All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Hawaii

    Everything you need to know about legally keeping bees in Hawaii - from state registration to city-specific ordinances.

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Hawaii Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through HDOA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    Hawaii Department of Agriculture

    State Registration Requirements

    Hawaii requires beekeepers to register with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's Apiary Program. Hawaii is one of the most important queen-breeding and package-exporting regions in the world, shipping mated queens and packages to the U.S. mainland, Canada, and internationally. Some Hawaiian islands, including parts of Kauai and Molokai, remain varroa-free, and HDOA enforces strict interisland movement rules to protect varroa-free zones. Small hive beetle and varroa are established on Oahu and the Big Island.

    Registration Fees

    Registration fees are modest. Queen and package exporters face additional inspection and certification fees.

    Register with HDOA

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential hive limit. County and city ordinances typically allow 1 to 4 hives on residential lots.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on rural or agricultural land.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback. County ordinances typically require 5 to 20 feet from property lines with flyway barriers near neighbors.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Honolulu

    Hive Limits

    City and County of Honolulu generally allows up to 2 hives on residential lots, with additional hives allowed on larger parcels.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines, placed in rear yards, and behind a flyway barrier or dense vegetation when close to neighbors.

    Notes

    Honolulu has both varroa and small hive beetle. Beekeepers must register with HDOA and manage for pests year-round. Urban hives benefit from Hawaii's year-round bloom.

    Hilo

    Hive Limits

    Hawaii County generally allows 2 hives on residential lots, with more allowed on agricultural land.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and screened by vegetation or a fence near neighbors.

    Notes

    Hilo's wet windward climate creates constant nectar flow but also supports heavy varroa and small hive beetle pressure. Beekeepers must monitor and treat year-round.

    Kailua-Kona

    Hive Limits

    Hawaii County rules generally allow 2 hives on residential lots, with unlimited hives on agricultural parcels.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines, with flyway barriers when close to neighbors.

    Notes

    Kona is the heart of Hawaii's world-famous queen breeding industry. The dry leeward climate and diverse forage make it ideal for queen rearing, and many operations ship queens worldwide.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Hawaii Apiary Program Rules

    HAR Title 4, Chapter 71A

    Establishes HDOA's authority over apiary registration, inspection, disease management, and interisland movement of bees and equipment. The rules protect varroa-free zones on certain islands and support Hawaii's queen and package export industry through certification and inspection.

    Hawaii Interisland Bee Movement Rules

    HDOA Plant Quarantine

    Restricts movement of bees, equipment, and hive products between Hawaiian islands to protect varroa-free and small-hive-beetle-free zones. Violations can result in significant penalties and pest establishment that threatens the entire state's beekeeping industry.

    Hawaii Beekeeping Association

    Hawaii Beekeepers Association

    The Hawaii Beekeepers Association supports hobbyist and commercial beekeepers across the Hawaiian Islands. HBA hosts meetings, educates new beekeepers, advocates for protection of varroa-free islands, and connects Hawaii's unique queen-breeding and honey-producing community with each other and with the mainland industry.

    Visit Hawaii Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Hawaii's tropical climate is unique in U.S. beekeeping. There is no winter dormancy - colonies are active and brood-rearing year-round, which means varroa mites and small hive beetles reproduce constantly where they are established. Year-round management is required, and treatments must be rotated carefully to prevent resistance. The windward sides of islands are wet with near-continuous bloom, while leeward sides like Kona are drier and better for queen rearing. Hurricanes and tropical storms are a real risk from June through November - secure hives with straps and weights. Some islands and parts of islands remain varroa-free, and protecting those zones is critical to Hawaii's queen export industry.

    Tips for Hawaii Beekeepers

    • Hawaii's interisland bee movement rules are strict and serious - never move bees, used equipment, or hive products between islands without HDOA authorization.
    • Hawaii is a world-class queen breeder. If you are on Kona, consider learning queen rearing - demand for Hawaiian queens is strong year-round.
    • Varroa and small hive beetle are established on Oahu and the Big Island. Monitor and treat year-round, as there is no winter break from pests.
    • Year-round bloom means year-round management. Colonies can swarm any month, so inspect regularly and manage space aggressively.
    • Protect varroa-free islands like parts of Kauai and Molokai. If you beekeep there, follow HDOA rules meticulously - those zones are a global treasure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

    Estimate startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential honey revenue for your beekeeping operation in Hawaii.

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    Do You Need a License to Keep Bees?

    Most states require hive registration, not a license. Our guide explains the difference and what Hawaii expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

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