Private Project

The Kona Beekeeper Legacy Project

This visually captivating mini-documentary unveils the hidden world of Kona's beekeeping industry, tracing its unexpected origins in Hawaii's ranching traditions to its current status as a global powerhouse in honey production and queen bee breeding.

Through stunning cinematography that captures both the grandeur of Hawaii Island's diverse landscapes and the intricate dance of life within the hive, viewers will discover how this remarkable industry generates significant economic impact for the state while simultaneously supporting worldwide agriculture through pollination and queen bee exports.

The film introduces audiences to the passionate beekeepers who have built this legacy - multi-generational families and innovative newcomers alike - who find profound satisfaction in their connection to these remarkable insects. Their stories reveal the perfect marriage between Hawaii's unique environment and the ancient craft of beekeeping, showcasing how Kona's isolated geography created ideal conditions for developing some of the world's most prized honey varieties and gentlest bee populations.

"The Kona Beekeeper Legacy Project" is both a celebration of Hawaii's agricultural heritage and an invitation to consider beekeeping as a fulfilling vocation. By illuminating the beauty, complexity and importance of this often-overlooked profession, the film aims to inspire a new generation to continue this vital tradition that connects Hawaii to the global food system in ways few could imagine.

  • Leandra Maile Rouse
    Director
  • Andrew Richard Hara
    Director
  • Leandra Maile Rouse
    Producer
  • Andrew Richard Hara
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 1, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital super 35 mm:RED KomodoX
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Leandra Maile Rouse, Andrew Richard Hara

Leandra Rouse, daughter of legendary Kona beekeeper Gus Rouse, was born and raised in Kealakekua and returned to Hawai'i Island in 2018 to raise her family. She is an entrepreneur with a diverse career creating health programs for people, businesses, and communities. With deep roots in Kona agriculture and a background in video production, since moving home, Leandra has found her kuleana advocating for island stories. She is actively involved in numerous initiatives that help preserve Hawai'i Island's heritage and culture.

Andrew Richard Hara is a Visual Media Specialist, who uses photography and videography to support thriving, responsible and compassionate communities within Hawaii. Andrew's passion, focus, and understanding are used to interpret and tell stories of culture, science, and environmental conservation throughout the
diversity of Earth.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

What began as a small research project to honor my father on his 75th birthday has evolved into something far more significant. With overwhelming community enthusiasm and generous funding support, we're proud to present "The Kona Beekeeper Legacy Project" - a documentary celebrating Kona's remarkable beekeeping history.

This film is deeply personal to me. Growing up on a bee farm in Kealakekua, I witnessed firsthand the dedication of beekeepers, but also experienced the hidden beauty of these rarely seen parts of the island. The visual of colorful bee boxes scattered across rocky lava fields, overlooking the Kona coast, is an image I've always wanted to paint for others. My father's lifelong dedication to beekeeping sparked my curiosity about this industry's unique development in Hawaii.

Beyond the film, we've created a four-month museum exhibition designed to engage the community, visitors, and keiki field trips. Through historic artifacts, images, and this beautiful mini-documentary, the exhibition provides multiple entry points into understanding this vital yet often overlooked aspect of Hawaii's agricultural heritage.

I'm grateful to the many beekeepers, historians, and community members who opened their hives, archives, and hearts to make this project possible. Their stories have transformed my father's birthday tribute into a celebration of Kona's beekeeping legacy.