You can’t miss Dole Cannery. It’s like a HUGE pineapple ready to be harvested from the concrete croplands of Honolulu. And that wouldn’t be too far from reality, as the structure used to be the happening spot for packaging and shipping pineapples overseas decades ago. Dole has since maintained the rickety factory facade but is instead attempting to pack new attractions for Hawaii residents and visitors to enjoy.
The historic Dole Cannery lights up the city.
Just minutes from the airport and Waikiki, Dole has been converted into an office and retail complex, which includes the Regal Dole Cannery 18 Theaters, Costco, Best Buy and Home Depot. Although still very minimal, the shops and eateries at Dole Cannery are slowly continuing to expand and grow in popularity. Most people, like myself, come here for special events or to watch movies; not necessarily for the occasional shopping splurge.
There are, however, bits of history sprinkled throughout the quiet cannery halls. Posters, exhibits and memorabilia bring to light voices of the past, such as the preceding generations who have made their lives here before cannery operations ceased in 1991. Tourists can tour the facility and cool down with some frozen pineapple whip. If you’re on the North Shore, then check out the sister attraction, Dole Pineapple Plantation.
VIDEO: Watch the REAL “Hunger Games” unfold at Dole.
Since moving to town, I’ve been going to this theater more frequently. For two reasons: (1) It’s generally less crowded than other theaters, like Ward, and (2) The Tuesday hook-ups!
As well as showing the same movies as other theaters, Dole also hosts the Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF), which includes lots of indie films you can’t find anywhere else. The seats are comfy, and like Ward, Dole has state-of-the-art IMAX theaters.
With pineapples a part of the past, the movie theater has become Dole’s main attraction.
I’d suggest signing up for a Regal Crown card, even if you’re only in Hawaii for a few days. It’s free, and if you go on a Tuesday, you can use the card to get $6 movies (any movie). With the card, you also can buy $1 hot dogs and $2 popcorn. Every Monday, candies cost $2, so sweet deals are aplenty at Dole Cannery Theaters.
DOLE CANNERY • 650 Iwilei Rd., Honolulu, HI 96817 • Shops open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm; Sat 10am-4pm • 808-548-3735 • www.dole-cannery.com • Validated parking; near bus route
