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Human BEEing

A brief portrait of Jacob Satterwhite, Beekeeper

Image of Jacob the beekeeper selling his honey at a farmer's market

Sometimes, the universe has something specific in store for you. For Jacob Satterwhite, it was bees.

Bees were not on his radar when he moved to Na’alehu, Hawaii from Montana in 2016 with his mom Sherry. Then he met his new neighbor, Leeroy. Connected by the destiny of a shared water line, Leeroy and his dozens of hives were a force of nature. A wild haired, free-spirited man with a penchant for “bareneck” beekeeping with no hood or protective suit, Leeroy had been living out of his truck on a plot of jungle for 20 years…and he needed a new home for his bees.

Jacob started out with just a few hives, but soon found himself hooked. He traded in his job at the Punalu’u Bakery - known for it’s Hawaiian sweet bread - for overseeing the creation of something far sweeter - honey. When asked what he likes most about beekeeping, he waxes (pun intended) poetic about their meticulous cleanliness and dedication to beauty, efficiency, and community. Their mannerisms - surprisingly more like a cat or dog - and most of all the impact they have on him - the beekeeper.

“They have a soothing effect. I feel a sense of serenity, peace, and calm when in their presence,” says Jacob.

They are also a lot of work, especially during peak honey season which happens to be right now. The Christmas Berry Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) is in full bloom, and the bees are like kids in a candy store…er...candy jungle.

You can find Jacob’s Ladder Honey at KTA Stores, Island Naturals Market, and the Punalu’u Bakery, or come by and talk story (he’s been spending a lot of time with bees lately and needs more human interaction, ASAP) at one of the following farmers markets:

  • Keauhou Farmers Market, Saturdays 7am -12pm

  • Na’alehu Farmers Market, Wednesdays 8am - 2pm

What’s next for Jacob’s Ladder Honey? More education and community involvement. Jacob is going to donate a few hives to Selvy Thiruvengadam, queen bee at the Mystic Bee Sanctuary in Kailua-Kona. Together they plan to offer a workshop for bee-ginning beekeepers and curious creatures once the honey flow slows in the fall.

Until then, get your paws on some of his honey, and beehave yourselves!

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