Happy Discoverer's Day!
Since 1971, Hawaii has chosen to celebrate Discoverer's Day instead of Columbus Day (and also added Martin Luther King Day to the roster). Polynesians were excellent navigators and discovered the Hawaiian Islands between 300AD - 600AD. In honor of the (long forgotten) Polynesian discoverers of the Hawaiian islands and in an effort to distance the state from the violence and slavery of Columbus (who was not associated with Hawaii anyway), Discoverer's Day was created. Discoverer's day is celebrated every second Monday of October. It is not a state holiday but since it is celebrated on the same day as Columbus Day, some businesses will be closed. Hauʻoli lā ʻike!