Hawai‘i has long been associated with sugar (although all of the state’s sugar plantations have since shut down), but there’s another sweet substance that the Aloha State is known for: honey . Like many locales, the diverse local flora helps bees produce distinctive honeys. You’ll find ‘ōhi‘a lehua (exclusive to Hawai‘i), kiawe , wilelaiki (Christmas berry) and macadamia honeys in the islands.
Learn all about the honey-making process during one of BIG ISLAND BEES’ BEEKEEING TOURS . Space is limited, so make sure to make a reservation at bigislandbees.com or call 808-328-1315. Museum admission is free, and no reservations are needed. In case you’re wondering, yes, honey makes a great souvenir! You can purchase jars to take home, along with other Hawaiian specialties like coffee, teas and snacks; as well as bath products, beeswax candles and more at the gift shop.