Hakalau is a small unincorporated community located along the Hamakua coast about 15 miles north of Hilo on the Big Island, Hawaii state.

Sugar plantation was a thriving business here, till its decline and eventual shutdown in 1974. Some privately owned mills still exist. Small family farms now grow tropical fruits, taro, flowers, coffee, or cattle.

Fishing and tourism are other contributors to the local economy.

The Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge protects 32,733 acres located on the Mauna Kea slopes above the town.

Where Have All the Honeybees Gone?

  Written by : Lee Ann Rush Since 2006, a strange phenomenon has been occurring in the United States, Europe, and other countries across the globe:  the honeybee population is disappearing.  Opinions vary regarding the root cause of this mass die-off of honeybees, known as colony collapse disorder; some blame parasites, bacteria, loss of natural habitat, poor nutrition or genetic issues.  The primary..