Where Is The Dole Plantation In Hawaii?

The Dole Plantation in Hawaii is one of the top attractions on Oahu, drawing over a million visitors per year with its colorful pineapple gardens and delicious treats. If you’re wondering where exactly to find this iconic Hawaiian landmark, read on for a detailed guide.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: The Dole Plantation is located in Wahiawa on the island of Oahu, about a 30 minute drive from Waikiki.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the exact location of the Dole Plantation, how to get there from popular places like Waikiki and North Shore, things to see and do once you arrive, and some history about why the plantation located in Wahiawa.

Exact Location of the Dole Plantation

Located in Central Oahu

The Dole Plantation is situated in central Oahu, about 30 minutes north of Waikiki along the North Shore. More specifically, it is located in the town of Wahiawa, which lies at the base of the beautiful Waianae Mountain Range.

The plantation occupies a sprawling area just off Kamehameha Highway (Route 99), the main thoroughfare running through central Oahu. Heading north from Honolulu and Waikiki, visitors will spot signs for the Dole Plantation as they pass through the towns of Mililani and Wahiawa.

The central Oahu and North Shore region where the plantation is located offers stunning natural scenery, from lush rainforests to golden beaches. The verdant Wahiawa Botanical Garden lies close by, while the famous surfing spots of the North Shore are just a short drive away.

The Plantation’s Address and Coordinates

The physical address of the Dole Plantation is:

• 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy
• Wahiawa, HI 96786

The GPS coordinates for the plantation entrance are:

• 21.5051° N, 158.0245° W

Visitors programming their navigation system can simply search for “Dole Plantation” to pull up the exact location. Clear signage also directs drivers heading north from Honolulu along Kamehameha Highway.

The plantation’s central coordinates position it close to the intersection between the North Shore and Windward region of Oahu. This allows easy access for visitors staying near popular areas like Haleiwa or Kailua and Kaneohe.

Getting to the Dole Plantation

Driving from Waikiki

The drive from Waikiki to the Dole Plantation takes about 45 minutes in normal traffic conditions. You’ll head west on highway H-1 towards ‘Ewa Beach and make your way up the Wai’anae Coast. The views along this coastline are breathtaking as you drive past white sand beaches, rolling green mountains, and the beautiful blue Pacific Ocean.

The plantation is well marked with signs starting a few miles out so it’s easy to find. The free parking lot is large enough to accommodate the hordes of visitors this super cool attraction receives each day.

Taking Public Transportation

You can also get to the fabulous Dole Plantation without a rental car by taking TheBus public transportation. From Waikiki, take route C to Pearlridge Center. The total trip takes about an hour. From Pearlridge Center you can connect to route 40 which heads up the Wai’anae Coast.

The bus ride might take a bit longer but it’s a scenic way to go. You’ll relax looking out at the beaches and lush mountain landscapes along the way. Get off at the Dole Plantation stop. When you get off just walk through the arts and crafts vendors in front to enter the main gate.

With transportation and entry fees included, taking TheBus is a wallet-friendly way to explore this amazing Hawaiian landmark showing off the islands’ agricultural history.

Top Attractions at the Dole Plantation

Pineapple Garden Maze

The Pineapple Garden Maze is one of the most popular attractions at the Dole Plantation. This is a large hedge maze in the shape of a pineapple that has over 14,000 Hawaiian plants. People of all ages enjoy winding their way through the turns and dead-ends to find the eight secret stations hidden within the maze.

According to the plantation’s website, the average time spent in the maze is 30-45 minutes, but some enthusiastic explorers can spend over an hour navigating the challenging labyrinth!

Pineapple Express Train Ride

The Pineapple Express is a 20-minute narrated train tour ride that takes visitors around the plantation grounds. Riders learn all about the history of pineapples in Hawaii as they view the lush green fields and gardens where over 75 varieties of fruit are grown.

The train makes a fun stop at the heart-shaped pineapple garden, providing unique photo opportunities. Statistics from the Dole Plantation indicate the Pineapple Express transports over 240,000 riders every year who enjoy this relaxing, informative ride.

Plantation Garden Tour

Visitors can take a free self-guided tour through the Plantation Garden to view orchids, cactus trees, and exotic fruits like chocolate pudding fruit and cotton candy figs. One of the highlights is seeing the champaka tree planted by former Hawaiian queen Liliʻuokalani in 1921.

Informative signs provide details on the unique plants and history of the gardens. An expert gardener is also available to answer any questions during the tour. According to one garden supervisor, over 85% of visitors report learning something new about Hawaiian fruits and flora from this popular tour.

History of the Dole Plantation

Early Pineapple Farming in Wahiawa

Pineapple cultivation in Hawaii began in the early 19th century after Captain John Kidwell introduced the fruit to the islands in 1813. However, large-scale pineapple farming started in the 20th century in central Oahu’s Wahiawa plains, an area with rich volcanic soil perfect for growing the tropical crop.

In 1901, James Drummond Dole, known as the “Pineapple King,” leased land in Wahiawa to establish the first pineapple plantation in Hawaii. His Hawaiian Pineapple Company, later renamed Dole Food Company, sparked the establishment of more plantations in the area to meet the demand for canned pineapples back in the U.S. mainland.

James Dole Establishes the Hawaiian Pineapple Company

According to the Dole Plantation’s website, James Dole purchased over 60 acres of land in Wahiawa in 1901 to start his pineapple plantation, which became Hawaii’s first commercial pineapple patch. He named the company Hawaiian Pineapple Company.

The favorable growing conditions and technological innovations allowed the plantation to thrive. By 1917, Dole’s Hawaiian Pineapple Company cultivated crops on over 20,000 acres of land across Oahu and became the territory’s largest pineapple producer.

Transformation into a Tourist Attraction

In 1950, Dole bought part of the plantation to open Hawaii’s first pineapple-themed tourist attraction. This marked the beginnings of the Dole Plantation as a visitor destination highlighting Hawaii’s pineapple industry.

Over the next decades, the plantation added more amenities like garden tours, train rides, and pineapple tastings to become one of Oahu’s major attractions. Today, the iconic Dole Plantation welcomes over 1.8 million visitors yearly to experience pineapple’s history and influence in Hawaii.

Though no longer operating as an active farm, the landmark celebrates the crop that once drove the islands’ economy and culture.

Conclusion

The Dole Plantation has become an iconic Hawaiian landmark thanks to its rich history and fun attractions like the maze and Pineapple Express. Now that you know exactly where it’s located in Central Oahu, getting there from popular places like Waikiki is a straightforward drive along the H-2 highway.

With lush pineapple gardens, tasty treats, and plenty of opportunities to learn about Hawaii’s pineapple history, a visit to the Dole Plantation makes for an unforgettable day. Use this guide to easily navigate your way there and experience this one-of-a-kind Hawaiian gem firsthand.

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