Stamps Across the Pacific: Part 6 - Places of the Pacific
A visual history of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander migrations
80c Diamond Head, Honolulu stamp (1952-03-26)Smithsonian's National Postal Museum
Places of the Pacific
Continued from Stamps Across the Pacific: Part 5
Nature and the landscape play a significant role in the heritage and culture of the Pacific region.
The diverse range of ecosystems, which includes coral reefs, rain forests, and volcanic landscapes, has been shaped by centuries of human interaction and cultural practices.
There is also a rich tradition of storytelling and oral history that is closely tied to the natural environment.
In many Pacific cultures, nature is revered as a source of life, spirituality, and cultural identity.
The relationship between people and nature is often characterized by reciprocity and respect, with cultural practices such as conservation, fishing, and agriculture being deeply intertwined with traditional beliefs and customs.
In recent years, the natural and cultural heritage of the Pacific region has been increasingly recognized by U.S. postage stamps.
These stamp issues draw attention to the importance of protecting and preserving the unique landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural traditions of the region for future generations.
Known for its breathtaking beauty is Honolulu’s Diamond Head, shown on this 80-cent air mail stamp. This stamp, along with the 20-cent Hawaii state bird and flower stamp, illustrate the natural beauty of Hawaii.
20c Hawaii stamp (1982-04-14) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
34c Hawaii stamp (2002-10-25) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
The Greetings from Hawaii stamp, issued in 2002, portrays a picturesque scene that is distinctive to Hawaii. Known as the “Aloha State,” Hawaii attracts over four million tourists annually.
The stamp depicts Waikiki Beach with the extinct volcano Diamond Head in the background and the yellow hibiscus, the state flower, in the foreground.
41c Diamond Head Lighthouse stamp (2007-06-21) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
Forever Haleakala National Park stamp (2016-06-02) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
$6.65 Lili’uokalani Gardens, Hilo, Hawaii stamp (2017-01-22) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
$6.70 Byodo-In Temple, Kaneohe, Hawaii stamp (2018-01-21) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
Forever Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, HI stamp (2018-07-04) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
Forever National Marine Sanctuaries: Corals and fish, Rose Atoll stamp (2022-08-05) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
Forever National Marine Sanctuaries: Hawaiian monk stamp (2022-08-05) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
44-cent Hawaiian Rain Forest pane of ten stamps (2010-09-01) by United States Postal ServiceSmithsonian's National Postal Museum
As one of the world’s most racially and ethnically diverse nations, the United States has been strongly influenced by many different peoples and cultures, including Native Hawaiians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders.
In recent years, the United States Postal Service has increased the visibility and representation of these people and places on U.S. postage stamps, and this trend is likely to continue.
The postage stamps and other objects presented in this virtual exhibition provide insight into the political relations and significant historical events between the United States and the nations of the Pacific.
These stamps acknowledge with gratitude and respect the rich heritage and culture of the region and the contributions its immigrants have made to the United States.
This virtual exhibition was created by Daniel A. Piazza, NPM’s chief curator. It incorporates some content from an earlier virtual exhibition, People and Places of the Pacific, originally created by Museum Specialist MJ Meredith and Web Intern Joan Flintoft and subsequently updated by Lauren Maloy.
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