Our Story

Ohana Apiary is a family-owned bee farm located on the island of Maui. Our name says it all; Ohana (a Hawaiian word for family) derived from the word (Oha) which was used to describe taro (a staple food of native Hawaiians) and the green leafy shoots or baby taro plants, known as huli, that grow off the mother root in a close cluster – resembling that of a family group. The word apiary is a latin word used to describe a place where bees are kept or grown. It is a word that has been used since the 1600s and evidence of domestically kept apiaries dates back to the beginning of human history. We pride ourselves on being true to our name as we are a close family unit, living on Maui for 3 generations, and have been collectively keeping bees for the last 17 years.

The locations we keep our bees are some of the best in the world, the honey that is produced from the flora that thrives in these areas is in a category all of its own. In our apiaries midway up the side of Haleakala [Maui’s dormant volcano], the honey is derived from mainly eucalyptus tree, wild blackberry, clover, citrus, and avocado blossoms. The apiaries on the other side of the island at the foot of Mauna Kahalawai forage mostly on macadamia nut, albizia, Christmas berry and some random annual and biannual wild blossoms.

We care for our bees just as our predecessor has - with careful love and attention. It has become our life effort, just as it has been Dennis’s, to make sure Maui and it’s delicate environment keep its balance and vitality and thus continue to provide a truly exceptional location for healthy honey bees and humans alike.

Our family-owned company consists of a little more than 300 beehives, spread across 4 separate apiaries strategically placed in pristine, rural country areas on our beautiful island home. My father, wife, brother in law, the odd family member or friend (whom might be hanging around) and myself are often the ones in the suits and veils caring for the bees. The rest of our family; my mother and mother in law, daughter, sisters, and nieces are involved in processing, bottling, and selling of the honey. It’s a beautiful family scene every time we harvest honey, often times loud, and full of laughter. Everything we do is homegrown; everything we do is a family effort. From caring for the bees to processing the honey to labeling and marketing - we do it all!(with the help of some awesome friends). Everything needs to feel like it was done in a way that stays true to our beliefs and also expresses our passion for what we do. I’m delighted to say that every time I look at this honey I can’t help but think about all the love and combined effort that has gone it to every facet of this endeavor. The stock of bees and the locations used for keeping them have a history of their own. We acquired the bulk of our beehives and the locations on which they sit a little over a decade ago from one of Maui’s premier master beekeepers and family friend, Dennis Morihero. Dennis had been keeping bees on Maui since the mid-seventies until he retired in 2010 (at 80 years of age). For nearly thirty years he owned the only commercial apiary on Maui. Dennis keeps just a few hobby hives now (for Oprah) and is enjoying his retirement spending time with his children and grandchildren. He still graces us, every now and then, when he comes by and cares for the bees in the apiary that was his for so long.. Just watching the old man work – steeped in expertise, with all his knowledge and grace; is always a treat for us.

Maui is a truly special place, the culture, the people, and of course the island itself. Being a family brooded and shaped by the island and its ways, we engage in just about all the activities you would imagine island folks to do. When we’re not caring for our beloved bees, our attention immediately falls upon our beloved horses. When our horses have been cared for (feed and exercised) you can find us surfing, hiking, diving, dancing hula, or practicing martial arts. Yep; we work hard we play hard! Just as the defining characteristic of our honey is shaped by the nectar which has been produced by the flowers that grew up on the island – so have we been shaped by similar mechanisms all relating to this unique, awe-inspiring place that we call home. There is a term we all use on Maui to describe how we feel about this special place – that term is “Maui no ka oi’ roughly translated means “Maui is the best”! If you have ever been, you might agree.. but even if you haven’t, one taste of this cherished honey might give you an idea of why we feel the way we feel.

Mahalo nui loa for shopping small and supporting a local business in Hawai’i!

We appreciate you!