Mazes are to some people what Sodoku is on a quiet Sunday morning: routine, slightly adventurous, and something that gets the noggin working overtime. While corn mazes have gained an abundance of popularity in the U.S., there's also one other type of maze that can be found in this country: a pineapple maze.
In Hawaii, a unique 'hedge' maze can be found on the island of Oahu. While most people are visiting particularly for this island's stunning beaches and natural flora, they often miss out on the unique maze that awaits them in Wahiawa. After winning the record of the largest plant maze in the world back in 2008, heads began turning and now, it's a major Hawaii tourist attraction.
Dole Plantation Pineapple Maze: History & Details
Known as the Pineapple Garden Maze, this unique labyrinth is filled with plant species that are native to Oahu. This, alone, makes it stand out from other mazes not only throughout the U.S. but throughout the world. It took the Guinness World Record title as the largest plant maze in the world at one point and has maintained its status as one of the largest today.
The Pineapple Garden Maze originally opened in 1998, giving it more than two decades of history from which visitors can learn during their visit. The maze stretches more than three acres today and encourages visitors to weave through more than two and a half miles of maze-like trails.
- Fun Fact: There are more than 14,000 native Hawaiian plants that can be found within the Pineapple Garden Maze.
Those keen on finding their way through this massive maze are in for a few surprises, though. Once a maze runner enters, the goal isn't just to seek out the exit - it's to finish the Pineapple Garden Maze game. There are a total of eight stations that one is encouraged to find during their journey, each of which will lead one closer to the heart of the maze itself. Out of all the permanent plant mazes in the U.S., this is by far one of the largest, and most interactive, options for maze lovers.
- Tip: Before entering the maze, visitors can download the Dole Plantation app on iPhones or Androids. The app will automatically track the time spent in the maze as well as the number of stations visited.
So, what can be found at the center of the maze? A pineapple-shaped garden! This is far more impressive in real life, as only Hawaii's natural flora could entice and enchant visitors who make it to each of the maze's eight stations.
- Fun Fact: The fastest maze completion time was a record-breaking seven minutes.
Maze Costs
- Adults: $8.75
- Children (ages 4 - 12): $6.75
- Kama’aina/Military: $7.75
Visiting Dole Plantation In Oahu
Visiting the Dole Plantation, in itself, is a worthy experience. Visitors might come for the maze but end up staying for the incredible history and tours that can be found throughout the farm.
Dole Plantation began as a roadside stand on the North Shore of Oahu, and from its humble beginnings grew an entire pineapple empire. Several tours take visitors around the plantation and its unique features and explain the history of the island in an exciting and interactive way. The Pineapple Express train tour is great for families and is very kid-friendly, taking guests around the incredible landscapes that can be seen from the plantation. This will also give visitors access to unique views of Oahu's north shore, not often seen from anywhere but here.
- Pineapple Express: The tour goes on for two miles in total, with narration from a tour guide for roughly 20 minutes.
For those interested in walking tours, the Plantation Garden Tour is yet another activity that's worth doing. Along the way, visitors will learn about centuries of history relating to Hawaii and its pineapple production, as well as the island's agriculture and traditions. Displays of Oahu's crafts and artwork can also be seen on display throughout this unique Dole Plantation tour.
- Plantation Garden Tour: This tour gives an in-depth look at pineapple farming and other agriculture crucial to Hawaii's crop production; tour-takers get an up-close look at the fruit in different phases of its growth.
Feeling hungry after all of those tours? Swing by the Plantation Grille! While this on-site restaurant does offer all things pineapple (such as the famed Dole Whip!), guests can find traditional Hawaiian specialties such as teriyaki chicken, kalua pork, and loco moco. Cheeseburgers and hot dogs are also on the menu, some even featuring a pineapple twist.
For those visiting Oahu, the Dole Plantation is a must-do while on vacation. Its history and place in Hawaii's pineapple production is an experience that's worthy of having - especially for lovers of this sweet fruit!