
Big Island Bees Hawaii
Discover the sweet world of Hawaiian beekeeping with educational tours and unique honey tastings at Big Island Bees.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour

Big Island Bees Hawaii
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tour

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the sweet world of Hawaiian beekeeping with educational tours and unique honey tastings at Big Island Bees.
"The tour was absolutely phenomenal w Joe as our guide! One of the main highlights of my trip!"

🎯 Book Tours Ahead of Time
Popular tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment.
🍯 Taste the Unique Flavors
Don't miss the tasting! Ohia Lehua honey is a must-try, unique to Hawaii.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Beehive Tour
Active Hive
Witness the inner workings of a beehive with an expert guide. See bees at work and learn about their roles.

Artisanal Honey Tasting
Tasting Room
Sample a variety of unique, single-origin Hawaiian honeys, including the rare Ohia Lehua blossom.

Learn About Bee Conservation
Educational Area
Understand the vital role of bees and conservation efforts in Hawaii's ecosystem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Bee Tour in Advance
Prepare for a Sweet Tasting Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Ahead of Time
Popular tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment.
🍯 Taste the Unique Flavors
Don't miss the tasting! Ohia Lehua honey is a must-try, unique to Hawaii.
🚗 Consider Transportation
The location is a bit remote; plan your transport to Big Island Bees.
🚰 Bathroom Facilities
Be aware that bathroom facilities are basic (porta-potty), so plan accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Ahead of Time
Popular tours fill up fast! Secure your spot online to avoid disappointment.
🍯 Taste the Unique Flavors
Don't miss the tasting! Ohia Lehua honey is a must-try, unique to Hawaii.
🚗 Consider Transportation
The location is a bit remote; plan your transport to Big Island Bees.
🚰 Bathroom Facilities
Be aware that bathroom facilities are basic (porta-potty), so plan accordingly.
🎁 Perfect Wedding Favors
Mini honey jars make a sweet, local favor for events and weddings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Big Island Bees for its educational and engaging tours, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the exceptional quality of their artisanal Hawaiian honeys. The tasting experience is a major draw, with many guests loving the unique flavors and purchasing honey to take home. While the experience is highly recommended, some note that the bathroom facilities are basic.
"4.5 stars. A nice establishment for educating the masses about bees. Didn’t realize so many types of bees and their work in life. Informed speaker. Above and Beyond. Even went out of his way to get us a sprig of herbs. Nice . We liked the vanilla bean and I liked the fragrance honey. So we got a few packs in the variety. ….As always, post where ever u end up. So other vacationers can choose to visit or not."
Eddie B
"We chose mini honey jars from Big Island Bees as our wedding favors, and they were an absolute hit with our guests! Not only were they adorable, but the honey itself was delicious—you could really taste the quality and care that goes into their products.
It felt so special to be able to share a little piece of Hawai‘i with everyone, and supporting a local business made it even more meaningful to us. Big Island Bees was easy to work with and the favors were beautifully packaged and ready to go.
Highly recommend for weddings or any event—you can’t go wrong with something this sweet!"
Tiana Pridgen
"Thoroughly enjoyed this experience! The guide was very knowledgeable and engaging and he made the tour interesting. We also really enjoyed tasting the different types of honey and buying some to take with us. I would say note that they don't have a good bathroom here, just a Porta Potty that was extremely dirty."
Olo Egbokhare
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Island Bees is located on the Kona side of the island. It's recommended to have a car as public transport is limited. The drive offers scenic views of the Kona coast.
While it's a bit off the main tourist path, following GPS directions is usually straightforward. Some visitors mention it's near Captain Cook.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the Big Island, including reaching Big Island Bees and other attractions like the Coffee Shack.
Yes, Big Island Bees is relatively close to the Captain Cook monument and the famous Coffee Shack restaurant, making it a great addition to a day of exploring the Kona coast.
It's generally not recommended to walk to Big Island Bees unless you are staying very close by, as it's situated in a more rural area. Driving is the most practical option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, as they are very popular and can sell out. This ensures you get a spot for their educational and tasting experiences.
Tour prices can vary, but they typically offer an immersive experience that includes a guided tour and honey tasting. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
Operating hours and tour availability can change. It's best to check the Big Island Bees website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on tour times and visiting hours.
While tours are the primary way to experience Big Island Bees, they often have a tasting room where you can sample and purchase honey. However, the full educational experience is with a booked tour.
Information on discounts is not widely available. It's advisable to check their website or inquire directly if you are looking for any special offers, especially for group bookings.
🎫 🐝 Onsite Experience
Expect an engaging, approximately 1.5-hour tour where you'll learn about beekeeping, see an active hive, and participate in a tasting of various Hawaiian honeys. Guides are known for being knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
The tour is generally engaging for all ages, offering educational insights into bees and nature. However, younger children might need closer supervision around the active hive demonstration.
You'll have the opportunity to taste a range of unique, single-origin Hawaiian honeys, with popular varieties including Ohia Lehua Blossom, Wilelaiki, and Vanilla Bean.
Absolutely! The tasting is followed by an opportunity to purchase your favorite honeys. They also offer mini jars that are perfect as souvenirs or wedding favors.
Visitors have noted that the bathroom facilities are basic, often consisting of a porta-potty that may not always be in the cleanest condition. It's advisable to use facilities before your visit if possible.
🍽️ 🍯 Food & Dining
Big Island Bees primarily focuses on honey production and tasting. While they don't serve full meals, the honey tasting itself is a culinary experience. Nearby, the Coffee Shack is highly recommended for food.
The Ohia Lehua Blossom honey is a standout, known for its unique flavor and rarity. Other popular choices include Wilelaiki and Vanilla Bean honey.
Yes, Big Island Bees offers a variety of honey products for purchase, including full-size jars and smaller mini jars, which make excellent souvenirs or gifts.
The Coffee Shack, located above Captain Cook, is a highly recommended spot by visitors for its great food and views, and it's relatively close to Big Island Bees.
Big Island honey is special due to the unique floral sources found only in Hawaii, such as the Ohia Lehua tree, resulting in distinct and delicious flavors.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged, especially to capture the beautiful scenery and the unique products. However, be mindful of the active hive demonstration and avoid flash photography that could disturb the bees.
Capture the vibrant colors of the honey jars, the lush Hawaiian landscape surrounding the apiary, and perhaps even close-ups of the bees (from a safe distance or during demonstrations).
During the tour, guides may demonstrate with an active hive, offering opportunities for photos. Always maintain a safe distance and follow your guide's instructions.
While generally permitted, avoid intrusive photography that might disturb the bees or other visitors. Always ask for permission if you plan to photograph staff or other guests closely.
A versatile lens that can handle both landscapes and close-ups would be ideal. A macro lens can be great for capturing the intricate details of honeycombs and bees if you're comfortable getting close.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: While the experience is generally child-friendly, ensure younger children are supervised closely during the active hive viewing. The basic bathroom facilities might require a bit of preparation, so consider this when planning your visit with little ones.
💍 Couples & Special Events
Furthermore, the mini honey jars from Big Island Bees are a highly recommended and incredibly popular choice for wedding favors. They offer a charming, local touch that guests adore, making your special day even more memorable.
🍯 Foodies & Honey Enthusiasts
This is your chance to discover new favorite flavors and learn about the artisanal process behind them. The knowledgeable guides enhance the tasting experience, providing context and insights that elevate it beyond a simple sampling.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Big Island Beekeeping
The apiary utilizes a unique approach, often avoiding the use of smoke when working with the bees, which is a testament to their gentle handling methods. This allows for a more natural observation of the bees' behavior. The guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge, making the experience both informative and engaging for all ages.
Beyond the educational aspect, Big Island Bees is committed to conservation. By supporting their work, visitors contribute to the preservation of these essential pollinators, ensuring the health of Hawaii's unique flora and agricultural output. It's a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level and appreciate the hard work of these tiny creatures.
A Symphony of Hawaiian Honey Flavors
Unlike mass-produced honey, Big Island Bees focuses on small-batch production, ensuring the purity and distinct character of each varietal. This meticulous process means you can truly taste the difference that local flora makes. Popular choices often include Wilelaiki and Vanilla Bean honey, each offering a unique sensory experience that reflects the specific blossoms the bees have visited.
These exquisite honeys are perfect for enjoying on their own, drizzled over local fruits, or incorporated into culinary creations. They also make for exceptional souvenirs, allowing you to bring a sweet piece of the Big Island home with you. The mini jars are particularly popular for gifting, sharing a taste of paradise with friends and family.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit