Summary of Dole Plantation
Introduction
Dole Plantation on Oahu is the second most popular visitor attraction in Hawaii, welcoming over 1.2 million visitors annually. It comes in just behind the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, Arizona Memorial.
Located in Central Oahu, just outside Wahiawa town on the way to Oahu’s North Shore, Dole Plantation features a variety of engaging activities for both visitors and locals. Enjoy highlights such as the world-famous Pineapple Garden Maze, the Pineapple Express Train, and the Plantation Garden Tour, along with the extensive Plantation Center and Country Store.
Hawaii, known as the Aloha State, is globally recognized by the pineapple—a symbol of welcome. At Dole Plantation, visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the rich history of the pineapple industry in Hawaii, focusing on James Drummond Dole, the man who established Hawaii as the pineapple capital of the world in the 20th century. To learn more about him, visit this link.
Plantation Center and Country Store
The Plantation Center and Country Store at Dole Plantation is the first destination seen upon entering from the parking lot. This shop mirrors the aesthetic of a historic pineapple plantation store, complete with antique tables, traditional wooden bins, and wall-mounted displays that tell the history of pineapple cultivation.
Visitors can explore an extensive selection of made-in-Hawaii gifts and food items, including coffee and chocolate from nearby Waialua, island spices, hard candy, and fresh Dole pineapple. You have the option to have your pineapple shipped or take it with you. Additionally, there are t-shirts, clothing, Hawaiian music CDs, and other souvenirs available for purchase.
The Plantation Grille offers an affordable menu featuring sandwiches, salads, and hot entrees, which come with rice and locally grown greens. The standout item here is the beloved DoleWhip®, a soft-serve pineapple frozen dessert.
There is no admission fee to enter the Visitor Center; however, fees apply for various tours and the Pineapple Garden Maze, which we will discuss next.
Garden Tour
The Plantation Garden Tour provides visitors a chance to experience Hawaii’s agricultural past and present. This tour showcases eight “mini-gardens”: Life on the Plantation, Native Species Garden, Irrigation Garden, North Shore Agriculture, Bromeliad Garden, Ti Leaf Garden, Lei Garden, and Hibiscus Garden.
Moreover, guests can enjoy an up-close view of a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, native Hawaiian plants, and tropical flora. Depending on the weather, participants may even have the opportunity to plant their own pineapple!
Pineapple Express
The Pineapple Express offers a 20-minute, two-mile ride on a custom vintage train, taking guests around the Dole Plantation. This excursion highlights several acres of diversified agriculture, including actively cultivated pineapple fields, while providing stunning views of Oahu’s central valley mountain ranges.
During the ride, you will learn about James Drummond Dole’s life and the history surrounding the pineapple industry in Hawaii. For more historical insights, click here.
Garden Maze
At Dole Plantation, you will also find the Pineapple Garden Maze, which holds the title of the World’s Largest Maze according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Following its expansion in 2007, it boasts 3.11 miles of pathways covering over two acres (138,350 square feet)!
When viewed from above, the maze layout resembles a large aloha shirt adorned with a pineapple motif in its center. It comprises more than 14,000 plants, including croton, heliconia, panax, and pineapple.
With the expansion, thrill-seekers can search for eight hidden stations throughout the maze, enhancing the adventurous spirit as they work towards solving the maze mystery. The fastest individuals can earn a prize and their name on a plaque at the maze entrance. Record times hover around seven minutes, while the average exploration time ranges from 45 minutes to one hour.
Driving Directions and Contact Information
To get to Dole Plantation from Waikiki, take H-1 West to H-2 North (Exit 8A). From H-2, exit onto Wahiawa via Exit 8 and continue to H-99 North, Kamehameha Highway. Dole Plantation will be on your right at 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, approximately 26 miles and a 40-minute drive from Waikiki.
For travelers coming from the North Shore, take H-930 Kamehameha Highway towards Haleiwa and stay south at the traffic circle, where Kamehameha Highway changes to H-99 South. Dole Plantation will be about 6 miles south on your left after the Haleiwa traffic circle.
Alternatively, several bus routes (TheBus) are also available to reach Dole Plantation.
Dole Plantation
64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy.
Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786
Telephone:
1-808-621-8408
