Maui Pineapple Tour Review- Is It Worth It? {2023}
Thinking of doing the Maui Pineapple Tour but wondering, “is it worth it?” 🍍 🌺 🌴
Let me just go ahead and tell you, the Maui Pineapple Tour is definitely worth it!! Not only is it worth it, but it’s also one of the best things to do in Maui!
After all, when you think of Hawaii, you also think of pineapples🍍 so I think it’s the perfect activity to do while in Maui!
In this post, I’m excited to share my family’s experience at this highly-rated pineapple tour in Maui.
On this tour, you’ll learn about the history of pineapples in Hawaii, see the beautiful fields where they are grown, taste the incredibly sweet Maui Gold pineapple, and see the factory where the pineapples are processed…..Oh, and you’ll even be given a gift; a whole pineapple to take home for yourself!! 🍍
Planning Your Hawaii Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources Below! 🌺 🌴
🏨 Accommodations– Booking.com
✅ Tours– Viator
🚘 Rental Car– Discover Cars
Quick Overview of the Maui Pineapple Tour
- Located in Upcountry Maui at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm.
- Maui Gold is Maui’s only pineapple farm and known for its super sweet pineapple. 🍍 😋
- Family-friendly 1.5-hour tour through the pineapple fields and factory. (Ages 3 & Up)
- Learn all about the history of the pineapple in Hawaii and the growing cycle and cultivation techniques.
- A fresh pineapple tasting right where the pineapples are grown.
- Each guest receives a pineapple in an airport-ready box!
Where Is the Maui Pineapple Tour?
The Maui Pineapple Tour is located in upcountry Maui at the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm.
If staying in South Maui, the Maui Pineapple tour is approximately 23 miles and a 30-minute drive from Wailea.
If staying in West Maui, the Maui Pineapple Tour is approximately 47 miles and a 1-hour 45-minute drive from Lahaina.
ADDRESS: Maui Gold Pineapple Farm – 883 Hali’imaile Rd., Haliimaile, HI
What Times Are the Maui Pineapple Tour?
Tours are approximately 90 minutes in length and are available 7 days a week. You’ll find scheduled tours at 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM, 1:45 PM. and sometimes 3:30 PM.
History of the Pineapple in Hawaii
The story of pineapples in Hawaii is quite interesting!🍍 Did you know that pineapples are not originally from Hawaii? Pineapples originated from South America, but they later found a new home in Hawaii.
In the 18th century, sailors and explorers brought pineapples to the Hawaiian Islands from other countries. This exotic fruit caught the attention of the locals, and they started growing them for their own enjoyment.
However, it was in the early 1900s that pineapples really took off in Hawaii.
A businessman named James Dole (does the name Dole ring a bell?) saw the potential of growing pineapples on a larger scale due to the islands’ favorable climate and rich volcanic soil. He founded the Hawaiian Pineapple Company, which is now known as Dole Food Company in 1901. They also figured out how to can pineapples, which allowed them to be shipped long distances while still staying fresh.
The pineapple industry became huge in Hawaii! It created jobs for many people, and this sweet fruit became a symbol of hospitality and the islands themselves. Hawaii’s canned pineapples gained popularity all around the world and in fact, at one point Hawaii supplied over 80 percent of the world’s pineapples!
However, as time went on, other places started growing pineapples at a much lower cost. This led to challenges for Hawaii’s pineapple industry. By the late 1900s, the pineapple business in Hawaii began to decline. Today, Hawaii only grows about 10 percent of the world’s pineapples.
But even though Hawaii isn’t the biggest pineapple producer anymore, pineapples are still a special part of the islands’ history and culture.
And because pineapples are such a huge part of Hawaii’s history and culture, taking the Pineapple Tour in Maui is a must!! 🍍
Maui Pineapple Tour Review
I’m excited to share with you my family of 5’s experience on the pineapple tour in Maui! My family of 5 consists of my husband, 2 teens, a 10-year-old, and of course myself!
Here is our review of the Maui Pineapple Tour.
Check-In Process
Our family had a 1:45 PM tour time. We checked in approximately 15 minutes prior to our scheduled tour time at the main entrance desk located outside. The friendly staff told us to use the restrooms inside and browse the store while we waited for our tour guide to call us.
And we did just that! Inside they had a lot of super cute pineapple merchandise and other gift-type items for sale. Also inside, was the Hali’maile Distillery Tour & Tasting Room.
After we finished browsing inside, we sat at a table outside and waited for our tour group to be called. While waiting, I started chatting with another family who had just completed their tour. They told me they also did the Dole Plantation Tour in Oahu, and they enjoyed this Maui Pineapple Tour so much more!
MAUI PINEAPPLE TOUR REVIEW
Time to Board
Once our tour group was called, we boarded the air-conditioned shuttle van and our friendly tour guide introduced himself and we were off!
MAUI PINEAPPLE TOUR REVIEW
Factory Tour
The first stop on the Pineapple Tour was the factory, so we could see how the pineapples are processed.
When we got off the shuttle van, our tour guide handed us hairnets since we were going into a working factory. We looked quite silly wearing these, but hey it’s all part of the fun! 🤣
The factory is also where we were given our Maui Gold pineapple in an airport-approved box! Every guest on the Maui Pineapple Tour gets a pineapple. The pineapples are boxed individually or in twos.
Before leaving the factory, the tour guide took everyone’s picture in front of the Maui Gold banner with their boxed pineapple.
MAUI PINEAPPLE TOUR REVIEW
Tour of the Maui Pineapple Farm
So, after the quick tour of the factory, it was back on the bus to see the pineapple fields.
Our tour guide told us lots of interesting information about the background of the pineapple farm and the history of the pineapple in Hawaii.
There were a couple of spots we jumped out to take at look the pineapples during different growth stages. I was surprised to learn it takes 18 months to grow a pineapple!
At one of the stops, our tour guide showed us how to take an amazing picture of a pineapple. I mean look at this beautiful picture below. Can you believe it’s a pineapple?
This is how a pineapple looks in a photograph if you take the picture from above.
After plenty of time snapping photos, it was now time to taste some delicious Maui Gold pineapple!
Our tour guide showed us the best way to cut a pineapple and he told us how to pick the perfect pineapple out at the store.
Then he passed out the pineapple and let everyone taste the sweetest and freshest pineapple I’ve ever had!
And then he went on to cut up another pineapple for everyone to enjoy. As he said, no two pineapples taste the same. And he was right! This one was even sweeter!
Before it was time to head back, the tour guide took a picture of everyone with a cute pineapple prop. This picture was later uploaded and emailed to everyone.
MAUI PINEAPPLE TOUR REVIEW
Maui Pineapple Food Truck
After our wonderful experience on the Maui Pineapple Tour, we hit up the cute pineapple food truck that is located in front of the main entrance.
They have fresh coffee, bottled water, pineapple mango tea, fresh-cut pineapple juice, soft serve, pineapple smoothies, and buzz cakes.
All 3 of my kids got their own pineapple soft serve served in a pineapple. 🍍 🍨 I mean, how fun is this right?!
Cost of Maui Pineapple Tour
Adults: $75.00
Child: (3-12) $65.00
MAUI PINEAPPLE TOUR REVIEW
Is The Maui Pineapple Tour Worth It?
The Maui Pineapple Tour is no doubt totally worth it! It is also the only pineapple tour you will find on the island of Maui.
If you’re also visiting Oahu on your Hawaiian vacation, you may be thinking about visiting the Dole Plantation too. We visited the Dole Plantation in Oahu but it was CROWDED and decided not to wait in the 2-hour line just to go on the pineapple train. Even waiting in line to get a soft serve Dole-Whip was crazy long.
If you’re looking for something much more peaceful, the Maui Pineapple Tour is it!!
Best Way To Book Maui Pineapple Tour
So, now that you know the Maui Pineapple Tour is a must-do, let me tell you the best way to book your tour!
I highly recommend using Viator to book your tour of the Maui pineapple plantation. It’s super easy and most of the time when using Viator you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance!! ⏱️
*Note, the Maui Pineapple Tour is for ages 3 and up only.
What to Do Near Pineapple Tour in Maui
It’s always a great idea to plan your Maui Pineapple Tour around other great things to do in the area.
Here is what we did on the day of our Maui Pineapple Tour:
Haleakalā National Park
We spent the morning at Haleakalā National Park before our 1:45 pineapple tour time. Haleakalā National Park is known for its dormant volcano, Haleakalā. The park features a massive crater, diverse landscapes, and rare species.
TIP: Even during the summer, temperatures at Haleakalā National Park are COLD! 🥶 We were not prepared and the wind and cold were unbearable at the summit! So dress appropriately!!
Lunch at Hali’imaile General Store
After seeing Haleakalā National Park I did a Google search for a great lunch spot between Haleakalā National Park and the Maui Gold Pineapple Farm. I came across Hali’imaile General Store, which had excellent reviews, so we decided to go there.
After pulling in, we found out it was directly across the street from the pineapple farm, so it was perfect!
Not only was the location perfect, but the food was excellent! It’s definitely a must-eat before or after your pineapple farm tour.
Makai Glass Maui
After our delicious meal, we drove directly across the street to the check-in area for the pineapple farm. We had a few minutes to spare so we decided to check out Makai Glass Maui which was located directly next door in the same parking lot.
They have the most amazing and beautiful glass art I have ever seen! There is also a viewing area on the top floor, where you can watch glassblowing.
FAQs- Maui Pineapple Plantation
Maui Gold Pineapple Farm is Maui’s only pineapple plantation left on the island.
As far as I know, you WILL need to do a tour to see the Maui pineapple farm. But I promise you, the Maui Pineapple Tour is so worth it. You will learn so much that you wouldn’t have otherwise by not doing a tour.
You can definitely take pineapples home from Hawaii. In fact, if going on the Maui Pineapple Tour, they give every guest a pineapple to take home in an airport-ready box. I was even told by the agriculture inspection at the airport that pineapple is the one fruit that is not required to go through inspection at the airport.
Final Thoughts: Maui Pineapple Tour
The Maui Pineapple Tour is one of the best things to do in Maui!
Exploring this tour opens a window into the world of pineapple farming and Hawaii’s culture. For those who enjoy learning about how things grow and the history behind them, this tour offers a unique chance to dive into the journey of pineapples from the fields to your plate.
The opportunity to walk through pineapple fields, taste freshly harvested pineapples, and chat with a knowledgeable tour guide adds a special touch to the experience. It’s not just about the fruit, but also about understanding the connection between agriculture and the island’s identity.
The tour offers both an educational and enjoyable outing, making it a good choice for families, curious travelers, and anyone looking to learn while having fun.
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