From Humble Hives to Global Impact:

The Story of Kona's Beekeeping

Preserve Kona’s 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.

In partnership with Kona Historical Society, this project will include:

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

  • Museum Exhibit developed for Kona Historical Society. Visitors will experience the story of Kona through the eyes of our farmers, increasing knowledge, engagement, and support for Kona agriculture. 

  • Hano Hano lecture examining "kokua" relationship between our ranchers and beekeepers. 

  • Jeep Tour highlights Kona's beautiful bee yards and unique history.

Our goal for this project is to inspire a new appreciation for the humble honeybee and the vital role beekeeping plays on Hawaii Island. This is a testament to the resilience of nature, the ingenuity of humans, and the enduring spirit of Kona farmers. 

We would love your support in telling this important and little know story.

Who We Are

Aloha!

We are Leandra and Melissa Rouse. The daughters of Gus Rouse, a retired Queen Bee Producer from Kona.

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

We are working in partnership with Kona Historial Society, whose mission is to preserve the history of Kona. KHS strives to enrich, inspire, and inform our community and visitors. Their organization does this through collecting, preserving, researching, interpreting, and disseminating the history of Kona. If you have not yet, visit them on Thursdays for fresh Portuguese bread, and a tour of the museum.

Help us reach our project goal of $20,000!

Protect the Pollinators

Protect the Pollinators

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