 The reverse is based on a statue of King Kamehameha I of Hawaii , designed by Thomas R. Gould , and intended " to symbolize the past and future glory of the Kingdom [ of Hawaii ] " . The sculpture that stands in downtown Honolulu ( 1883 ) is a replacement for one that sank while being transported from Germany ; the original ( 1880 ) was later salvaged and stands at Kohala on the island of Hawaii . The coin features a Hawaiian chieftain in ceremonial dress surmounting the top of a hill , with his arm extended in greeting . He represents Hawaii rising from obscurity . The palm tree that rises above him is intended to signify romance . A Hawaiian village at Waikiki Beach with Diamond Head nearby are seen behind him , representing history and antiquity . The design is almost free of lettering , with only " E PLURIBUS UNUM " ( " Out of many , one " ) and 1778 1928 to be seen . Ferns are visible under that Latin motto : Houston wanted the plants removed , but Beach insisted on retaining them to balance the design . Juliette Fraser had made a number of sketches , all with the same basic design elements , but with the chieftain in various poses and with Diamond Head in different positions . 
