If not, let me introduce you to the rum-based drink called the Mai Tai.On FB I’ve done my best to show you how this tropical temptation calls out from tall and short glass- and plastic-ware; some versions served as a frozen concoction and others ‘on the rocks’.
And yes, in order to show you so many versions, we’ve ‘had’ to consume that many versions as well.
While each has been slightly different, their common trait is that pineapple wedge clinging to the side of the glass.
Really, those pineapples are everywhere. Wedges adorn drinks and the fruit and juice are integral to ever so many tasty dishes served here ~ it really does symbolize the place.
The pineapple actually holds a significant place in Hawaiian history and economic development as well. James Drummond Dole, arrived in Hawaii in 1899 and believing he could turn pineapple into a viable agricultural product. The following year he planted the first 61 acres of the crop on O’ahu to prove his point.
Soon thereafter he built Dole cannery and. . .
. . . as they say, the rest is history. In 1922 he bought an island to have enough land for the additional 20,000 acres of pineapples he was to plant. He purchased the island of Lana’i, near Molokai and Maui. It was commonly known as Pineapple Island, during the nearly 70 years it produced 75% of the world’s supply of pineapple.
By the late 20th Century pineapple production in Hawaii had slowed and the island of Lana’i began a slow transition from pineapple production to low-keyed tourism.
Two Four Seasons Resort properties have opened there, joining the 11-room Lanai Inn in offering overnight accommodations. Oracle founder billionaire Larry Ellison bought the entire island two years ago and has announced some interesting plans for it.
While we’ve sampled plenty of pineapple during our travels in Hawaii, we’ve never yet had a taste of “Pineapple Island.” This year we’ve decided it was time to change that!
We’ll be heading to that small island, (seen at sunset from Maui in the photo above) just 18 miles and a ferry ride from Lahaina, Maui on Sunday.
(Pssst. . ..It is also where The Scout will be celebrating his . . .ahem. . .well, rather big, significant birthday.)
Come along as Hula Babe and Beach Boy explore Lana’i next week!And as always, mahalo for the time you spent with us today!
Linking up:
Foodie Tuesday at Inside Journeys
Travel Photo Discovery on Monday
Sweet Shot Tuesday
Haven't had a Mai Tai in years but you left me thirsting for one!
ReplyDeleteWell, I hate to admit it, but we've done so much Mai Tai research for this post (ha-ha) that I am actually about full of MaiTai's - time to move on to something new. Thanks for stopping by, Irene.
DeleteHow ironic as I bought one of those fruit assortment packs this morning that has pineapple in it! Lordy, I would love to play hooky and have a Mai Tai (or two) this afternoon, Jackie! On that beach preferable though :)
ReplyDeleteWell Mike hope a plane and I'll buy you that Mai Tai (and some appropriate puppy beverage for Phoenix)!
DeleteWould love to be joining you on Lanai. I'me with Irene and haven't had a Mai Tai either in a very long time but I do so love fresh pineapple - and I think they are one of the coolest looking plants.
ReplyDeleteWe are eager to explore Lana'i Leigh. . .hopefully we will be escaping the mass tourism of Ka'anapali Beach in Maui where we are this week. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteOh, I love pineapples - they're so delicious. Haven't had a mai tai in a while, can almost taste it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up, Jackie!
Always fun to be a part of Foodie Tuesday, Marcia!
ReplyDeleteThank you for such dedication to your blog and its readers that you are willing to make the sacrifice and consume all those Mai Tais so that you could report back to us. I cannot even imagine Hawaii without pineapples. I actually thought it was a native plant. Someone was moving out of my building as I was moving in, and they gave me all their plants. I watered a large and lovely bromeliad for a year before it one day shot up a stalk and surprisingly grew a pineapple.
ReplyDeleteMy attitude is 'someone has to do it', right?! So I really did have to research those drinks to get in the right frame of mind to write about our upcoming explorations of "Pineapple Island"! Loved your story about the pineapple plant. I've tried starting them but they sense the Pacific Northwest isn't home!
DeleteYummy! :)
ReplyDeleteCheers! Right?
DeleteLove a good Mai Tai! Tell me, how much fun was your research? :)
ReplyDeleteI've had a mai tai before, but I haven't been lucky enough to have it on Pineapple island, that sounds like an experience and a half!
ReplyDelete