Dole
Pineapple Pavilion/Plantation
If you go to the Dole
Plantation expecting to learn about the
history of the Dole company or how
pineapples came to be such a important
crop in Hawaii (remember, they are not a
native plant), we can guarantee that you
will be disappointed. There are no
guided tours of
the acres and acres of farmland you pass
on your way to the Plantation. Nor will
you be invited to see the pineapples
packed or processed for distribution to
the rest of the country (and the world).
Instead, the
Plantation’s main attraction is a
store selling all things pineapple:
pineapple ice cream, pineapple-flavored
shave ice, pineapple juice, pineapple
salsa, pineapple candy, dried pineapple,
fresh pineapple, pineapple mustard, even
pineapple-shaped pasta. There is also a
host of pineapple-themed gifts
(pineapple-shaped soap, pineapple-print
shirts, pineapple-logo pens,
pineapple-imprinted refrigerator magnets,
and the like).
The Garden
Behind the store is a garden
filled with different pineapple
varietals. Although the garden is quite
small, it gives you a chance to actually
see pineapples growing (note: they don’t grow on trees!) and to see the various
kinds of pineapples grown in different
parts of the world. The garden also has a
sign explaining a few fun facts. Here are
a few examples:
- Dole plants about
27,000-33,000 pineapple plants
per acre.
- It takes about 18
months for a plant to produce its
first pineapple.
- Pineapples are
planted year-round on Oahu in
order to meet the market demand.
- All pineapples are
harvested by hand.
Dole has also developed the
"world’s largest pineapple
garden maze" which is adjacent to
the varietal garden.
Getting There
Dole’s Pineapple
Plantation is easily accessible from
Route 99 (called Kamehameha Highway here)
between Haleiwa and Wahiawa. It is
clearly marked (look for the Dole flag
flying) and is visible from the road.
Details
Address: 64-1550
Kamehameha Highway (Route 99), Oahu.
Phone: 808-621-8408.
Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Admission: free.
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