastal properties, use the rule of thumb: flag length ≈ one-quarter of pole height.

Pole Height Ideal Hawaii Flag Size Best For
15'–20' 3' × 5' Most residential yards and beach houses
20'–25' 4' × 6' Larger properties, open lots, long driveways
25'–30' 5' × 8' Small commercial sites or large estates

On a standard 20' pole, a 3' × 5' Hawaii flag will look proportionate. If your home sits back from the road or near open oceanfront where visibility matters, you can move up to a 4' × 6' flag — just ensure your pole is rated for high winds.

Commercial, Schools & Government Buildings in Hawaii

For schools, hotels, resorts, municipal buildings, and military installations across Hawaii, you’ll commonly see:

  • 5' × 8' Hawaii flags on 25'–30' poles
  • 6' × 10' on 30'–35' poles
  • 8' × 12' on 40' poles or larger

Because Hawaii experiences strong coastal winds and tropical storms, always ensure your pole’s wind rating matches your environment.


Best Material for the Hawaii Climate

Hawaii’s environment is one of the harshest in the U.S. for outdoor flags: intense UV rays, constant trade winds, salt air, volcanic haze, and tropical storms all shorten flag lifespan. Choosing the right material is essential.

Nylon Hawaii Flags — Most Popular Everyday Option

The best choice for most homes and businesses:

  • Flies easily in gentle and moderate winds.
  • Dries fast after afternoon showers or ocean spray.
  • Vibrant colors ideal for Hawaii’s bright sunlight.

If you want a material that performs well in most conditions while staying lightweight and bright, nylon is the top pick.

Polyester Hawaii Flags — Best for High-Wind & Coastal Areas

Choose 2-ply polyester if you live in:

  • Windward communities with strong trade winds
  • Oceanfront properties (salt air conditions)
  • Open areas like Upcountry Maui or North Shore Oahu
  • High-exposure commercial sites

Polyester is heavier, stronger, and lasts longer in constant wind — but requires more breeze to fly than nylon.

Hawaii Flag Material Guide: Nylon vs Polyester

Cotton Hawaii Flags — Indoor Use Only

Cotton Hawaii flags are best for:

  • Indoor displays or conference rooms
  • Ceremonial presentation sets
  • Short-term protected display

Cotton fades and absorbs moisture quickly in Hawaii’s humidity, so it is not recommended for outdoor use.

Ready to choose the best match for your location? Browse our Hawaii State Flags — Nylon, Polyester & Indoor Sets, all proudly Made in the USA.


Flying the U.S. Flag with the Hawaii Flag

When flying the U.S. and Hawaii flags together — at homes, hotels, schools, or military sites — follow official flag etiquette:

  • The U.S. flag always flies in the position of honor.
  • If on the same pole, the Hawaii flag must be equal or smaller in size.
  • When flying multiple flags (county, city, or organization), the U.S. flag must remain highest.

A popular setup is a 3' × 5' U.S. flag with a 3' × 5' Hawaii flag beneath on a 20' pole.


How to Care for Your Hawaii Flag (Cleaning, Storage & Lifespan)

UV, wind, and salt are the biggest threats to flags in Hawaii. Proper care extends lifespan significantly.

Cleaning Nylon & Polyester Hawaii Flags

  • Hand-wash or gentle machine cycle in cold water
  • Use mild detergent only
  • Rinse thoroughly
  • Air-dry — never use a dryer

Protecting Your Flag from Hawaii Weather

  • Bring flags inside during tropical storms or high-wind advisories
  • Rotate between two flags for longer life
  • Trim frays early before they grow

Proper Storage for Your Hawaii Flag

  • Store flat or neatly folded
  • Use a breathable container
  • Keep in a cool, dry environment — avoid damp garages or lanais

Guide on Cleaning and Caring for Indiana Outdoor Flags


When to Replace or Retire a Hawaii Flag

Replace your flag when you notice:

  • Fading of the Union Jack or red/white stripes
  • Frayed or shredded fly ends
  • Tears at the header or grommets
  • Thinning fabric from sun damage

Organizations across Hawaii — including VFW posts and civic groups — conduct flag retirement ceremonies.


FAQs — Hawaii Flag Size & Display

What size Hawaii flag is best for a house?
A 3' × 5' Hawaii flag is standard for most homes statewide. Use a 2' × 3' for small lanais or condos.

What size Hawaii flag should I use on a 20-foot pole?
A 3' × 5' looks proper on a 20' pole. Go up to a 4' × 6' if your property is large or oceanfront.

Which flag material is best for Hawaii’s climate?
Nylon for most homes; 2-ply polyester for high-wind or coastal areas.

Can I fly the Hawaii flag with the U.S. flag?
Yes — the U.S. flag must always fly higher or in the position of honor.


Shop Made-in-USA Hawaii Flags & Flagpoles

At Tidmore Flags, we proudly offer a full range of Made-in-USA Hawaii state flags in nylon, polyester, indoor, and outdoor styles. Still unsure what size you need? Contact our flag experts — we’re here to help.

 

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