Maui Bee Tour Is Buzzing Again at New Location in Lahaina

The Maui Bee Tour originally opened in 2019 in Hali’imaile, but was forced to close months later due to the global pandemic. During the closure the hives were relocated to create a new bee farm in Lahaina.

On Monday, Nov. 29, the bee tours are back at the new location at 700 Punakea Loop above the Lahaina Stables. The tours run three times daily, Monday through Friday, at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

“We used the time we were closed to move our hives to a better location for our bees, plant native plants that attract pollinators, and create a really great experience for our guests,” said Eldon Dorsett, Beekeeper and Co-Owner of the Maui Bee Tour and Lahaina Honey Co. 

Dorsett got into beekeeping several years ago, when he found an abandoned honeybee hive in the woods next to his property in Olowalu.

“The hive had been knocked over by an excavator and the bees were going crazy,” Dorsett said. “The hive had split apart so the comb was showing, and thousands of bees were pouring out. I put on a makeshift bee suit (not at all a bee suit) and headed out to help the bees. After being stung relentlessly, I got the hive on a pallet and all was well again, except there was a problem, I was hooked.”

Dorsett began reading every book he could find about beekeeping. He visited beekeepers, attended classes and scoured the internet for information.

“I was obsessed,” Dorsett said. “I started saving/removing hives from homes and businesses and used those hives to build my apiary. Then I started placing hives on farms for pollination/honey production. Finally, I wanted to share what I had learned about the beautiful and complex world of the honeybee.”

The bees new permanent location in Launiupoko in West Maui also has an incredible view.

“Come see me for the Maui Bee Tour and I’ll talk your ear off,” Dorsett said.

Tours can be booked online at mauibeetour.com or by calling 808-793-4660. Kamaʻāina can save 20% by using KAMRATE as the promo code at checkout. Honey can be purchased on-site or online at lahainahoneyco.com.