Big Island Bees is Hawaii's largest organic honey producer, a multi-generational family farm located in Captain Cook on the Big Island of Hawaii. They produce raw, unfiltered, single-floral varietal honeys exclusively from their own 2,500+ hives without the use of artificial feeds, chemical miticides, heat, or filtration.

The Beekeeper's Story

Founded by Jim Powers in 1972, Big Island Bees has deep roots in Hawaiian beekeeping spanning four generations. Powers' stepson Garnett Puett took over the Hawaiian operation in 1987, continuing the family tradition. After global challenges including cheap imported honey, climate change, and parasitic mites threatened the business, Garnett's wife began selling their honey at local farmers markets in 2004 under the Big Island Bees label — raw, unfiltered, and poured directly into glass jars. Today the farm operates over 2,500 hives housing approximately 125 million bees, following blooms across the Big Island to produce distinct single-floral varieties including Ohia Lehua, Macadamia Nut Blossom, and Wilelaiki (Christmas Berry). Their honey is USDA Certified Organic and sold both at their on-site farm store and museum in Captain Cook, online, on Amazon, and through retailers like Whole Foods, Safeway, and Foodland. They are a 3-time award winner at the Hawaiian Natural Honey Challenge.