It was established in 1963 and named for a verse in the I Kings 9:26: "And King Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-Geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom." (9:26). The Eloth mentioned in the verse is likely close to the present-day location of Kibbutz Eilot. The kibbutz has about 80 members and a total population of about 350. It is most noted for its date orchard, though vegetables, other fruits, and dairy products are also produced, and tourism is a major industry.