Wondering what to do at the Dole Plantation with family? I’ve got you covered.
Are you planning a trip to Oahu, or maybe you’re even thinking about living in Hawai’i? Oahu is a gorgeous island with so much to see and do, and that includes the kids. But if visiting the Dole Plantation is on your list of places to visit while there, we have the deets for you.
Before travel was officially canceled in 2020, Madison and I spent a fantastic week and a half in Oahu. One of the things on our list was to visit the famed Dole Plantation, located about 15 minutes from the North Shore at 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy, Wahiawa, HI. We even mentioned it briefly in our post on how to have fun with kids in Oahu. We had a car rental for our entire journey, and thanks to Waze, we were able to get around the island pretty easily.
Visiting the Dole Plantation is a must for anyone visiting Oahu, especially if you’re a fan of the brand. It’s an excellent way for kids and adults to learn about the pineapple industry’s history and how everything is made. Believe me, there is so much more to the Dole Plantation than just sliced or chunked pineapples and the famous Dole Whip, which tastes better than the ones you get at Disney. However, you should download the FREE Dole Plantation App (available in the App Store) because you’ll need it for a few activities.
We enjoyed our visit so much that we went back a second time, although mostly to grab a few more souvenirs that we otherwise won’t be able to get here on the mainland USA. So what can you do at the Dole Plantation with the family or kids?
Here are 5 Things You Can Do at the Dole Plantation with your family and kids.
1. Take a Pineapple Express Train Tour
There are currently four trains available (Pineapple Express, Lady Liberty, Ohana Express, and Aloha Express), and you can either wait for your favorite or get on the one that’s at the hub. It’s a 2-mile, 20-minute narrated tour that takes you around the plantation while sharing the pineapple journey’s story. You get to see other crops that are also harvested on the Dole Plantation, such as cacao, bananas, and coffee.
2. Stroll Through the Plantation Garden
The Dole Plantation App comes in handy for this one, as this is a self-guided tour. You’ll be able to hear Hawaiian folklore as you get up close to some of the flowers and plants in the eight different gardens. One of the highlights is the pond in the middle of the garden that the kids couldn’t get enough of.
3. Navigate the Pineapple Garden Maze
The Pineapple Garden Maze is one of the world’s largest mazes, spanning three acres and featuring nearly two and a half miles of walkable paths. This is where the Dole Plantation App comes in truly handy, as you’re going to need it in order to keep track of what you’ve found and where you’ve been, as there are eight stations to be discovered.
4. Shop at the Largest Pineapple Store
The Dole Plantation includes a store that has everything, including all things pineapple. From pineapple toys, candy, soaps, and branded tees, you can find everything that your heart desires. There are also small local vendors located on the outside where you can grab some local goodies. Madison was able to mine a pearl from an oyster and have it placed in a pineapple necklace that she cherishes to this day.
5. Eat at the Plantation Grille Restaurant and Don’t Forget the Dole Whip
When you’re done shopping, don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at the restaurant where you can eat all things local. And before you leave, you cannot fail to get the famed Dole Whip, available at the restaurant. For Dole Whip lovers, Disney was the only place you could get one in the US, but how can you visit the Dole Plantation and not get a Dole Whip? It’s even better in Hawai’i if you ask me.
So the next time you’re in Oahu, Hawai’i, don’t forget to add the Dole Plantation to your itinerary. Take the tours, and be sure to grab a few souvenirs as a reminder of your trip. You’re going to love it.
