About Upcountry Apiaries
At Upcountry Apiaries, we believe healthy bees are essential to healthy communities, thriving ecosystems, and resilient local food systems.
Founded in 2012, Upcountry Apiaries is a small apiary rooted in the agricultural landscapes of Maui. Our hives are carefully placed throughout the island, where bees forage among diverse native forests, orchards, farms, and flowering landscapes that produce some of the most distinctive honey in Hawaiʻi.
Our Philosophy
Our approach to beekeeping is guided by respect for the honey bee and the natural systems that sustain it. We utilize foundationless beekeeping methods and prioritize holistic hive management practices that support the bees' natural behaviors while minimizing unnecessary intervention.
We believe that strong colonies begin with healthy habitat. By maintaining thriving bee populations across Maui, we help support the pollination of local farms, gardens, orchards, and wild landscapes that contribute to the island's ecological and agricultural vitality.
Our Story
Ryan Anderson began working with honey bees in 2009, inspired by both the remarkable complexity of the hive and the important role pollinators play in our food systems. Since then, he has dedicated himself to learning, teaching, and caring for honey bees while helping others better understand their importance.
Over the years, Ryan has performed over 150 live bee rescues and relocations on Maui, helping save colonies that might otherwise have been destroyed. His work has expanded beyond beekeeping to include community education, mentorship, and advocacy for pollinator health throughout Maui.
Why We Keep Bees
Around the world, insect populations face increasing challenges from habitat loss, pesticides, disease, and environmental change. While honey bees are only one part of a much larger pollinator community, they play an important role in supporting local agriculture and food production.
Our mission is simple:
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Support healthy honey bee populations
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Strengthen local food sovereignty
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Increase pollinator habitat
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Promote sustainable beekeeping practices
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Share knowledge through education and community outreach
Every hive we care for contributes to a larger effort to support the health and resilience of Maui's agricultural and ecological landscapes.
Education & Community
We believe that education is one of the most powerful tools for creating positive change. Through hive inspections, workshops, presentations, school visits, and volunteer opportunities, we strive to connect people with the fascinating world of honey bees and the vital role they play in our daily lives.
Whether you're interested in learning about beekeeping, supporting pollinators in your garden, or simply enjoying local honey, we invite you to join us in celebrating and protecting these remarkable insects.
From Our Hives to Your Table
Ryan and Elizabeth produce their honey and hive products using simple, natural methods and carefully stewarded hives. Each jar reflects the unique landscapes, seasons, and flowering plants of Maui, offering a taste of place while supporting a mission rooted in pollinator health and local agriculture.
Thank you for being part of our journey to support bees, strengthen local food systems, and care for the land we all share.