Hawaii: Honey Farm Beekeeping Tour & Tasting Kealakekua

Summary

Kealakekua honey farm tour with live hives tasting and beekeeping stories

You’ll step right into Hawaii’s beekeeping world near Kealakekua Bay—watching real hives up close (from behind a safe screen), tasting raw honey that actually surprises your tongue, hearing stories from local beekeepers, and wandering a little museum full of odd treasures. The whole experience is relaxed but oddly memorable—you might leave thinking differently about bees.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever held a frame of bees?” That’s the first thing our guide—his name was Kaleo—asked as we shuffled into the screened hut at the honey farm near Kealakekua Bay. I laughed (nervously) and shook my head. He grinned and tapped the mesh, “Don’t worry, they can’t get you.” The hum outside was louder than I expected, almost like a low engine rumble. There was this sweet, grassy smell everywhere—like sunshine mixed with wildflowers and something sticky. I kept glancing at my shoes just in case.

Kaleo started pulling out trays from the hive, pointing out the queen (“She’s fatter than you’d think”) while a couple of kids pressed their noses to the screen. He told us about how Hawaiian bees are different—something about less disease here because we’re so far from the mainland. Someone asked if he ever gets stung. “All the time,” he said, shrugging. “But you get used to it.” He let us taste two kinds of honey—one pale gold, one almost amber—and honestly? I didn’t expect them to taste so different. The raw honey had this floral punch that made supermarket stuff seem like syrup.

We wandered through their little museum after that, poking at old smokers and weird wax candles shaped like pineapples (I bought one for my aunt; she’ll probably never light it). The shop smelled like beeswax and tea—kind of comforting. They had snacks out too, which was nice since I’d skipped breakfast without thinking. It rained for maybe five minutes while we were inside but nobody cared—the whole place felt sort of cozy with the drizzle on the roof.

I still think about that moment when everything got quiet except for the bees outside and Kaleo talking softly about how important pollinators are here in Hawaii. It’s not flashy or dramatic but it sticks with you. If you’re anywhere near Kealakekua Bay, this honey farm tour is worth a stop—even if you’re not sure about bees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore honey farm and beekeeping

• Visit honey farm in Hawaii
• Take beekeeping tour in screened area
• Ask beekeepers questions
• Visit museum and tasting room
• Sample raw organic honey
• Browse store with honey products

Top questions

Is the Hawaii honey farm tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on the beekeeping tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

Can people with bee allergies join this tour?

No, those allergic to bee stings should avoid the beekeeping tour but can visit the museum instead.

Do I need to book in advance for the beekeeping tour?

Reservations are strongly recommended for the beekeeping tour itself.

Is there food included on this honey farm tour?

You’ll get free samples of raw honey plus tea and snacks during your visit.

Where is this honey farm located in Hawaii?

The farm is near Kealakekua Bay on Hawaii Island.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the experience.

What ages qualify for Kama'aina rates?

Kama'aina adult rates apply from age 19+, youth rates from 13-18; valid Hawaii State ID required.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to the working honey farm near Kealakekua Bay with guided access to active hives (from a screened area), free samples of several raw honeys, tea and snacks in their tasting room, plus time to explore their small museum and browse unique bee-related gifts before heading out again.