Beekeeping has been around for thousands of years, and it is an important practice for many cultures around the world. Visit Big Island Bees in Captain Cook, Hawaii, to learn all about the history of beekeeping as well as why these fuzzy little friends are so important to the environment.
The museum and gift shop are free to enter and do not require reservations, but we recommend booking one of their daily beekeeping tours offered Monday-Friday. This is a fun and educational experience that can be enjoyed by all ages. Learn all about the different types of bees and their roles in each hive while watching them up close!
When you book a tour, a waiver will be emailed to you and must be signed for each attendee. Check in at the gift shop upon arrival, before finding a seat outside. A worker will come out with a tray of hot tea and honey caramel macadamia nut tarts for you to snack on while you wait for the tour to start. The tarts are quite delicious and are available to purchase in the gift shop.
The beekeeping hives are located not too far from the shop and are gathered on the opposite side of a mesh screen. There may be a few stragglers that make their way onto your side of the screen. Don’t be alarmed, and definitely do not try to swat them away, unless you want to get stung! For the most part, the honeybees are pretty docile if left alone.
After the beekeeping part of the tour, grab a seat at one of the wooden benches outside of the gift shop. Learn how honey is produced while you get a taste of each of their honey varietals. The area where the hives are located is well shaded, but you’ll likely be seated in the sun during the tasting. A hat and a pair of sunglasses will ensure that you stay comfortable!
Tips
- bring bug spray or wear long sleeves and pants to keep mosquito bites to a minimum
- sunscreen
- if you need to use the restroom, there is a port-a-potty located in the parking area, so have hand wipes or hand sanitizer on hand just in case
- a hat and sunglasses are useful during the tasting
- an umbrella or poncho for rainy weather
Click here to learn more about the tour and to book now. Visit their website for detailed directions on how to get to there.
For more fun ideas like this, click here to check out these other Hawaii blog posts.
This looks like so much fun! I leave out bee watering stations in our garden, and have been thinking of doing some bee keeping. Going on a tour at our local bee farm would great experience.