The natural environment plays an important role in the culture and traditions of Hawaii. As seen in the Hawaiian Rain forests issue, the places, vegetation, and wildlife of Hawaii create a beautiful landscape that makes it unique.
Another landscape, that of Hawaii’s historic City of Refuge, is depicted on the 11-cent airmail stamp. The City of Refuge, now a national park, long served as a sanctuary for early Hawaiians seeking purification from temple priests after breaking a taboo and also as a place to escape from enemies. This notion is expressed on the stamp with its portrayal of a statute of Ki’i, an ancient god of the Hawaiian people.
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.
