We thought we were leaving early at 9:00 a.m. for the Dole Plantation visit since it didn’t open until 9:30 a.m. We reached our destination around 9:45 a.m. and went right to buy tickets for the train. While we were standing there we looked at the sign with listed offerings and decided to also view the gardens along with the  a ride on the Pineapple Express. Little did we know that we were already late.  First, we had to stand in line for a good 45 minutes waiting just to get into the train station. From there, we had to stand in line for over one and a half hours just for the 22-minute train ride! It was very informative and interesting.
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The Pineapple Express went around the perimeter of the plantation explaining the process:
“Pineapples are also harvested by hand. The first crop, called a “plant crop,” takes 18–20 months to be ready for harvest. The next crop, called the “first ratoon,” takes another 15 months. For the harvest, workers walk through the pineapple rows, dressed in thick gloves and clothing to protect them from the spiky bromeliad leaves. Most Wahiawa pineapples are sold fresh. After the last crop is harvested, the field is “knocked down,” and a new growing cycle begins.”https://www.doleplantation.com/resources/

 We saw not only pineapples growing in the fields but also banana, avocado, mango and papaya trees. 

After hopping off the train, we headed into the cafeteria where most of us tried the Dole Whip which is soft serve pineapple ice cream.  It was delicious! 

We then toured the gardens before setting out the the North Shore. 

The North Shore is known for having the best beaches in Oahu. We ended up at Sunset Beach State Park.  Mary Ellen, Linda H. and I changed into bathing suits while the other found a beautiful shady spot for watching. The three of us briefly hit the water before we realized we were all very hungry and ready for lunch.   
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​We found this wonderful place call Lei Lei’s Restaurant in the Turtle Bay Resort 
for a late and filling lunch, We then headed back to the hotel.

Later that evening, Mary Ellen and I wanted a little something sweet.  Mary Ellen had seen a cookie shop two blocks away, so this is where we headed.  The shop was the Honolulu Cookie Company that specializes in shortbread cookies. They had small cookie samples of all of the types of shortbreads they offer.  I was checking out all the different flavors of cookies and came across an espresso one. I commented about how much I liked coffee flavored cookies and an employee hands me a large one that had been broken to taste.  It was wonderful! Mary Ellen and I decided to purchase some cookies;  when we checked out they gave us three, free broken cookies.  We were both very appreciative and excited.

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