Dole Plantation is one of the most popular Oahu attractions found anywhere near Oahu’s scenic North Shore. Located near the gorgeous Waimea Valley, not far from North Shore Soap Factory, Dole Plantation is a working pineapple farm dedicated to telling the story of this iconic tropical fruit and the history of the company that spread it across the world. While most visitors to Dole Plantation head straight to the attraction’s famed Pineapple Garden Maze, the site also features multiple gardens that can be toured, as well as a twenty-minute train ride on a vintage-style locomotive that the little ones will love.
History and Background Information
In the wake of a coup that overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, a provisional government was established. At the head of this provisional government was Sanford B. Dole, a lawyer who long advocated for stronger ties between Oahu and the United States. Sanford B. Dole would serve as president of Hawaii for four years before eventually becoming the islands’ first territorial governor. During this time, he encouraged his cousin James Dole to move from Boston to Hawaii; James Dole did this in 1899, and within two years he had founded the Hawaiian Pineapple Company. Eventually changing its name to simply Dole, the company would over the course of the next half-century become a major multinational corporation.
Dole Plantation opened its doors to the public in 1989 with the goal of becoming “Hawaii’s Pineapple Experience.” The attraction draws over a million visitors each year, and is one of the most popular attractions located anywhere along the beautiful North Shore of Oahu.
What’s Here
The Pineapple Garden Maze has been an international sensation ever since 2008, when it was awarded the designation of “world’s largest maze.” Featuring over two miles of maze paths covering some three acres of North Shore terrain, this remarkable botanical wonderland is situated in the midst of nearly 15,000 Hawaiian plants. It’s a lovely setting to enjoy a fun and mysterious maze adventure.
Families with small children will want to consider going on the Pineapple Express Train Tour. Dole Plantation has not one but four unique vintage-style trains, and no matter which one you and your kids end up having the chance to ride, you’ll have a blast viewing the pineapple farm and learning all about its long history during this 20-minute guided tour that chugs along its miniature tracks in style.
Dole Plantation is home to eight different mini-gardens: North Shore, Hibiscus, Native Species, Lei, Irrigation, Bromeliads, Ti Leaf, and the Life on the Plantation Garden. If you’re interested in exploring these fascinating plots of land—each one responsible for growing a unique crop that Dole produces, sells, and ships to restaurants, stores, and markets all over the world—then you’ll want to go on the Plantation Garden Tour.
The Plantation Grille is the Dole pineapple farm’s in-house restaurant. There you’ll find a delicious menu highlighted by classic Hawaiian dishes like loco moco, teriyaki chicken, and a Kualoa pork plate. American favorites like burgers, fries, and hot dogs are available, too, and of course, you’re not going to want to visit the Dole Plantation without sampling their pineapple-flavored soft-serve ice cream.
Tips for Visiting
*Many Oahu visitors choose to tour the Dole Plantation as part of a full-day guided tour operated by a local tour company. If you’re interested in not only seeing the Dole pineapple farm, but also stopping at several other great North Shore destinations like the North Shore Soap Factory, Green World Coffee Farm, and a whole lot more, this could be a good option for you.
*If you’re an especially big fan of pineapples, build some time into your visit to check out Dole’s Pineapple Variety Garden. There you’ll encounter almost two-dozen different types of pineapples growing together in an education exhibit that highlights the various stages of pineapple growth and development.
*All Dole Plantation tours and activities are free of charge for children under the age of four years old.
*No matter what you’re most interested in doing while visiting Dole Plantation, consider downloading the Dole Plantation app straight to your smart phone. This free app comes fully loaded with interactive features, background information, and a whole lot more designed to enhance your experience at this famous pineapple farm.
*If you’ll be visiting Dole Plantation as part of a tour group while using your Go Oahu All-Inclusive Pass, you’re going to be required to make a reservation in advance of your trip. If something comes up and you find yourself unable to stick to your original plans, you’ll need to cancel your reservation at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled tour or you’ll be charged.