Are There Mosquitoes in Hawaii?
Yes, mosquitoes are established throughout Hawaii, though they are not native to the islands. These introduced insects arrived with human travelers and have become widespread in lower elevations. Mosquitoes are found on all major Hawaiian islands wherever conditions support breeding. Higher elevations with cooler temperatures and lower elevations above 3000 feet have reduced populations.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Pitcher-plant Mosquito · Michael and Antoni Hinczewski CC BY
Gallinipper · Meghan Cassidy CC BY-SA
Ornate Treehole Mosquito · Benjamin Burgunder CC BY
- 1,443
- GBIF records
Yes, mosquitos are in Hawaii. Next you'll want:
Yes, mosquitoes are established throughout Hawaii, though they are not native to the islands. These introduced insects arrived with human travelers and have become widespread in lower elevations. Mosquitoes are found on all major Hawaiian islands wherever conditions support breeding. Higher elevations with cooler temperatures and lower elevations above 3000 feet have reduced populations.
Where Mosquitoes Are Found in Hawaii
Mosquitoes in Hawaii are found on all major islands but concentrate in lower elevations below 3000 feet. Oahu's lower elevations support significant populations, particularly in the Honolulu area and surrounding lowlands. The Big Island has mosquitoes throughout its lower elevations and windward slopes. Maui's lower elevations and resort areas have established populations. Kauai's wet windward coast has abundant mosquitoes, while the dry leeward side has fewer. Molokai and Lanai have smaller populations due to lower population density and less developed areas. The islands' higher elevations, particularly above 3000 feet, have significantly fewer mosquitoes due to cooler temperatures. Mosquitoes are rare or absent in alpine and subalpine zones above 5000 feet. Wet windward slopes with consistent rainfall support larger populations than dry leeward areas. TheHawaii wildlife guideprovides information about introduced species and native Hawaiian animals.
Seasonal Activity and Timing in Hawaii
Unlike mainland mosquitoes, Hawaiian mosquito populations remain active throughout the year due to the islands' warm tropical climate. Year-round warmth in lower elevations allows continuous breeding cycles with multiple generations. Populations may fluctuate seasonally but never disappear completely. Wet season months from November through March can see increased populations when rainfall creates breeding habitat. Summer months are also active though the dry season may reduce breeding sites temporarily. The wettest windward coasts support larger populations year-round than dry leeward areas. Higher elevations experience cooler temperatures that reduce activity levels. The stable tropical climate means no true dormancy period as occurs in mainland states. Rainfall timing matters more than temperature for population fluctuations. El Nino and La Nina weather patterns influence precipitation and thus mosquito breeding success. For more on mosquito in Hawaii, see ourHawaii mosquito guide.
How to Identify Mosquitoes
Hawaiian mosquitoes are small, delicate insects typically measuring one-eighth to one-half inch long. The most common species are gray or brown with some displaying faint patterns or markings. The distinctive needle-like proboscis extends forward from the head. Only females bite; males have bushier antennae and feed exclusively on plant nectar. Females must feed on blood to produce eggs and are noticeably larger than males. The yellow fever mosquito, an introduced species, is small and dark with distinctive white markings and patterns. This species is the primary disease vector in Hawaii. Other introduced species may be pale or dark colored. Hawaiian mosquitoes lack the distinctive white stripes seen in Asian tiger mosquitoes on the mainland. Larval mosquitoes, called wigglers, are aquatic with segmented bodies. The introduced species have adapted well to Hawaiian habitats including urban water sources. You can also browseHawaii wildlife.
Where Sightings Concentrate in Hawaii
Mosquito populations concentrate densest in Honolulu and surrounding Oahu lowlands where water sources are abundant. The Big Island's lower elevations and resort areas have significant populations. Windward coasts on all islands, particularly Kauai's wet coast, support large populations. Low-lying coastal areas and near-shore regions have year-round breeding activity. Urban and suburban areas with retention ponds, drainage ditches, and landscaping water features concentrate mosquitoes. Parks and recreational areas in lower elevations attract mosquitoes around any water source. The Ala Moana and Waikiki regions of Honolulu have established populations year-round. Windward valleys and lee-ward dry areas contrast sharply in mosquito abundance. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park higher elevations have few mosquitoes compared to lower park areas. Mosquitoes are rare or absent in alpine Haleakala National Park and other high-elevation protected areas. More information about Hawaiian ecosystems is available at/wildlife.
Typical Behavior and Diet
Hawaiian mosquitoes, primarily introduced species, feed on blood and nectar year-round in warm lower elevations. Female mosquitoes locate hosts using heat detection and carbon dioxide sensing. The yellow fever mosquito is an aggressive daytime feeder, unlike many mainland species that prefer dawn and dusk. Feeding occurs throughout the day, particularly during overcast conditions or in shaded areas. Each blood meal allows females to produce hundreds of eggs within days. Males never bite and feed exclusively on plant nectar and pollen. Mosquito larvae are entirely aquatic, developing in standing water sources. Development time from egg to adult is rapid in warm Hawaiian conditions, typically one to two weeks. Multiple generations breed simultaneously year-round in lower elevations. The continuous warm temperatures allow breeding without any dormant period. See all of ourwildlife guides.
Coexistence and Safety in Hawaii
Mosquitoes are an introduced species in Hawaii and do not play a natural ecological role like native insects. However, they are now an established part of the islands' fauna. Hawaii's Department of Health monitors mosquito populations for disease transmission, particularly dengue fever and Zika virus. Residents and visitors can reduce mosquito exposure by eliminating standing water weekly. Empty flower pots, clogged gutters, buckets, saucers, and any collection of water. Cover rain barrels with screens. Drain air conditioning condensation regularly. Wear long sleeves and pants, particularly during overcast days when feeding increases. Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin. Install and maintain door and window screens. Use mosquito netting if screens are damaged. OurHawaii wildlife guidecovers more species you may run into.
Species People Confuse with Mosquitoes
Midges and small gnats are found in Hawaii but are much smaller than mosquitoes and lack the distinct proboscis. Phantom midges are aquatic but have thicker bodies than mosquito larvae. Crane flies resemble large mosquitoes but have very long, thin legs and cannot bite. Small flies and gnats generally lack the narrow wing structure and thin legs of true mosquitoes. Hawaii's introduced mosquitoes are distinct from native Hawaiian insects and birds that formerly controlled insect populations. The yellow fever mosquito is the most common species and is easily identified by its small dark body and white markings. Other introduced species may be less obvious but have similar body plans. Native Hawaiian insects did not include mosquitoes before human arrival. The absence of native mosquitoes meant Hawaiian species lacked natural defenses against these introduced pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are mosquitoes native to Hawaii? A: No. Mosquitoes were introduced by humans and are not part of Hawaii's natural ecosystem. They established populations after arrival. Q: Which Hawaiian islands have the most mosquitoes? A: Oahu and the Big Island's lower elevations have the most established populations. Windward coasts like Kauai's wet side have abundant mosquitoes. Q: Can I avoid mosquitoes by going to higher elevations in Hawaii? A: Yes. Elevations above 3000 feet have significantly fewer mosquitoes. Haleakala National Park and other high-altitude areas have minimal mosquito populations. Q: What diseases can Hawaiian mosquitoes carry? A: The yellow fever mosquito can carry dengue fever and Zika virus. Hawaii's Department of Health monitors for these viruses and alerts residents of outbreaks.
Plan your mosquito sighting in Hawaii
1,443 verified mosquito records have been logged in Hawaii, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Haleakalā National Park · Find hotels
More places to see mosquito
More wildlife in Hawaii