July 20, 2019
On my way back from Laniakea Beach, I stopped at the Dole Plantation in Wahiawa to see what it was all about. The plantation is located right along the Kamehameha Highway, so it makes a perfect pit stop when driving to or from the North Shore.
As you approach the plantation, you know you are getting close because there are fields of pineapples on either side of the road.
Finding parking was very easy as I reached the visitors center an hour before closing. They are open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM every day, except for Christmas. If visiting during the day and/or on the weekends, parking might be more difficult to find.
One hour visiting The Dole Plantation was plenty of time to browse the gift shop, the gardens, and try out some of the infamous Dole Whip. If going with younger children or taking advantage of all the paid activities, more time would be recommended.
Prices
Admission and parking to The Dole Plantation are free, however, they offer paid tours of the Plantation Gardens, Pineapple Maze, and the Pineapple Express Train. Currently, the Plantation Gardens cost $6.50 child/$7.00 adult, Pineapple Maze $6.00 child/$8.00 adult, and the Pineapple Express Train $9.50 child/$11.50 adult. They also offer combination tours that save you some money.
Free Activities
I decided not to do any of the paid attractions because I felt they were tailored more towards small children. I was happy to browse the free pineapple garden and fish feeding pond instead. I enjoyed seeing how the pineapples grow out of the ground and the many different types of pineapples. Who knew there were so many variations?
The visitor’s center and gift shop are enormous! Inside you can find anything and everything pineapple related and you are blinded by the amount of yellow decor!
The Infamous Dole Whip
In the back of the building, you can find the food court. Here is where you can either purchase food or the infamous Dole Whip. While in Oahu I kept hearing nonstop about how good the Dole Whip is. So I figured I should try it out.
While in Oahu I kept hearing nonstop about how good the Dole Whip is. So I figured I should try it out.
And the verdict is……???
I know I am going against popular opinion, but I did not care for the Dole Whip. I did not even finish one-third of it. Most likely because it is a lightly pineapple-flavored soft-serve ice cream, and I do not care for soft serve.
The plantation has a nice patio behind the visitor’s center where you can enjoy your treats. Just watch out though, because pesky chickens and birds are hanging about ready to snatch a piece of your treats!
