There are a few things that are synonymous with Hawaii: sunsets, amazing beaches, natural beauty, and pineapples. Though the islands offer and feature so much more, these things immediately come to mind when thinking of Hawaii, all making the islands the place that we know and love. Interestingly, the pineapple has become the unofficial fruit of the islands, a piece of Hawaiian history and a connection to the past for many residents and locals of the islands. The pineapple was once a central part of the local economy, and the Dole Pineapple Plantation is the Hawaii destination to visit to learn all about the history and cultivation of the pineapple in Hawaii.
The pineapple is actually not a native fruit to Hawaii, but for many years, the production and export of pineapples was an important part of Hawaii. In fact, the entire island of Lanai was reserved for pineapple crops, giving the island the nickname of “The Pineapple Isle” that continues to be used today. The last pineapple cannery closed in 2006, but fresh pineapples continue to be exported from Hawaii today, and you can purchase a pineapple that is ready to be shipped back home from the Dole Pineapple Plantation, giving you a fresh and delicious treat to eat when you return from your vacation.
Pineapple production in Hawaii has fallen greatly from its peat, with around 400 million pineapples produced in throughout the Hawaiian Islands each year. It sounds like a lot, but Hawaiian production represents less than 1 percent of the global pineapples produced each year. Even with the drastic decline in production, Hawaiian pineapples remain as the standard due to its sweet and delicious flavors. And there is nothing that says Hawaii better than a locally grown pineapple wedge in a beautiful tropical drink.
During your vacation to Oahu, you will have to make a stop at the Dole Pineapple Plantation, the place for all things pineapple. Once a fully functioning cannery and farm, the plantation today brings to life the history of pineapple production in Hawaii, and showcases the lifecycle of the fruit, from seed to delicious treat. During a drive to the North Shore, passing through local towns and countless rows of pineapple plants, plan a little bit of time at Dole, where you can pick up an assortment of delicious treats like cookies, pineapple candy, and the famous Dole Whip, a refreshing frozen dessert that you just have to try. You will also want to check out the grounds of the plantation, featuring the largest outdoor maze and a train ride around the plantation, taking visitors on ride through the history of the plantation.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Oahu tours and Oahu activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance, especially our top seller Aloha Kai Luau at Sea Life Park. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.
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