Visit the Dole Plantation on Oahu

During our recent trip to Hawaii we had a few hours to fill before our tour was set to start at the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. So, we decided to take a trip north to check out the home of the pineapple (or at least pineapple as we know it in America)-- the Dole Plantation.

From downtown Honolulu the drive took us about 45 minutes in the remnants of rush hour traffic. As with most of the drives through Hawaii the scenery was absolutely beautiful. The trip will take you past Wheeler Army Airfield and Schofield Barracks. While my husband gave me a great history lesson on the "Tropic Lightning" of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield, I also learned about the significance of Wheeler during the afternoon trip to Pearl Harbor.

Once past the military bases you will begin to see the pineapple field and the beautiful Dole Plantation will appear on your right as you drive north on Route 99.

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The first thing I loved about the plantation is its the perfect stop for a family looking for a 30-minute break in between Honolulu and the North Shore as well as for the family looking to spend a few hours. Experiences were available for both no cost or a very minimal fee.

The visit to the Plantation begins with a short walk around the grounds where you can learn all about the history of Dole and the pineapple in Hawaii.  As you walk the grounds you learn how James Dole, the company namesake, identifies the perfect type of pineapple to grow in the Hawaiian climate and soil. Through innovation in farming and canning, along with great marketing, he quickly made the Dole pineapple a highly desired food item around the world.

From the pineapple side it was equally interesting. Did you know while there are many, many types of pineapples in the US and most of the world we eat the "Smooth Cayenne" variety? Also I always imagined pineapples grew on big trees like coconuts, but they actually grow in plants that look like bushes. Each plant will only produce two pineapples over a three year time period. I found all of this to be very fascinating!

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After the walking tour around the main grounds of the plantation several paid options exist. First, you can hop on the Pineapple Express for a 2-mile, 20-minute narrated tour around the plantation. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Dole, the history of the pineapple, and Hawaii's agricultural history as well. For under $10 per person this is a great way to make your stop at the Dole Plantation a little longer and more information. Plus, who doesn't like riding on a vintage train?

Another option is to take a tour of the Dole Plantation gardens. Within these eight different gardens you will not only learn about the pineapple, but get an up close look at some of the other items grown on the plantation. You will learn all about life on the plantation and the many plants that have become synonymous with Hawaii. For around $5 this is a great option.

If you're looking for a little more excitement you can try to tackle the "World's Largest Maze". The maze stretches over three acres and includes nearly two and one-half miles of paths crafted from 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants. Walk through the flora of the islands as you seek out eight secret stations that each lead you closer to the mystery at the heart of this larger-than-life labyrinth. At $6 for adults and $4 for kids it is yet another cheap and fun road side experience.

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Now for my family when we think Dole we don't always think just pineapple-- we think DOLE WHIP! I have to say it tasted even better than what you get at Walt Disney World! The plantation offers these and many other great food items inside the Plantation Grille. The food we tried was both good and very reasonably priced (which says a lot for Hawaii!). Inside the same building as the Grille is a large gift shop where you can find just about anything pineapple you can imagine. The team at Dole also does a great job in having a large selection of other food items unique to Hawaii.

I really enjoyed this stop on our trip around Oahu. The Dole Plantation offers a little something for everyone in the family and is perfect for a quick bite eat or to spend the afternoon. Make sure to stop in here if you ever find yourself on the island.

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Jenn Whitney is a travel enthusiast and mother of four. Her goal is to share her experiences and knowledge to help families plan amazing vacations around the world. Jenn is the owner of Whitney World Travel, a boutique family and luxury travel agency, and an Accredited Cruise Counselor. You can contact Jenn by e-mail at Jenn@whitneyworldtravel.com