Take a step off the beaten path and spend a day at Dole Plantation in Wahiawa. Here you can take a narrated train ride through pineapple fields, find your way through the world's largest maze, and learn about crops traditionally grown in the Islands. The Pineapple Garden Maze, officially recognized in the 2001 Guinness Book of World Records, is laid out along a 1.7-mile path. The maze contains more than 11,400 colorful Hawaiian plants, including hibiscus, heliconia, croton, panax and pineapple. Prizes are awarded to those who find the six secret stations located in the maze in the fastest time.
Get close to nature by taking the Plantation Garden Tour. This educational walking tour will give you an up-close look at a variety of crops such as bananas, coffee, mango, papaya, hibiscus, and more. In addition, tour-goers have the opportunity to participate in a cultural activity or handicraft.
The bright red and yellow Pineapple Express train takes passengers on a two-mile tour of the pineapple fields. You'll learn about the history of pineapple and hear the story of James Dole, who pioneered the pineapple industry in Hawaii. In the distance, the Ko'olau and Wai'anae mountain ranges add definition to the rich, red soil and fertile grounds of the historic plantation. Trains depart every half hour for the 20-minute narrated tours.
Complete your tour with a stop in the country store where you'll find a selection of gifts, the plantation's famous Dole Whips and other refreshments. To get to Dole Plantation from Waikiki, take H1 west to H2 north. Continue to Kamehameha Highway (99). The plantation, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., is located at 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, approximately 40 minutes from Waikiki. Public bus transportation is available.
