Dole Plantation Family Fun Day

We took the family to the Dole Plantation Family Fun Day yesterday. We got there just after the 10am start time, and it was already very, very crowded and hot, but that didn't stop us from enjoying such a fun-filled event!

There were lots of vendors, games for keiki, food booths, and entertainment.

The first thing we did when we arrived was grab some free pineapple chunks that Dole staff dipped in a chocolate fountain.

Then we saw the Dole Pineapple Mascot! There were other characters there too--KC Waffle Dog, Elmo, Hello Kitty, and Stitch.

For Family Fun Day there were special prices for the Pineapple Express train, the Plantation Garden Tour, and the World's Largest Maze. We decided to take the boys on the Pineapple Express train.

It was a 20 minute ride, and we saw lots and lots of of pineapples and learned a lot about them too (most of which I don't remember).

Throughout the tour there were lots of different types of machinery that's used in the pineapple fields, as well as life-size cutouts of workers. We got a good view of the Tanada Reservoir.

We also saw a lot of other products that are grown (e.g. bananas, macadamia nuts, ginger, etc.).

After the train ride we made a quick stop at a koi pond. You could buy food pellets to feed them (we didn't buy any but a nice woman gave DS1 a pellet to throw in the pond).

They sure looked hungry!

And so were we!

On a regular day, you could visit the Plantation Grille located on premises, however, for Family Fun Day there were several food booths from which we got our lunches.

DS1 ate fried noodles--I tasted it and it was okay (don't remember what food booth it was from).

DH ate kalbi and bbq chicken--he said it was good (don't remember what food booth this was from either).
And I ate what I normally eat whenever I go to some farmers markets and other events--Pesto Pizza and Fried Zucchini from North Shore Farms! YUM!

The fried zucchini is coated with parmesan cheese. It's crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and simply delicious.

And the pizza is just as delicious. They grill the pizza so it's nice and crispy.

After lunch it was really, really hot. We decided it was almost time to go, but not before getting some Dole Whips!

You can get a Dole Whip in a cone, with toppings, and even in a pineapple bowl! I had an entertainment coupon to get up to two free cones with the purchase of two cones, and since I was only going to order three, I asked the woman behind me if she wanted a free cone. She was a tourist from Alabama visiting with her husband and she happily said "sure!"

We actually ended up getting the Dole Whip in regular bowls, since I thought it could get really messy, especially for DS1.

It was the first time I ever had a Dole Whip, and it was cool, smooth, and yummy. I actually couldn't even finish it. I think DS1 ate more of his Dole Whip than I did!

It was a perfect way to end our visit, and I can't wait until next year's Family Fun Day!

Dole Plantation: 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway Wahiawa, Oahu, HI 96786, 808-621-8408

Island Savings: The 2010 Entertainment Book has a coupon for "up to two free cones" with the purchase of two cones.