Dole Plantation

The basics

Allowing travelers to learn how agriculture helped influence the rise of modern Oahu, the plantation is a popular stop on small-group and private circle island tours departing from Waikiki. Dole Plantation tours are often paired with other local activities including snorkeling, and sites such as Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor National Monument, or Hanauma Bay.

Things to know before you go

• The plantation is a must-see for families with kids and Hawaiian history buffs.

• Dole Plantation tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis from the Train and Maze ticket booths.

• Expect to spend one to two hours at the plantation, depending on which activities you’d like to take part in. (Each activity requires a separate fee.)

• The plantation is a common stop on North Shore tours.

• The Dole Plantation is wheelchair-accessible.

• There is both a gift shop and an on-site restaurant, the Plantation Grille.

How to get there

The Dole Pineapple Plantation is located outside of Wahiawa on the road to the island of Oahu’s North Shore, about 30 minutes from Honolulu International Airport and 45 minutes from Waikiki by road. Buses run from Waikiki to the Ala Moana shopping center to connect with the Circle Island service; it’s a 1-hour and 45-minute trip.

When to get there

The Dole Plantation is open 9:30am to 5:30pm daily. The site is busiest in summer and around the winter holidays, and crowds are smallest from September to December. To beat the late afternoon crowds, consider planning a mid-morning visit.

Get Lost in the World’s Largest Maze

When Pineapple King James Dole first moved to Hawaii in 1899, he probably never thought his plantation would house the world’s largest maze. Constructed from over 14,000 plants, the site’s garden maze covers three acres (1.2 hectares) and has navigational plaques that help you eventually find your way to the exit.

How long does it take to tour the Dole Plantation?

Many visitors spend about one hour at the Dole Plantation, just enough time to ride the train and try Dole Whip or other snacks. For a fuller experience, aim to spend up to four hours touring the plantation. That should leave you enough leeway to visit the maze and take the garden tour.

What time should I get to Dole Plantation?

To avoid the crowds, aim to arrive at the Dole Plantation close to opening time at 9:30am. Another option: visit after lunchtime, when most tour groups typically arrive. Generally speaking, weekends tend to be busier than weekdays.

What time is the last tour at Dole Plantation?

The last tour of the Dole Plantation starts at 5pm, 30 minutes before closing time. There are several different tours of varying lengths to choose from: the Plantation Garden Tour, the Pineapple Garden Maze, and the Pineapple Express Train.

How much time should I spend at the Dole Plantation?

It depends. Two to four hours are generally enough to experience the Dole Plantation. However, some visitors stop for an hour. Keep in mind that the Plantation Garden Tour takes about one hour, the Pineapple Garden Maze takes around 40 minutes, and a ride on the Pineapple Express Train lasts 20 minutes.

Does it cost money to go to Dole Plantation?

No, it doesn’t cost money to visit the Dole Plantation. The pineapple plantation and gift store are free to visit. However, the Plantation Garden Tour, the Pineapple Garden Maze, and the Pineapple Express Train require tickets available for purchase on-site.

Does Dole Plantation have Wi-Fi?

The Dole Whip is a pineapple-flavored soft-serve frozen dessert and the Dole Plantation’s signature snack. Eating a Dole Whip is a must-do when visiting the pineapple plantation—it’s also the perfect way to cool down while exploring Oahu on a hot day.

Ways to explore

Set aside at least half a day to visit the Dole Plantation if you’re planning to take the Pineapple Express train, get lost in the garden maze, or stroll through the tropical gardens. Tickets can be purchased separately for each activity, or you can save by choosing a combo pass. Most attractions are self-guided with helpful interpretive signs and optional audio narrations. While you can visit independently, many full-day tours of Oahu include a stop at Dole Plantation, typically bundled alongside North Shore beaches and island sightseeing.

Accessibility

The Pineapple Express train tour and tropical garden area are wheelchair accessible. However, the maze paths are gravel and may be difficult for wheelchairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water, hat, cash or credit card

What to wear

Wear breathable, comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes. The maze can get hot, and pathways may be uneven.

Not allowed

Smoking and alcohol are prohibited on the grounds. Outside food is discouraged, as on‑site refreshments are available.

Amenities

Restrooms, picnic tables, snack bar, gift shop, pineapple ice cream stand, free parking

Address

The Dole Plantation sits in Wahiawa, about a 40-minute drive northwest of Waikiki along Kamehameha Highway (Route 99). Most visitors arrive by car, and free parking is available on-site, or you can take a bus or book a tour with transportation included.

Driving

To get to the Dole Plantation from Waikiki, take H-1 west, then H-2 north to Wahiawa (Exit 8), and continue to Kamehameha Hwy (HI-99) from there. The plantation will be on your right. Parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

TheBus lines 52, 83, and 88A stop at Kamehameha Highway/Dole and Helemano Plantations—about a 4-minute walk to the entrance.

Best times to visit

Arrive right when the plantation opens at 9:30am (or by 9:15am) to beat crowds and enjoy shorter lines at the train, maze, and store.

Best days to visit

Weekdays—especially early in the morning—are less crowded. Weekends tend to be busy with tour bus groups.

Best months to visit

The spring months of April to September are peak pineapple bloom and harvest season, offering lush garden displays. The plantation is open year-round.