HONOLULU (KHON2) — National Donut Day is celebrated on the first Friday of June each year. It is a delightful day dedicated to the beloved doughnut.
The day was established by the Salvation Army in 1938 to honor the “Doughnut Lassies”, female volunteers who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.
It was created both to commemorate these volunteers and to raise funds for the Salvation Army’s social services during the Great Depression.
As the years progressed, many doughnut shops and bakeries across the United States offer free doughnuts or special deals on this day. Various events and promotions are held, including doughnut-eating contests, special doughnut flavors and themed activities.
National Donut Day is not just about indulging in delicious treats; it also promotes community spirit and charitable activities, in line with its origins with the Salvation Army.
The day receives significant attention from media and businesses, with many leveraging it for marketing campaigns and social media promotions.
There are countless types of doughnuts, including glazed, jelly-filled, chocolate-covered, and more, each celebrated on this day.
While primarily a U.S. holiday, the love for doughnuts has made National Donut Day popular in other countries as well.
National Donut Day is a sweet occasion that brings people together to enjoy a favorite treat while remembering its historical roots and charitable beginnings.
Oʻahu
Purvé Donut Stop is offering one free doughnut to each customer. The donut being offered: a sugared ube. There are locations in Kakaako on Kona Street and Kahala on Waialae Avenue.
Mr. Donut’s & Bakery is offering a free doughnut to customers between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. at both of their locations in Honolulu and Wahiawa.
Little Vessels Donut, Co. is located in Kaimuki and is celebrating its recognition from PETA for their vegan doughnut creations.
Maui
Manuela Malasada is offering one free doughnut to the first 100 customers at all its locations nationwide.
Krispy Kreme is offering a free doughnut to all customers throughout the day at all its locations nationwide.
Ono Maui Donuts is having a doughnut eating contest. No joke. Check out the details here.
Kauaʻi
Island Craves is offering all of their doughnuts, baked goods and malasadas for $2 each all day. They also have a special: one dozen doughnuts for $15.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out and collect all the free doughnuts being offered to celebrate this hole’iest of holey days.