Sometimes all the hard work pays off.  Since February, we've been working hard to build up our hives - because we finally had time to focus on the bees, and because food security in Hawai'i has never seemed like a better idea.
This year we went from ~20 hives to ~60 hives! From just 3 locations to over 7 locations - each bringing you new and interesting blossoms from all corners of the island of O'ahu.  From guava to citrus to kiawe and christmasberry, finishing off with java plum, our hives were harvested every month providing honey to so many new local customers.
We are so grateful for all of the support.
Listen closely as we develop our new "Hānai Hive" program so you too can get involved and learn more about the bees.

We've been washing our hands – A LOT – lately. And our hands are becoming dry and uncomfortable because of it.  Try a homemade moisturizer with honey and coconut oil to solve the problem.

 Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Nalo Meli Honey
• 1 tsp coconut oil
• Juice from half a lemon
• 1/2 tsp Hawaiian sea salt

Directions

• Mix honey, coconut oil, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl.
• Apply lotion to dry areas and let sit for 20 minutes.
• Wipe off with a warm washcloth.
• Repeat as needed.

It's been a fun busy swarm season. The bees don't care if we're on lock down.  Calm weather, a big moon, and people at home watching their yards more closely means a bunch of swarms.  We're building the boxes and adding them to the rest of the farm!

We were lucky enough to be able to share our product on Living 808 this last weekend. Check us out here:

CTAHR Extension is holding a series of workshops.  You can sign up here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSep164AZpqePXdo6O5smvRflh4a6_am1iZVhnzdW6B_jOnLDw/viewform

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You'd think I wouldn't get so excited about new gear!  Nalo Meli is in the process of treating our hives, repairing boxes, buying new parts and updating the number of beesuits we have so that we can entertain new guests.  

Message us or find us at the farmer's market if you'd like to get involved one Sunday.  

We are excited to partner with Hawaii Pineapple Vinegar this month to have them make the next batch of vinegar with our macadamia blossom honey. Find them at the farmers markets - KCC, Kailua and Kaka'ako, or at ​https://www.vintagevinegars.com/

It's been a great year for bees - this year we've caught 8 swarms, and been able to harvest starting in July.  The hardest thing is keeping up! We're excited to be making buckwheat honey - a cover crop good for the environment that makes tasty honey, how can we go wrong?
Next community harvest day is Sunday August 11 - come join us! [email protected]
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It's April already!  Nalo Meli has been busy treating and prepping hives so we can have nice summer honey harvests. We met our goal of re-establising at three apiaries in 2018, and working towards add 5-10 hives per year.  

May 5 is our next workday at Maigee's farm in Kailua.  Please email if you'd like to help make boxes!

The other big announcement is that our honey "beebox" has shifted locations after 15 years - into a smaller bottling space in Waimanalo, so we can keep our prices low.  A 20' container is cozy, and we get to keep the small outdoor workspace so we can keep processing nice local honey into the future. 

The coffee harvest in Ka'u wasn't the best this year (too much rain) - but o'hia lehua did well, and we are expecting creamy white lehua to market in early May. 

It's spring!  Bees will soon be swarming.  See a swarm?  We would love to come get it and help build our apiaries.  Call or text 808-206-6565 if you see something!