From Humble Hives to Global Impact:

The Story of Kona's Beekeeping

Documentary Sneak Peek

We produced an original 10-minute documentary capturing the beauty of Kona’s beekeeping legacy and its role in agriculture in Hawaii, the continental US, Canada, and Beyond.

The film will be shown April- July at the Kona Historical Exhibit.

Help us fund our final round of the Kona Beekeeper Legacy Project!

Thanks to generous community support, we've successfully raised $35,000 toward our $50,000 goal. We're now seeking a final $15,000 to bring this story to the community through an interactive museum exhibit and educational field trip programs for Kona Keiki. Here's how these funds would be allocated:

Installing an extensive museum exhibit at Kona Historical Society

School Visit Programming

Community Outreach

Preserve Kona’s Agricultural History

We are doing a historical project as a tribute to the resilience, industriousness, and vital role of honey bees in shaping Kona's agricultural identity. Over the past year, we have documented this vital piece of Hawaii's agricultural history through oral histories and a compelling 10-minute documentary.

In partnership with the Kona Historical Society, we will a free museum exhibit from April 5th- July 3st 2025.

Our multifaceted project includes:

  • Historical research and collected oral histories to be archived at Kona Historical for our community records.

  • Museum Exhibit, including images, articles, and documentary telling this important agriculture story.  Kona community, school groups, and visitors will experience Kona through the eyes of our farmers, increasing knowledge, engagement, and support for Hawaii’s agriculture. 

  • 10-Minute Documentary showcasing the beauty of Kona’s bee yards and the global agricultural impacts coming from our Kona honeybees.

  • Hanohano O Kona community lecture examines "kokua" relationship between our ranchers and beekeepers. 

  • Off-Road Huakai'i highlights Kona's beautiful bee yards and unique history.

We're are seeking $10,000 to bring this story to the community through an interactive museum exhibit and educational programs.

Please consider donating.

Who We Are

Aloha!

My name is Leandra Rouse. I am the daughter of Gus Rouse, a retired Queen Bee Producer from Kona.

As lifelong resident of Hawaii Island, deeply rooted in its rich agricultural history, I’ve always been fascinated by the unsung heroes of our farming ecosystem: the honey bees. Inspired by my father's lifelong passion for beekeeping and his significant contributions to the industry in Kona, I embarked on a journey to uncover the fascinating story of honeybees in Kona. All in time to celebrate Gus’s 75th birthday in 2025.

Over the past year, I have documented this Kona agricultural history by gathering oral histories and researching and producing a 10-minute documentary.

I am working in partnership with the Kona Historical Society, whose mission is to preserve the history of Kona.

We invite you to visit this multimedia exhibit April-July 2025!

Kona Historical Society 81-6551 Hawaiʻi Belt Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750

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Let’s Talk Story

We want to hear your Hawaiian Honey Bee story. Using this form, share how your community has been impacted by honeybees.

You can also ask us questions here.

And if you would like to help us bring this important story to life, then make a contribution using the donate button above. Every bit brings us close to our goal.

Mahalo for your kokua!

Press

  • “I want to share this unusual story with the Kona Community"

    Leandra Rouse