The highlight of the Maui Pineapple Tour is slicing into a ripe pineapple ripped fresh from the field.
I’m strapped into the seat of a minibus on the slopes of Haleakalā. We’re in the former Maui pineapple plantation village of Haliʻimaile, rattling over rocky terrain as I try to capture the perfect photo. Through the bus window, the majestic slopes of the long-dormant volcano are dotted with rows of pineapples.
But these aren’t just any pineapples — they’re Maui Gold. And this isn’t just a tour — it’s the ultimate pineapple experience.
What do you do on a Maui pineapple plantation tour?
The bus jerks to a stop and I disembark with 14 other curious visitors. We step onto Maui’s iconic red dirt as Shiloh Deal, our seasoned tour guide, walks us through the trials and triumphs of growing these clusters of berries — yes, pineapple is a berry.
With the shores of Pāʻia visible below, I capture the perfect shot: two young pineapples growing against one of the island’s most stunning vistas.
As we continue the tour, we learn about the history of Maui agriculture and the significance of pineapple to the island. Deal leads us through every step of the process, from packaging to harvesting, offering juicy facts along the way. For example, it takes a pineapple two years to fully mature. And pineapples are rich in vitamin C and bromelain, an enzyme that may boost immunity, reduce inflammation and aid digestion.
The highlight of the tour comes in the fields, where we wade among the plants and sample a freshly picked pineapple. Our guides slice off the tough outer shell to reveal the sweet, ripe, slightly acidic fruit inside, then pass around slices to the group.
The original company was founded in 1890 by the Alexander & Baldwin family, descendants of missionaries. According to local lore shared on the tour, Alexander & Baldwin paid just $10 for the 750-acre plot of land that Maui Gold Pineapple now occupies. The company held a monopoly on pineapple production through much of the 20th century, with Del Monte and Dole nipping at its heels. At the industry’s peak, those three companies produced 80% of the world’s pineapples.
By the 1980s, however, the Hawaiian pineapple industry began to decline as countries like the Philippines and Costa Rica ramped up their own, lower-cost production. In the 1990s, plantations across the state started shutting down. The last pineapple plant on Maui closed in 2008—only to reopen in 2010.
The new era of pineapple farming emphasizes sustainability and quality. Maui Gold Pineapple now uses 100% hand harvesting and boasts a 97% success rate in production, thanks to more intentional growing practices. The Maui Gold variety was developed over 50 years to achieve its signature taste. The proof is in the pineapple: sweet, with a much-needed touch of acidity. Eating it fresh from the field enhances its perfection—but even shipped home, the fruit is a sensory souvenir that will transport you back to the fields of Haliʻimaile.
Each visitor receives a pineapple to take home—or slice up immediately, depending on willpower. The tour begins and ends at the Maui Gold Pineapple Store, a newly reopened location that debuted in December after the original Front Street store was lost in the 2023 wildfires. The shop is stocked with all things pineapple: from beauty products to pet supplies.
Whether you leave with a pineapple, a T-shirt or even pineapple-flavored baby food, you’ll also depart with a newfound respect for the fruit—and the farmers who make it all possible.
FAQ
Where is the Maui pineapple plantation located?
The plantation is in Upcountry Maui, in the 3.47-square-mile area of Haliʻimaile near Makawao.
How long is the Maui Pineapple Tour?
The standard tour lasts about 1.5 hours.
How do I get tickets?
Tickets are available online. Tour options include:
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The Planting Experience, where you get hands-on in the fields
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The Maui Pineapple Tour: Farm & Feast Experience, which includes the standard tour followed by dinner at the renowned Haliʻimaile General Store
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The standard Maui Pineapple Tour
What is the cost of the tour?
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Standard tour: $75 for children (ages 3–12), $95 for adults
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The Planting Experience: $105 for children, $145 for adults
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Farm & Feast Experience: $155 for children, $195 for adults
Can you pick pineapples during the tour?
No, guests cannot pick pineapples themselves, but guides will select and cut fresh fruit for sampling in the field.
Do you get a free pineapple?
Yes, each visitor receives one complimentary pineapple at the end of the tour.
What should I wear?
Since you’ll be walking through fields and the weather can be breezy, wear close-toed shoes and bring a light jacket. Skip the rubber slippers.
How much does it cost to ship a Maui Gold pineapple home?
Shipping costs:
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$49.99 for one pineapple
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$59.99 for a two-pack
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$99.99 for a four-pack
Is the Maui Pineapple Tour worth it?
Absolutely. From the unforgettable views to tasting pineapple straight from the source, the tour offers an immersive experience—and a chance to explore the charming town of Haliʻimaile. While you’re there, make time to visit nearby Makawao and Kula for even more Upcountry magic.
