The last coin in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program honors the State of Hawaii and is available from the Mint.  The Hawaii quarter is expected to be released into general circulation in November and signals the end of the Mint’s ten-year 50 State Program.

The reverse of Hawaii’s quarter features King Kamehameha I opening his hand toward the eight major Hawaiian Islands.  Inscriptions are the state motto (UA MAU KE EA O KA ‘AINA I KA PONO), "Hawaii" and "1959."

A 36-member Hawaii Commemorative Quarter Advisory Commission, composed of leaders and students from around the State, invited citizens to submit themes for the coin’s design.  From the 400 ideas it received, the Commission developed five narratives to send to the United States Mint for consideration.  These narratives were developed into design candidates by the Mint’s sculptors, engravers and artists.  The designs were then proposed to the State, where an online poll was conducted to determine the citizens’ preference.  In April 2007, Governor Linda Lingle announced the selection of the "Hawaii, the Island State" design, which was recommended by the Commission and also won the online poll.

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