
Honey bees (Apis mellifera, or nalo meli in Hawaiian) are the single most important pollinators for agriculture in Hawai'i. Annually, they contribute an estimated $212 million in pollination services in Hawai'i alone, largely in macadmia nut, coffee, and cucumber production. In 2017, Hawaiian honey was valued at $4.2 million and ranks first in the United States for pounds of honey produced per colony. The subtropical climate is ideal for year round honey production from specialty plants, such as ʻōhiʻa lehua and kiawe, as well as queen bee production (valued at over $10 million annually). Unfortunately, honey bees around the world face numerous threats, including introduced parasites and pathogens, pesticides, and inadequate nutrition from a lack of forage. Scientists at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa are actively collaborating to address research and extension needs for honey bees in the Aloha State.
Content on this website is still under construction - please check back frequently!
ATTENTION BEEKEEPERS: Please take a moment to fill out this quick survey, which will allow us to gather information on how CTAHR can best assist our beekeeping community!