Attention pineapple fans. You’re in for a sweet, fun, and educational treat. The Dole Plantation in Hawaii is a must-visit, family-friendly destination for all ages. Learn all about the history, tradition, and culture of pineapple production in Hawaii. Located on the island of Oahu, the plantation is home to a wide variety of activities and exhibits that offer a glimpse into the past, present, and future of pineapple cultivation in Hawaii. It is well worth adding to your vacation bucket list.
You’ll immediately be mesmerized and struck by the lush, tropical setting, perfect for growing pineapples at the Dole Plantation. This iconic plantation is surrounded by acres and acres of pineapples. The sweet, intoxicating smell of ripe fruit fills the air. It’s a little like when you first cut a fresh pineapple open, but even better. Simply walking through the fields is an amazing experience. The unbelievable sheer size and beauty of the pineapples will take your breath away. They are actually much larger than you would ever imagine and the brilliant golden-yellow color is fascinating.
After touring the fields, make sure you head over to the Pineapple Garden Maze. This is a two-acre maze, known as the largest maze in the world. Made entirely of hedges and 14,000 beautiful tropical plants. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells that are only enjoyed in Hawaii. This is a perfect experience for the young and young at heart.
When you get hungry, visit the Dole Plantation Grille, a restaurant that serves a variety of pineapple-themed dishes. Discover unique dishes that combine fresh pineapple with a number of other freshly grown ingredients. The pineapple fried rice and the pineapple whipped ice cream are both delicious. Another fave is a pineapple smoothie, so refreshing, tropical, and fruity.
One more fun thing featured at the Dole Plantation is the Pineapple Express, a train that takes you on the Plantation Garden Tour, a ride that goes around the plantation. This is another great way to get a sense of the size of The Dole property. The very friendly guide provided a wealth of interesting information about pineapple cultivation in Hawaii. You will also learn about the different stages of pineapple growth and the various other crops that are also grown there. It’s eye-opening and so much fun!
Before you head out, make sure to visit the Pineapple Garden Gift Shop, which sells a wide variety of pineapple-themed souvenirs. You can imagine most items have a pineapple and tropical theme. The pineapple-shaped keychain is a perfect gift for you and those on your gift-giving list. Another great idea is the tropical gummy bear candies that include, you guessed, pineapple and tropical flavors!
Not only will you have an extremely wonderful day, but you’ll also learn about the importance of pineapple production to the culture and economics of Hawaii. You’ll also sample delicious pineapple-based goodies, probably the best part of the overall experience. Aloha!
Insider Tips:
-Group tours of Dole Plantation are available when calling in advance.
-Special pricing is available for children, students, and members of the military.