Rooted on Oahu’s North Shore, Hānai Hives welcomes you into the fascinating life of honeybees. Founder and master beekeeper Katie pairs scientific expertise with the Hawaiian tradition of hānai—embracing others as family—to offer ...
Katie's North Shore apiary offers an intimate, hands-on beekeeping experience that consistently wins over families and curious travelers alike. Her passion for bees is infectious, creating a welcoming environment where even the most anxious visitors leave with newfound appreciation for these pollinators. The private tour format means personalized attention and the ability to move at your own pace, with guides like Trinity sharing deep knowledge about hive workings while guests suit up and search for the queen bee. The property itself adds to the magic, with diverse fruit trees throughout the lush grounds and a peaceful atmosphere that makes the experience feel special. The honey tasting paired with charcuterie wraps up each visit beautifully, and multiple reviewers mention Katie capturing photos to share afterward. Families with children of all ages seem to thrive here, with staff showing remarkable patience with toddlers and keeping older kids engaged with specific tasks. Beyond the tours, Katie also runs an Adopt-A-Hive program that several locals praise for its ongoing mentorship. The combination of education, hands-on interaction, and genuine hospitality makes this a standout activity worth the drive to the North Shore, though you'll want to budget extra time for potential road construction near Haleiwa.
Hānai Hives made my last visit to O’ahu truly one to remember. The bee farm tour was the ultimate experience, whether you’re someone who likes to take in nature on hikes, visit gardens, or just curious about honey :) Katie, Jaden, and the team are kind and passionate professionals who gave me a dream day. They went out of their way to schedule me around travel and weather, answered my million questions with a smile, and left me raving about everything I’d learned and experienced. I went to Hānai Hives to try some honey and learn a little about bees. I went home with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us (plus the most amazing honey for my friends!). I can’t say enough good things about what they are doing here, so go see for yourself!
John Wilson
January 4, 2026
Hānai Hives made my last visit to O’ahu truly one to remember. The bee farm tour was the ultimate experience, whether you’re someone who likes to take in nature on hikes, visit gardens, or just curious about honey :) Katie, Jaden, and the team are kind and passionate professionals who gave me a dream day. They went out of their way to schedule me around travel and weather, answered my million questions with a smile, and left me raving about everything I’d learned and experienced. I went to Hānai Hives to try some honey and learn a little about bees. I went home with a renewed sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us (plus the most amazing honey for my friends!). I can’t say enough good things about what they are doing here, so go see for yourself!
John Wilson
January 4, 2026