It was the relentless drive for profit among ambitious entrepreneurs that ultimately brought down Hawaii's monarchical government.

On November 13, 1895, the Hawaiian Fruit & Packing Company dispatched its inaugural batch of canned pineapple. Established as a direct rival to The Pearl City Fruit Company — whose operations had been bolstering the Hawaiian monarchy's grip on power — this new venture marked a turning point. That first shipment stood as tangible proof that the overthrow of a monarch had achieved its desired outcome, setting American history on a dramatically different course.

History of the Pineapple

Before the pineapple ever reached Hawaii, it had already traveled a remarkably long journey westward across the globe. Ancient Aztecs in South America were the first to cultivate and consume the fruit, and it was Spanish Conquistadors who carried pineapple plants back to Spain. From there, the fruit continued its westward migration until it eventually arrived in the North American Colonies. Among its biggest fans was George Washington, who was so passionate about pineapples that he invented the pinery — essentially a specialized greenhouse designed for growing them. As the young nation grew, wealthy Americans turned pineapples into a prized luxury import. The canning of pineapples got its start in Baltimore, where fruit shipped in from the Bahamas was processed at canneries, making the tropical delicacy accessible to a much wider audience.

The Pineapple Business

As the late 19th century unfolded, entrepreneurs began setting their sights on Hawaii and other Pacific regions as prime locations for profitable pineapple plantations. Sugar cane had already proven enormously lucrative in the islands. But pineapple commanded a price several times higher, making it an irresistible crop well worth the investment.

In an effort to push back against foreign encroachment, the ruling Hawaiian monarchy attempted to nationalize the pineapple canning industry. Had it not been for a coup d'etat, their efforts might well have succeeded.

Today, Hawaii's pineapple canning industry is merely a shadow of its former self. Giants like Del Monte and Dole have long since departed, drawn back to South America where growing pineapples is far more cost-effective.