Places of the Pacific

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, rainforests, 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.

 
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80¢ Diamond Head, Honolulu single, 1952
and 20¢ Hawaii single, 1982

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.

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37¢ Greetings from Hawaii single, 2002

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.

 
stamp featuring the Diamond Head Lighthouse
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41¢ Diamond Head Lighthouse single, 2007

 
stamp featuring the Haleakala National Park landscape
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Forever Haleakala National Park single, 2016

 
stamp featuring a pagoda in the Lili’uokalani Gardens
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stamp featuring the Byodo-In Temple
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$6.65 Lili’uokalani Gardens, Hilo, Hawaii single, 2017 and
$6.70 Byodo-In Temple, Kaneohe, Hawaii single, 2018

 
stamp featuring the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park landscape
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Forever Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, HI single, 2018

 
stamp featuring the National Marine Sanctuaries Corals and fish, Rose Atoll
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Forever National Marine Sanctuaries: Hawaiian monk seal single, 2022 and
Forever National Marine Sanctuaries: Corals and fish, Rose Atoll single, 2022

stamp featuring a National Marine Sanctuaries swimming Hawaiian monk seal
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