The Hawaiian word for pineapple is halakahiki, which means “foreign fruit.” It is believed that pineapple first originated in Paraguay or Brazil. Carried aboard 15th and 16th century trade ships, pineapple was soon found growing as far away as Mexico, Australia, China and India. Christopher Columbus brought pineapples home from his travels in the “New World,” and they quickly became a gourmet fruit throughout Europe.

No one knows exactly how or when pineapple first arrived here in Hawaii, but historians believe that a Spanish shipwreck in 1527 off the South Kona coast of the Big Island brought tools, garments and plants, including pineapples, from Mexico to Hawaii.

Captain John Kidwell is credited with founding Hawaii’s pineapple industry. In the 1880’s he imported and tested a number of varieties and selected the Smooth Cayenne variety for its cylindrical form and uniform texture.

Besides being a tasty fruit, the pineapple is also regarded as a symbol of hospitality. Way back, when the European colonists first traveled to North America, they brought pineapples with them that they placed out on their porch, door or entrance to their home. This was a symbol to their neighbors that, "our voyage is over, our door is open, food and drink for everyone!" This tradition continued throughout the years and to this day, the pineapple is seen as a symbol of hospitality, proudly displayed in residences and business establishments throughout the world.