Yes, anyone can walk in, the plantation is not a tour of the plant, but a Visitor center, there is a train that takes you to the fields and back, but anyone can go there without reservations

Not really, but I would go during the week

We didn't wait at all. I guess it depends what time of day and which season you are there.

There are two local buses that stop right at the Plantation. Check the Dole Plantation website under "resources" and it directs you to the proper bus routes and numbers. Enjoy!

never saw them. My husband remembered them too from his 1990 trip and was looking for them as well

If the teens like gaming and are a little competitive then I would say, yes, it might be fun for them. Full disclosure is that the Plantation gives each entrant a little map and a pencil and you use the map to find 6-8 "stations" in the maze. At each station you do a rubbing onto the map to show you made it. The teens may also think it is cool to tell their friends that they were in the world's largest maze.

Entering the gift shop is free - that's where you buy a Dole Whip.

Not sure what weather conditions would prevent the train from running, but it is covered and even has roll down flaps in case it is raining sideways. I seem to recall that the waiting area was also covered for shelter.

$27.00. We were just there today!

I looked at the website it is 6.95