Hawaii’s position in the middle of the Pacific Ocean gives the state a unique role as a state. Hawaii has developed a huge tourism industry, drawing visitors to its shores known for its beautiful beaches, lush mountains and active volcanoes. Hawaii is also known, however, for the tropical goods it exports to the mainland and the rest of the world—pineapples, sugarcane, macadamia nuts and coffee. With a year round growing season and ample rain, the Hawaiian isles are the perfect place to grow a variety of different fruits and vegetables that simply won’t grow well on the mainland. Many of these agricultural products have become synonymous with the state over time and now there are tourist attractions built up around some of these industries. Want to see where Dole pineapples come from or tour a Kona coffee factory? Hawaii is the place to do it.
Here is a list of the top places to see where Hawaiian products are grown and/or made:
Dole Pineapple Plantation: A 40 minute drive from Waikiki on Oahu’s north shore, the Dole Pineapple plantation has developed an entire tourist attraction dedicated to the history of the Hawaiian pineapple. You can visit the plantation and see the fruit, which has become a symbol of the Aloha state, is grown, harvested and shipped around the world.
>>For more information, visit the official Dole Pineapple Plantation Web site
Manua Loa Macadamia Nut Plantation and Factory: These tasty little nuts were not massively produced in Hawaii until the 1950s, but are now forever tied to the state. If you find yourself in Hilo on the Big Island, stopping by the Manua Loa plantation could be a good way to spend a few hours. You can walk through the self-guided factory tour and then stroll down the outside walkways through the rows of macadamia nut trees.
>>For more information, visit the official Manua Loa Web site
Kona Le’a Coffee Plantation: This organic Kona coffee company offers tours of their plantation on the sloping hillsides overlooking the Kona-Kilaua coast. On their tour you will learn everything about what it takes to make a cup of coffee from tree to cup. You can see the beans being grown outside and then venture inside where the company handles the roasting of the beans for more than 100 nearby Kona farms. Finish the tour by sampling a complimentary cup of the fresh joe.
>>For more information, visit the official Kona Le’a Coffee Plantation Web site
Tedeschi Vineyards: Although not famous for its wine, you may find yourself in the mood to go on a little wine tasting adventure during your Hawaiian vacation. If you are curious about the local wine scene, head to the Tedeschi Vineyards on Maui where you can sample a truly Hawaiian creation the Maui Blanc, which is a wine created from pineapple juice.
>>For more information, visit the official Maui Wine Web site
Kona Brewing Company: If it’s beer you’re after, the Kona Brewing Company on the Big Island brews up some of the finest tasting beers outside of microbrew capitals Oregon and Colorado. Visit their breweries in either Oahu or on the Big Island and sample their Fire Rock Pale Ale or Pipeline Porter.
>>For more information, visit the official Kona Brewing Company Web site
