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.
Katie and her team were absolutely amazing during our tour today. We had a pretty big group including a toddler and they were so accommodating. Even though our toddler got tired and a little cranky they continued to be sweet and encouraging for her and didn’t make us feel bad. The tour was so informative and yet fun too. Katie is truly passionate about her beekeeping and she has clearly passed that passion on to those who help her. She took pictures of everyone in our group and shared them with us at the end when we sat down to enjoy some of the honey with a beautiful charcuterie board and some ice cold water at no extra charge. This is an activity that seems pricey on the surface until you experience it. It was worth every penny!! Thank you Katie for an amazing experience!!
Catherine Hass
October 30, 2025
Katie and her team were absolutely amazing during our tour today. We had a pretty big group including a toddler and they were so accommodating. Even though our toddler got tired and a little cranky they continued to be sweet and encouraging for her and didn’t make us feel bad. The tour was so informative and yet fun too. Katie is truly passionate about her beekeeping and she has clearly passed that passion on to those who help her. She took pictures of everyone in our group and shared them with us at the end when we sat down to enjoy some of the honey with a beautiful charcuterie board and some ice cold water at no extra charge. This is an activity that seems pricey on the surface until you experience it. It was worth every penny!! Thank you Katie for an amazing experience!!
Catherine Hass
October 30, 2025