Dole Pineapple Plantation

The Dole Pineapple Plantation first opened in the 1950s as a fruit stand. Today, a visit to the plantation is one of the most popular stops on Oahu. Visitors can take a 20-minute, two-mile narrated ride around the pineapple fields of Oahu on The Pineapple Express Train. Listen and learn the true story of how the small fruit stand of the 1950s became one of the world's biggest pineapple plantations. The Pineapple Maze at the plantation holds the Guinness Book of World Records title as the world's largest maze. The maze is more than three acres large and has almost two and one-half miles of paths. What an adventure! To learn more about the workings of the plantation, take the Plantation Garden Tour to learn how pineapples are picked, processed and packaged. This walking tour leads visitors through eight beautiful mini-gardens and shows off the plants, trees and crops of Hawaii. Don't forget to sample the pineapples before you leave!

Iolani Palace

Did you know there was a royal palace in the United States? Visit Iolani Palace in Honolulu and see for yourself! The palace was the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom's last two monarchs, King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. The Palace was built by King David Kalakaua in 1882. When it was built it was a grand and important palace. The royal residence was home to Hawaii's first electric light system, flush toilets and telephones. The inside of the palace has a beautiful Hawaiian koa wood staircase, portraits of Hawaiian royalty, decorative furniture and royal gifts from leaders around the world. Wander through the palace's throne room, dining room and the private living quarters of the royal family. Admire pieces of Hawaiian royalty from swords and jewelry to the two golden crowns of the King and Queen. Visit the Iolani Coronation Pavilion on the grounds of the palace where in 1883 King David Kalakaua was crowned king. Across the street from the palace is the famous 18-foot bronze statue of King Kamehameha I. A great warrior and leader, King Kamehameha I united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom in 1810 and became its first king.

Waikiki

Waikiki is a very famous area in Hawaii! It has been featured in lots of movies and television shows about Hawaii. More than 4 million people visit Waikiki every year! During the day, the beaches of Waikiki are filled with sunbathers, surfers, bodyboarders and kayakers. The gentle and steady waves at Waikiki Beach make it a perfect spot to learn how to surf or paddle canoe. In front of Kuhio Beach, a statue of Duke Kahanamoku welcomes visitors with open arms. Duke was a Hawaiian hero and one of the world's greatest water sports athletes. He was the first person to be inducted into both the Surfing Hall of Fame and Swimming Hall of Fame. Other beaches in the area include Kahanamoku Beach with its man-made beach and lagoon, Fort De Russy Beach with a coral reef a little offshore, and San Souci Beach, a quiet spot protected by a reef. The Waikiki area is not only famous for its beaches. While in the area be sure to visit Kapiolani Park, the Waikiki Shell amphitheater, Waikiki Aquarium and the Honolulu Zoo.