: EARTH DAY + HAWAIIAN HONEY BEES

Today we celebrate our planet through all its natural means to sustain us. One important insect is the honeybee. Our ohana recently toured “HĀNAI HIVES” located on the North Shore of O‘ahu. Owner Katie Metzger has been a bee keeper for 13 years and last Spring, she launched “HĀNAI HIVES.”

Katie shares the importance of honeybees: “Honey bees sustain us by providing pollination for 1/3 of the food we eat. From our morning cup of coffee to that delicious haupia pie in the evening, honeybees make it all possible. 

And yet, as most everyone knows, honeybees like many of our pollinators, have struggled; their populations have diminished rapidly over the years. Disease, pesticides, and lack of diverse nectar sources have contributed to their decline. We all have the ability to save bees by the choices we make, planting a pollinator garden, eating organic, and refraining from using pesticides all make a huge difference!

At “HĀNAI HIVES” you can help support the honeybee population thrive by adopting a hive at one of Katie’s apiaries or on your property. You can also enjoy a 1.5hr bee tour and a hands-on educational experience with the family, friends or as a company team-building time and also great for home-schooled groups.

Our ohana learned an incredible amount in the time we toured. I’ve always had a fear for bees as I had memories of bee-ing stung on different occasions, but Katie was reassuring that the bees were so gentle and were so busy doing what they do best.

The tour ended with honey tasting and we left with a greater appreciation for the honeybee’s purpose on our planet. Another animal we need to take care of to create a healthier eco-system for us all.

For more information visit: www.hanaihives.com