Sleeping Giant gets bee experience

Honey & Hive Fiji has launched a new visitor attraction at the Garden of the Sleeping Giant in Nadi, offering guests an interactive look at Fiji’s bees, honey production and community partnerships.

Developed in partnership with Ra Honey, the attraction combines education, sustainability and tourism.

Visitors can enjoy free honey tastings, view Fiji’s first live bee wall, explore a retail store featuring local honey varieties and artisan products, and join a one-hour guided Bee Experience tour with live hive demonstrations.

Marketing co-ordinator Adonia Cheer said the mission was to educate visitors about bees, produce honey responsibly and work closely with local communities.

“One of the highlights is Fiji’s first live bee wall, where beehives are safely encased behind glass, allowing visitors to observe the bees up close,” Ms Cheer said.

“We have a boutique where visitors can shop for our honey, as well as other locally made artisan products. We also offer free honey tasting.

“Behind the scenes, we have a factory where our honey is processed and packaged.”

The immersive Bee Experience tour launched this month and allows guests to learn first-hand how honey is produced.

“It’s a guided tour of our working beehives, where guests are fully suited in protective beekeeping gear and can safely get up close to see how everything works,” Ms Cheer said.

“We also share insights into pollination and the important role bees play in Fiji’s ecosystem and economy.”

Honey & Hive Fiji works with Ra Honey, producer of Koro Wildflower Honey sourced from the Ra Highlands.

“What makes it special is its origin,” Ms Cheer said. “The hives are located in the mountainous plains of the Ra Highlands, giving the bees access to untouched wildflowers, creating a rich floral flavour profile.”

The one-hour experience is conducted in small groups to keep the tours personal and engaging.

After observing the hives, visitors are taken through the factory to see how the honey is processed and packaged before concluding with honey tasting sessions.

Among the specialty products available are lime-infused and rum-infused honey varieties.

Ra Honey also works with local communities by training villagers in beekeeping, creating sustainable income opportunities while supporting honey production.

Koro Wildflower Honey is packaged in glass jars decorated with natural magi magi fibres, reflecting the company’s eco-friendly approach.

Ms Cheer said the initiative supported Fiji’s growing ecotourism sector while promoting environmental awareness and community development.

Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Paresh Pant said the attraction added a fresh eco-conscious experience to the country’s tourism offerings.

“The industry is buzzing with fresh experiences and meaningful partnerships,” Mr Pant said.

“The launch adds a vibrant, eco-conscious attraction, inviting visitors to connect with Fiji’s bees, honey production and local communities.”

Nadi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Lawrence Kumar said, “This is great to see Fiji expands eco-tourism offerings with immersive bee attraction linking conservation, community livelihoods and visitor experiences.”

The Garden of the Sleeping Giant, located at the foot of the Sabeto Range in Nadi, spans 50 hectares and was originally established by Hollywood actor Raymond Burr.

The garden is home to more than 1000 orchid varieties as well as native flora, jungle walkways, lily ponds and themed gardens.

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