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We collapse in the car with a sigh of relief. We knew Hawaii’s Dole Pineapple Plantation, would be crowded, but it was a special level of crowded. Still, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have a true, original, Dole Whip. A visit to this popular, Hawaii, tourist attraction, is obligatory, and we are Obligatory Traveler.
Located on the island of Oahu, most visitors make a stop at the Dole Pineapple Plantation, as part of a North Shore day trip.
If like us, you are staying in Waikiki, there is no easy way to get to Dole Pineapple Plantation. You either need your own car, or must book a tour with a tour company. Because we desire to be on our own timeline, we rent a car just for the day, during our stay in Waikiki.
Our Dole arrival is a few hours before closing. Grateful for free parking, we count ourselves among the vast ocean of cars, and make our way to the entrance.
Activities while visiting the Dole Pineapple Plantation include a train ride though the farm, a walk through the gardens, and a pineapple maze (like a corn maze, but with pineapples). You can purchase tickets for individual activities, or purchase combination tickets. Short on time, we opt for the train ride, and skip the garden and maze.
Prior to our visit I watch Youtube videos and read blog posts maligning Dole’s train ride. Most feel that the experience is not worth the price. Many report waiting in long lines for the train. Arriving at the end of the day, past tour bus time, we have no line at all. There are no fancy animatronics, or elaborate farm sets. It’s a train that leisurely chugs through fields.
Signs mark various Hawaiian Farm, plants.
Speakers overhead give you the story of Dole and teach you about growing pineapples. We like trains, so we enjoy the low-key, train, journey. The red dirt, various colored plants, set against the vibrant blue sky, is a pleasure for the eyes. There is also a song that plays, created, just for the Pineapple Express.
Train ride concluded, the next goal, get a Dole Whip. This area is packed with people. There is barely a free space of floor to stand on. It is peopley.
The Dole Pineapple Plantation Grille, serves up lunch fare, like hot dogs, hamburgers, pork and loco moco, but the majority of visitors are here for the sweet, pineapple, treats.
The staff here are impressive. They are professional Dole Whipers. The line is immense, but moves quickly.
We order a chocolate covered pineapple slice,
and Dole Whips, in a cup, with toppings. The toppings I choose are fresh, pineapple chunks, and Li Hing Mui (a pickled plum powder that is very popular in Hawaii).
The consensus is correct. Dole Whips taste best at the Dole Pineapple Plantation. They taste less like soft serve with a hint of pineapple flavor, and more like actual, sweet, bright, pineapple. Our Dole Whip cravings are forever changed.
The outdoor seating is ample. It is a nice respite from the crowd inside.
Like all good tourist traps, we exit through the gift shop. Dole Pineapple Plantation’s gift shop is massive. Who knew there could be so much pineapple themed merchandise?
Expectations can be managed when you know what you are getting into. Dole Pineapple Planation is an attraction meant to handle large crowds, who want an overview of the history of pineapple farming in Hawaii. You can only see the fields from the train. The tour is pre-recorded information. While on the various islands, I hear people rave about Maui’s Upcountry Pineapple Farm Tour, so if you want a more authentic and immersive education on pineapple farming, the Maui Tour seems to be the one to take. If you are on Oahu, and want to do all of the obligatory, Oahu things, you must visit Dole Pineapple Plantation. Know that you are getting an overview, and know that it will be overflowing with fellow day-trippers. Take the train ride, grab an OG Dole Whip, and bask in the golden-pineapple- glow of tourism.
Fine a Great Place to Stay in Oahu
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