Residing in the central region of Oahu, the Dole Pineapple Plantation has cultivated numerous experiences for visitors, becoming one of the most popular landmarks across all of the Hawaiian Islands. This variety of experiences across what would otherwise be a non-descript farm has allowed it to attract more than one million visitors each year.
From Fruit Stand to Top Attraction
Originally opened as a fruit stand in the 1950s, the Dole Plantation was first opened to the public in 1989. That began a transformation of the site into a tourist attraction, with a variety of activities specifically designed for visitors.
The Pineapple Express Train is a fully narrated tour of the site, providing visitors with info about the past and present of the area and of the pineapple’s connection to the land. The Plantation Garden Tour allows visitors to get a personal experience with pineapples in various stages of growth. The Garden Maze stretches over three acres and includes nearly two and one-half miles of paths crafted from 14,000 colorful Hawaiian plants. In 2008, it was declared the world’s largest maze.
Admission to the Dole Plantation is free, while all of the activities have fees associated with them. In addition to these fees, the gift shop contains a variety of products, ranging from food to gifts and all types of pineapple products, highlighting the multiple forms of revenue that have been cultivated.
By opening up the space and creating so many different ways to expereince the history and significance of the Dole Plantation, stakeholders have built one of Hawaii’s top attractions. Mentioned as the one stop on Oahu that visitors have to see, the landmark highlights what it can mean to create engagement in a space that would otherwise mean very little to residents and visitors.
Cultivating a Legacy
Countless farms and estates across the Hawaiian Islands and elsewhere have the history and relevance to cultivate experiences for visitors but few have seen them realized like the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Featured on countless maps and guides to the region, these experiences are central to the Hawaiian legacy that the site celebrates which attracts audiences from all over the world.
