Become A Beekeeper

Learn the A-Bee-C's of beekeeping during a 5 to 8 day vocation/vacation!

We offer an intensive beekeeping program! Extensive hand's-on learning with bee-suit, equipment and study materials provided. Experience the beautiful and wild Ka'u district, where opportunities for ocean and mountain hiking, swimming and exploration abound.

Methods:

Students will be provided with enough hands-on experience and information to feel comfortable and capable of establishing and keeping her/his own hive(s). The apprenticeship program is limited to 4 individuals to ensure that each student receives a maximum of hands-on experience and one-on-one instruction from the teacher. The course will cover the following;

1. The beekeeper's tools and equipment and their proper use.

2. The structure and construction of the common (Langsdroth) hive; top and bottom boards, hive body, supers and frames.

3. Honey bee biology: The apprentice will gain a broad knowledge of the structure, function and life cycle of the honey bee colony. She/he will be able to locate and identify the various structures and substances (queen cell, pollen stores, propolis, etc.) within the hive. The student will be able to identify the queen, worker and drone bees, brood at various ages, and will know the lifecycle and role each plays in the life of the colony. The apprentice will learn how to differentiate a healthy and queen-right colony from a sick, hungry or queenless hive.

4. Establishing a hive: The apprentice will gain experience in one or more of the following ways of establishing a new hive. Splitting a hive, capturing and hiving a wild swarm or a colony of established wild bees (most often the latter involves transfer of a colony that has set up residence in a human house or barn).

5. Selection and preparation of the 'bee yard' and hive location for optimal conditions.

6. Relationships of honey bees to the larger environment and their role in the ecosystem and agriculture. Students will learn how to identify the nectar flows, honey varieties, and pollen sources within the local environment.

7. Bee diseases and the various threats and challenges facing the honey bee. Apprentices will learn to identify and explore various methods for the control of bee disease, with an emphasis on organic and biodynamic methods of health management. Students will understand both the challenges and best practices for wintering bees in a temperate climate.

8. Harvest of honey and other bee products (pollen, wax) and the processing of these substances for use.

Customized courses are available to suit your particular time schedule and needs. A variety of accommodations are available, including our ‘B&B and Bees' package at exquisite Kalaekilohana. If you have always wanted to learn about honey bees and how to keep them, this is your golden opportunity.