World Bee Day celebrates bees and the critical pollination services they provide. If you see large bees in Hawaiʻi, those are likely introduced European honey bees. But, look closely at our native plants and you might see the nalo meli maoli, our native yellow-faced bees. There are over 60 species in the genus Hylaeus found across the Main Hawaiian Islands and Nihoa, several of which are listed as endangered species. Nalo meli maoli have adapted to a wide array of habitat types, ranging from coastal strand to high elevation wet forests. They nest in hollow stems, holes in trees, under bark, in crevices, or in burrows in soil.

Learn more about these important members of our ecosystems on our Nalo Meli Maoli page, where youʻll also find a bee headband craft and a video about yellow-faced bees at Kaʻena Point on Oʻahu.

Photo: Nalo meli maoli, PC Sheldon Plentovich