The rainbow design on Hawaii’s license plates is “nearing the end of its lifecycle,” according to a release from Honolulu’s Department of Customer Services. However, no changes will take place before 2024.
Hawaii has featured a rainbow on its license plates since 1991.
Department of Customer Services Director Kim Hashiro said in a news release that “there isn’t an urgent need for new design options for the Hawaii license plate, and no change to the current plate will happen at any point during the 2023 calendar year.”
New designs will be considered, but Hashiro said it is also possible to extend the life of the rainbow design by modifying the letter-number combinations.
“With license plates being a very visible aspect of any vehicle, we will be working with the state and other counties on selection of a new design, and the public will also have the opportunity to provide input on the state’s next standard issue license plate,” Hashiro continued.
From 1981 to 1990, Hawaii used an orange warrior head — identified as King Kamehameha — which was placed in the center of the license plate. This was the longest run of a license plate design prior to the rainbow’s 32 year run.
From 1976 to 1980, Hawaii’s license plate featured pink graphics of King Kamehameha wearing a feathered cloak and Diamond Head.
Before that, older license plates were simply two colors. Starting in 1961, “Aloha State” was printed at the bottom of the plates.
Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.