What started out as a Wahiawa fruit stand in the middle of the pineapple fields in 1950 is now an extremely popular Hawaiian attraction. The sprawling Dole Plantation in central Oahu is a rural throwback to a time when the pineapple helped rule Oahu’s economy. Visitors can sample the sweet yellow fruit, ride on the famous Pineapple Express train and motor out through the fields, take a walk through a huge garden maze, learn how to find fresh pineapple when grocery shopping, and hear how pineapples are grown on plants—and not underground or on trees.
Many visitors spend about one hour at the Dole Plantation, just enough time to ride the train and try Dole Whip or other snacks. For a fuller experience, aim to spend up to four hours touring the plantation. That should leave you enough leeway to visit the maze and take the garden tour.
...MoreTo avoid the crowds, aim to arrive at the Dole Plantation close to opening time at 9:30am. Another option: visit after lunchtime, when most tour groups typically arrive. Generally speaking, weekends tend to be busier than weekdays.
...MoreThe last tour of the Dole Plantation starts at 5pm, 30 minutes before closing time. There are several different tours of varying lengths to choose from: the Plantation Garden Tour, the Pineapple Garden Maze, and the Pineapple Express Train.
...MoreIt depends. Two to four hours are generally enough to experience the Dole Plantation. However, some visitors stop for an hour. Keep in mind that the Plantation Garden Tour takes about one hour, the Pineapple Garden Maze takes around 40 minutes, and a ride on the Pineapple Express Train lasts 20 minutes.
...MoreNo, it doesn’t cost money to visit the Dole Plantation. The pineapple plantation and gift store are free to visit. However, the Plantation Garden Tour, the Pineapple Garden Maze, and the Pineapple Express Train require tickets available for purchase on-site.
...MoreThe Dole Whip is a pineapple-flavored soft-serve frozen dessert and the Dole Plantation’s signature snack. Eating a Dole Whip is a must-do when visiting the pineapple plantation—it’s also the perfect way to cool down while exploring Oahu on a hot day.
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