Pineapple

Pineapple Overview

Pineapple is related to bromeliads and is known in the Hawaiian language as hala kahiki. It was first introduced to Hawaii in the early 19th century, then grown on the Big Island in the 1850s.

A better variety called Smooth Cayenne arrived around 1885 and helped shape Hawaii's pineapple industry. By the mid-20th century, Hawaii was producing about 80 percent of the world's pineapple, making the fruit one of the Islands' best-known agricultural symbols.

Growth, Climate and Fruit Production

Pineapple prefers higher elevations and a drier climate. The plant usually produces its first fruit about two years after planting, often in late summer. Each pineapple plant produces a single fruit.

After the fruit is harvested, the green top can be cut off and planted again. With time and the right conditions, a new pineapple plant can grow from that crown and produce another fruit in about two years.

Pineapple connects Hawaii agriculture, plantation history and familiar island flavors. Related Hawaii food and plant pages include Hawaii pineapples, coffee, sugarcane and papaya tree.