Our Mission
Aloha! We’re Bees on Kaua‘i, a community-driven campaign to make beekeeping legal in ALL zones on our island — not just ag land. Bees help us grow ʻono food, keep our flowers blooming, and protect Hawai‘i’s fragile ecosystems. Whether you’re in Līhuʻe, Hanalei, or Kekaha, you should be able to keep bees in your backyard if you like. This is about food security, healthy bees, and kuleana to the ʻāina.
Help us change the law. Support our pollinators. Stand for a healthier Kaua‘i.
Why this is important
Currently, beekeeping on Kauaʻi is only legal in agricultural zones — which comprise about 47% of state land. That means the majority of the island—more than half—is off-limits for beekeeping, despite many residents living and gardening in those non-ag zones. Having healthy local bee populations means bigger harvests, sweeter fruit, and more abundant food for our families and community.
Kaua'i is a paradise for bees
Kaua'i is Varroa free!
Have you heard all the fuss about the mainland bees dying off?
One of the main factors is a mite called the Varroa Destructor. Kaua'i is one of the last places on earth that doesn't have it.
Protecting and supporting beekeeping here means preserving a rare healthy bee sanctuary for the future.
Year- round foraging
Perfect climate for hives
Kauaʻi's mild, tropical weather creates ideal conditions for honeybee health and productivity. Warm temperatures and gentle seasons allow bees to thrive without the stress of winter die-offs or extreme heat.
Ban on importing bees
Our island blooms year-round. With a constant supply of nectar and pollen from native plants, fruit trees, and flowers, bees on Kauaʻi enjoy consistent, natural nutrition that strengthens colonies, improves honey production and supports a healthy ecosystem.
There has been a strict ban on importing bees to Kauaʻi (& all Hawai'i) since 1908. This aims to protect local hives from invasive pests and diseases. Supporting beekeeping here means investing in biosecurity and resilience—growing our own healthy bees, sustainably and safely.
Honeybees are directly & indirectly linked to about 1 in 3 bites of food...
Important food for Hawai'i
These are key for local agriculture, food security, cultural practices, or backyard growing:
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Papayas
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Avocados
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Coconuts
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Guava
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Lychee & Longan
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Lilikoi
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Lemons & Limes
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Macadamia nuts
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Coffee (hello, you try going a week without it)
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Cacao
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Breadfruit
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Noni
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Vegetables like cucumbers, squash, eggplant, zucchini, peppers & cabbage
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Herbs like oregano, mint, basil, dill, chives, mustard
Okay sure, you've heard all that before. But how about the less obvious stuff like the food our cows and pigs eat. Or the oil we use to cook our food with?
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Alfalfa
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Buckwheat
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Clover
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Vetch
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Canola
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Cottonseed
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Palm seed
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Sesame
* The complete list of foods is in the hundreds! We'd be happy to send it to you if you ask.
Join Our Campaign
Make a Difference Today
There are various ways to get involved and support our campaign. Whether through advocacy, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your contribution can help us advocate for beekeeping rights and the preservation of pollinators on Kaua‘i.
Your involvement can make a meaningful impact on the future of beekeeping on our island. Join us in our efforts to make beekeeping legal in ALL zones of the island and protect the well-being of our pollinators.