Are you looking for the best things to do on the Big Island with kids? Keep scrolling to read my honest review of the Big Island Bees tour in Captain Cook to see if it’s right for your family.
This Big Island Bees Tour Review was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Looking for something fun and educational to do on the Big Island with kids?
I’m sharing my honest review of the Big Island Bees tour in Captain Cook so you can decide if it’s right for your family.
Here’s the thing about me and Hawaii farm tours. I try to visit at least a couple every time I’m on the islands (and that’s multiple times a year).
Hawaii grows such incredible stuff, and I love seeing where it all comes from.
On our last Big Island trip, we made it a point to tour Big Island Bees. This is one of the top honey producers in Hawaii, and my son was super curious about how bees actually make honey.
So we went. And honestly? It was way more interesting than I expected.
A Quick History of Big Island Bees
Big Island Bees started back in 1972 when Jim Powers left Georgia and moved to Hawaii looking for a more sustainable way of life.
He was a beekeeper who fell in love with the islands and decided to stay.
In 1987, his family members Whendi and Garnett took over and expanded the operation. They kept the same values Jim had but brought in some modern techniques.
Today, Big Island Bees is known for sustainable beekeeping and really unique artisanal honey.
And honestly, after visiting, I get why people love their stuff. The honey is nothing like what you find in the grocery store.
What to Expect at Big Island Bees
Before You Arrive
The night before our tour, we got an email with a waiver to sign. It took maybe two minutes and saved us time when we got there.
When we pulled up to the farm, they had iced tea waiting for us along with a little slice of this honey, caramel, and macadamia nut tart. My son demolished his in about 30 seconds.
The Video
Once everyone arrived, we headed into a small room to watch a 10-minute video about how Big Island Bees got started and how they make their honey.
The video was actually pretty interesting. It wasn’t one of those boring corporate things.
After it ended, our guide answered questions and explained why honeybees aren’t actually going extinct (which was a relief to hear).
A few things I learned about Hawaiian honeybees that stuck with me:
Hawaii’s warm climate is perfect for honeybees. They can produce honey year-round here, which is why Hawaiian honey has such a reputation.
The bees pollinate tons of crops and wildflowers all over the island. Without them, Hawaii’s ecosystem would be in serious trouble.
Hawaiian honey has really unique flavors because of all the different tropical flowers here. Chefs all over the world actually seek it out.
The Live Hive Demonstration
This was the part my son was most excited about. We walked over to an outdoor area where they have demonstration hives set up just for tours.
These aren’t the actual working hives, which are spread out near different flowers across the island.
Our guide put on his bee suit and stepped into a netted area. Then he opened up a live hive right in front of us.
We could see everything. The bees moving around, the honeycomb, the whole setup. My son had about a million questions, and our guide answered every single one.
The best part? We got to watch two baby bees emerge from their cells. They just kind of crawled out and became full bees right there. It was surprisingly cool to witness.
My son did start to lose interest after about 45 minutes though. He’s curious but not that patient. The whole hive demonstration probably went for close to an hour.
The Honey Tasting
Okay, this was my favorite part.
We got to taste all their different honey varieties, and I was shocked at how different they were from each other. Some were light and floral. Others were dark and almost earthy.
They have honey that picks up flavors from specific Hawaiian flowers like lehua and macadamia blossoms. They also make blends with natural flavors added in.
One had chili pepper in it. That one had a nice kick that I didn’t expect.
After learning that a single bee only produces about 1/4 teaspoon of honey in its entire lifetime, tasting all these varieties felt pretty special.
The Gift Shop and Museum
Like pretty much every Hawaii tour, this one ended in the gift shop. But honestly, I didn’t mind at all.
We ended up buying way more honey than I planned on. We eat a lot of honey at our house, and since this stuff is locally made and so incredibly flavorful, it felt like a good investment.
We’re still working through the jars we brought home.
The gift shop has different sized jars and gift packs with their most popular varieties. They also sell beeswax products, candles, and other honey-based stuff.
The museum is in the same area, and it’s free to check out even if you don’t do the tour.
They have all these old beekeeping tools and displays showing how honey production has changed over the years. Pretty neat if you’re into that kind of thing.
Tips for Visiting Big Island Bees with Kids
Dress for a Working Farm
This is a real farm, not a theme park. I wore closed-toe shoes and clothes I didn’t mind getting a little dirty.
We went in February when the weather was iffy, so we brought umbrellas. Good thing too, because it did rain a bit.
I saw people in sundresses and sandals looking uncomfortable standing on grass in light rain. Cute, but not practical.
Bring Sun Protection and Maybe an Umbrella
Most of the tour is outdoors. Wear sunscreen and bring a hat.
If there’s any chance of rain (which there often is on the Big Island), throw an umbrella in your bag.
Make a Reservation
You can’t just show up and expect to get on a tour. These are popular and space is limited.
Book ahead at Big Island Bees to make sure you get a spot.
Tours run Monday through Friday at 10am and 1pm. Plan for about an hour.
Listen to Your Guide
The guides really know their stuff. Our guide had a degree in zoology and had been leading tours for over six years.
He answered every question my son threw at him (and there were a lot). Take advantage of that knowledge.
Don’t Skip the Honey Tasting
This is the highlight. Taste everything. You’ll be surprised at how different each variety is.
Then buy your favorites to take home. You won’t regret it.
Big Island Bees: Pricing and Location
Big Island Bees is in Captain Cook, about 35 minutes south of Kailua-Kona.
It’s near the Painted Church and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, so you can easily combine it with other South Kona activities.
Current pricing (as of 2025):
- Adults: $30
- Youth (ages 13-18): $20
- Children (12 and under): $10
- Hawaii residents with valid ID get a discount
For a family tour that’s educational and fun, that’s pretty reasonable.
One thing to note: if you’re taking a taxi or using a rideshare to get there, make sure you arrange a pickup ahead of time. This is a rural area and drivers aren’t just hanging around waiting.
Other Bee Activities on the Big Island
If you’re into the whole bee thing, you have a few options.
Many of the Big Island farmers markets have honey tastings. You can sample different local honeys and buy directly from small producers.
If you’re heading to the Hilo side, Bird and Bee Hawaii also offers farm and hive tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Big Island Bees tour include honey tasting?
Yes! The honey tasting was actually the highlight of our tour. You get to sample multiple varieties, and they’re all really different and delicious.
Is Big Island Bees good for kids?
I think so. My son was 9 at the time and he really enjoyed it. He asked tons of questions and loved watching the bees.
I’m not sure if toddlers or preschoolers would have the patience for the full hour-long tour, but older kids who are curious about nature will probably love it.
Can you visit Big Island Bees without doing the tour?
Yes. You can stop by the museum and gift shop anytime during their hours (Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm). But you need a reservation if you want to do the actual bee tour.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
According to their website, yes. The tour is both stroller and wheelchair accessible, and both the indoor and outdoor portions are under cover with minimal walking required.
Can you buy Big Island Bees honey online?
They do sell some products online, but they have way more options in their physical store. Some of their honey varieties are only available if you visit in person.
So, Is the Big Island Bees Tour Worth It?
For me? Absolutely.
I learned a ton about honeybees and honey production that I didn’t know before. My son was engaged for most of it (even if he got a little fidgety toward the end). And the honey tasting and shopping afterward were genuinely fun.
At about an hour long and under $100 for our family, it was one of the more affordable and interesting things we did on the Big Island.
If you’re looking for educational activities that aren’t just beach days, I’d definitely recommend adding Big Island Bees to your Kona itinerary.
Planning Your Big Island Trip
If you’re still figuring out your Big Island itinerary, I’ve got resources that can help.
I offer personalized Hawaii travel consultations where we can talk through your trip and I’ll help you plan the perfect itinerary for your family.
As a professional tourist who’s been to Hawaii over 40 times, I know what works (and what doesn’t) for families.
I also host the Hawaii Travel Made Easy podcast. If you want to hear more about planning a Big Island trip, check out my episode on How to Plan a Trip to the Big Island.
And if you want a complete roadmap, grab my Big Island Travel Guide for Families. It’s got daily itineraries, kid-friendly activities, and all my insider tips.
Or sign up for my free 7-day email course on planning a Big Island trip. You’ll get one email per day with actionable planning advice.
More Big Island Resources
Looking for more things to do on the Big Island? Here are some posts that might help:
- Best Big Island Farmers Markets
- How to Visit the Painted Church
- Place of Refuge National Historical Park Guide
If you’re visiting multiple islands, check out my Hawaii Island Hopping Guide for tips on making it work with kids.
Book Your Big Island Activities
While you’re planning, here are some affiliate links for booking your Big Island adventures:
Tours and Activities: I recommend booking tours through Viator or Get Your Guide for the best selection and prices.
Hotels: Find deals on Big Island hotels through Expedia.
Car Rentals: Get the best rates through Discount Hawaii Car Rental using my referral code.
Vacation Photos: Want professional photos from your trip? Book Flytographer and save $20 when you use my link.
Trust me, you’ll want photos of your family that don’t involve someone’s arm stretched out holding a phone.
Big Island Bees is genuinely worth the stop. The honey is incredible, the tour is educational without being boring, and you’ll leave with a new appreciation for how much work goes into every jar of local honey.
Looking for more things to do in Kona Hawaii? Check out our post about where to find an affordable family photographer in Kona, the Aloha Adventure Farm ATV tour, how to visit a macadamia nut factory, where to swim with dolphins in Kona, and the best Big Island luaus.
