El Hubby and I took the Pineapple Express tour of the plantation and did the maze. I learned a few things about pineapples while at the Dole Plantation.
Did you know that pineapple did not grow on trees? I sure didn't. Kinda cool.
Our tour guide showed us a coffee plant. Of course I had to go check it out.
Apparently the leaved can be used for all sorts of things such as skirts, to wrap food in, etc.
I got to pick a coffee pod. After squeezing it open 2 coffee beans came out. Apparently when they are ready the pods get picked, then taken out of the pods, and then dried. So cool!
I was fascinated with the whole coffee thing. I mean, you drink coffee all the time. But what do you really know about it? I love learning new things. Knowledge is power!
The train we took on our tour was super cute.
El Hubby and I were very excited to be riding on the Pineapple Express.
We took a picture with a pineapple in front of the train. We are such tourist!
It was neat to see that pineapples were still be grown in Hawaii at the Dole Plantation. Apparently pineapples need to be grown where the weather is warm like 70-85 degrees. Pineapples are grown year round in Hawaii because of the warm weather in Hawaii. The green, leafy part of the pineapple called the crown is what is used to plant pineapples. Each crown is planted by hand. A skilled planter can plant around 10,000 crowns in a day! Pineapples are also harvested by hand. The first crop takes 18-20 months to be ready for harvest. The next crop takes another 15 months. Our tour guide said there was a 3rd harvest but I don't remember how long it takes to be ready for harvest. Pineapples must taste so good because so much love goes into them.
In 2008 Dole Plantation's Pineapple Maze was declared the largest maze.
So of course this Harry Potter fan needed to try the maze. El Hubby and I did not get to every station. I kinda freaked out and thought we would never be able to get out. Or the Dark Lord would find us. Whatever! Plus, it was hot and I started to dream about Dole Whip.
The dole whip was amazing. Now I am sure everyone has had the dole whip at Disneyland. This is so much better. So much better! The dole whip was so smooth and rich in pineapple flavor AND so much more generous with the fresh pineapple. The other Hawaiian food looked pretty good but we didn't get a chance to eat there. However, I did load up on chocolate covered pineapple to take home to family and friends. Let me tell you. This was so much better than chocolate covered macadamia nuts that everyone brings back from Hawaii.
If you are ever in Hawaii I highly suggest checking out the Dole Plantation. It's fun for all ages.
Dole Plantation
64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy
Wahiawa, HI 96786
(808) 621-8408
Keep trying new adventures and food!
XOXO
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