Dole Plantation is a popular tourist destination located in central Oahu, Hawaii. It is a working plantation that grows and sells a variety of fruits, with a particular focus on pineapple. The plantation has a rich history, dating back to the early 1900s, when it was founded by James Dole, the “Pineapple King”. Today, the plantation offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of pineapple in Hawaii, as well as to see and taste fresh pineapple and other tropical fruits.
One of the most popular attractions at Dole Plantation is the Pineapple Express Train and Garden Tour. The train takes visitors on a narrated tour of the plantation, which includes a ride through the fields of pineapple, where visitors can see the growing process up close. The train also takes visitors through the plantation’s botanical gardens, where they can see a wide variety of tropical plants and flowers. The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide, who provides interesting facts and anecdotes about the history of the plantation, as well as the many varieties of plants that are grown there.
The Pineapple Express Train and Garden Tour is a great way to experience the beauty and history of Dole Plantation. The tour takes about 20-30 minutes, and is appropriate for all ages. Visitors can purchase tickets for the tour at the Dole Plantation gift shop, which is located on site.
In addition to the Pineapple Express Train and Garden Tour, Dole Plantation offers a variety of other attractions and activities. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the plantation’s gardens, which includes a variety of different gardens, each with a different theme. For example, there is a “Hawaiian Garden”, which showcases plants and flowers that are native to Hawaii, as well as a “Japanese Garden”, which features a traditional Japanese garden design.
Another popular attraction at Dole Plantation is the “World’s Largest Maze”, which is a giant maze made out of Hawaiian plants. The maze covers over 3 acres, and is a fun challenge for visitors of all ages. Visitors can also participate in the plantation’s “Pineapple Garden Maze”, which is a smaller maze that is made entirely out of pineapple plants.
For those looking for a more hands-on experience, Dole Plantation offers a “Pineapple Cutting Demonstration”, where visitors can learn how to properly cut a pineapple, as well as a “Pineapple Garden Tour”, which provides a more in-depth look at the growing process for pineapples.
Visitors to Dole Plantation can also shop at the plantation’s gift shop, which offers a wide variety of souvenirs, including fresh pineapple, as well as other local fruits, jams, and candies. The gift shop also sells Dole Plantation branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, and keychains.
Overall, Dole Plantation is a fun and educational destination for visitors to Hawaii. Whether you’re interested in learning about the history of pineapple in Hawaii, or just want to see some beautiful gardens and taste some delicious fruit, Dole Plantation has something for everyone. The Pineapple Express Train and Garden Tour is a must-do activity, and the other attractions and activities at the plantation provide a great way to spend an afternoon or a full day.
Maps
Contact
Opening Hours
Video
FAQ's
What does Dole Plantation have to offer educational groups?
(NOTE: All Group Tours are temporarily unavailable.) Group tours can be customized to fit your group’s needs and interests, and may include any of the following: Pineapple Express Train Ride, Plantation Garden Tour, Pineapple Garden Maze, and a variety of age-appropriate activities.
What makes Dole Plantation different from other educational tours?
Dole Plantation’s hands-on educational tours are feasts for the senses, from a taste of fresh pineapple to a train ride through farmed fields. The Dole experience focuses on the history of pineapples and agriculture in Hawai‘i, and demonstrates through living exhibits how agriculture in Hawai`i has changed from the old plantation days of pineapple and sugar to a more diversified agricultural landscape. Located on the road from Honolulu to the North Shore, Dole Plantation’s reasonable prices, flexible packages, and variety of fun and educational activities mean you can customize a great experience for young and old alike. You can spend as much time as you want at the plantation, from a refreshing hour to a whole day of exploration.
Do you have set tour packages?
There are no set tour packages. All activities are a la carte, allowing you to pick and choose what you want.
How can I arrange an educational tour?
(NOTE: All Group Tours are temporarily unavailable.) Visit our Group Tour Rates web page for more information. Please note that we have temporarily suspended online ticket sales. However, you can also call us at (808) 621-8408, Monday through Friday (closed Christmas Day), 9:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
How long are the tours?
Your customized tour can range from an hour to a full day, depending on the activities you select. The Plantation Garden Tour takes about an hour. The Pineapple Garden Maze, on average, takes 40 minutes to solve. The Pineapple Express Train ride lasts 20 minutes. A minimum of one hour is suggested for the Pineapple Express Train ride and pineapple-cutting demonstration combination.
What types of groups do you accommodate?
(NOTE: All Group Tours are temporarily unavailable.) We can accommodate all types of groups, from mixed ages to students to all adults. At student rates, we welcome school children ages 4–17, church youth groups, boy scouts and girl scouts, and student sports teams. Student rates apply to Hawai‘i residents only. Non-student groups are also welcome. Contact us for rates.
Do you provide wheelchairs for guests with disabilities?
(NOTE: We do not have wheelchairs available, however, guests are welcome to bring their own wheelchair / mobile chair. Please note that our Train and Garden attractions are wheelchair accessible, however, the Maze attraction consists of gravel pathways which may be difficult to maneuver with a wheelchair.
Can I make a reservation or purchase tickets in advance?
We do not take reservations, and are currently not offering advance ticket sales. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis and may be purchased upon arrival at either the Train or Maze Ticket Booths.
Your website states you are open, but the Tours are closed.
Yes, we are open, although Group Tours are currently not available. However, you may purchase individual Attraction tickets or combo packages.
