Pineapple History of Lanai Island

Information about the pineapple history of Lanai Island in Hawaii.

Lanai Island was once known as the "Pineapple Isle" at one time it produced about 75% of the world's pineapples.

1922:
James Drummond Dole purchased most of Lanai Island fore $1.1 million. He planted large sections of the islnd with pineapple fields and established town in the center of the island - Lanai City - to house his plantation forkers.

1930:
Lanai Island was exporting 65,000 tons of pineapples a year.

1972
Lanai's pineapple plantation was closed due to rising costs and competition from other parts of the world.

1992
The last pineapple crop on Lanai was harvested.

More 1990's
Castle and Cooke began transitioning the island's economy from agriculturee to tourism. Castle and Cooke built two luxury resorts and two championshiop golf courses on Lanai. Ownership of Lanai was transferred to David Murdock after he acquired the holdings on Lanai of Castle and Cooke and dole Foods.

About James Dole

About the Dole Food Company

Meliss Miller's "Pineapple in Hawaii" Article (PDF)

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Lanai Island Travel Guide

Other Islands of Hawaii

Visitor Destinations in Hawaii

Hawaii for Visitors

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