The Dole Plantation is one of Oahu's busiest attractions, as it welcomes about 1 million visitors annually. This world-renowned farm—with its attached stately manor—is at the heart of one of the most recognized fruit brand names in the country: Dole. Its pineapples are enjoyed by fruit lovers all over the world. To provide a bit of background on this Hawaiian attraction, below is a brief guide of the estate.

A History of the Dole Plantation

How It All Began

In 1899, a 22-year-old Massachusetts man named James Dole sold his belongings and bought a ticket to the tropical paradise of Honolulu. He intended to become a farmer, so in 1900, he purchased 64 acres, built a homestead in the central plains of Oahu, and started experimenting with crops. He had good luck with pineapples, which thrive in tropical climates. After publishing advertisements in magazines—the first marketing of its kind in the U.S.—his company skyrocketed, and his products were popular among locals.

How It Achieved Renown

Dole reinvested his profits on the farm, buying modern processing machinery and maximizing output. He sought financial backing and began investing in more land. After Charles Lindbergh's famous trans-Atlantic flight, Dole took advantage of the burgeoning aviation industry to ship pineapple products to all corners of the globe. Eventually, the farm grew to encompass the Waialua estate on Oahu's famous North Shore—the only coffee farm on the island. By the time of his death in 1958, Dole was known as the Pineapple King.

How It Became an Attraction

The plantation began as a small tourist attraction in 1950 with the construction of a small fruit stand on the property. There, visitors sampled the delicious fruits the farm produced. As visitors flocked to the stand, the plantation developed newer and larger attractions. In 1989, it officially opened as a “Pineapple Experience” in Hawaii. The current facilities were constructed in 1998, and activities include a “Pineapple Express” train tour, a pineapple garden maze, the plantation garden tour, and year-round parties and events. Staff also display presentations about the plantation’s history, and visitors can enjoy fresh, grilled food daily. 

For succulent pineapple, rich coffee, or delicious Hawaiian chocolate, contact Dole/Tropical Fruits Distributors of Hawaii in Honolulu. They are the premier grower of Royal Hawaiian® Tropical Gold Pineapples® and Waialua coffee beans—grown in volcanic soil, which gives them a smooth and mellow flavor—all of which can be shipped anywhere stateside so you can indulge in your favorite flavors wherever you are. Check out their website to browse their products or call (808) 847-3234 to place an order.