Oahu’s Dole Plantation

by Brooke on February 25, 2014

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I just got back from a wonderful vacation in Oahu with my boyfriend and his family.  Oahu is a great vacation spot for foodies and active individuals!  One of the foodie highlights of our trip was going to the Dole Plantation.

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As we were walking up to the plantation, we saw this cute little Farmers Market stand.

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Inside the plantation there were many activities including:  The Pineapple Express, Garden Plantation Tour, World’s Largest Maze, and Plantation Grill.  Our first stop was at the Plantation Grill for their famous Pineapple Whip.  Dan’s parents loved this tasty treat!

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While we were there, we took a ride on the Pineapple Express.  It was a fun and informative twenty minute train ride around the plantation.  Our narrator talked about the history of pineapples in Hawaii and how James Drummond Dole started his pineapple empire.

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The pineapple was named after its resemblance to a pine cone and sweet inner taste.   The pineapple was introduced to Europe by Christopher Columbus after his travels to South America.   Centuries later, sailors would bring back this exotic fruit to their New England homes and set them on their porches as a sign that they were home and visitors were welcome.

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James Drummond Dole came to Hawaii in 1899 and one year later bought a 61-acre piece of land in Wahiawa.  He wasn’t the first person to grow pineapples in Hawaii, but was the first person that realized the need for this market.  Dole later became known as the Pineapple King.

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We got to see other crops on the tour including bananas, sugar cane, and macadamia nuts.

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We also got to see a part of the beautiful Plantation Garden on the Pineapple Express Tour!

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Dan was trying to be funny, while reading the FAQs about pineapples.

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Lenka @ Healthy Fit Goddess February 25, 2014 at 7:15 pm

It must have been nice to escape chicago for a bit! I love pineapples so much and I’m actually eating some right now. I could probably eat an entire pineapple in one sitting. I also make my own pineapple-lime popsicles!

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Brooke February 26, 2014 at 2:03 pm

Hi Lenka,

Those popsicles sound delicious! Do you have a recipe for them on your blog?

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