Dole Plantation, Oahu
The Dole Plantation on Oahu, Hawaii is around a 40 minute drive from Waikiki and is definitely worth a visit. It is in the centre of the island on highway two so is a good stop on the way to or from the north shore.
Firstly, the pineapple ice cream, otherwise known as Dole Whip is absolutely delicious and a steal at $5.50. Enjoy an ice cream while taking a ride on the Pinapple Express. At first it seems the railway train is just for kids but I found it very interesting. The train takes you around the plantation, seeing bananas, sugar cane, pinapples and other fruits grow at different stages of their lifecycle. The conductor provides enthusiastic commentary throughout and enlightens passengers with the history of how the Dole plantation was founded and how the pineapple has a place in Hawaii's history.
I believe there is also a plantation garden tour and maze but we didn't have time to do these.
This is a great stop off place for a change of scene from the beautiful beaches of Oahu.