Tag Archives: kauai

Mosquitoes in Hawaii?

Mosquitoes in Hawaii? Yes, all of the Hawaiian islands have mosquitoes. They were most likely introduced from bilge water carried in whaling ships in the early 19th century. Aedes aegypti is one of the most common species noted by black and white spots. It is very invasive and found on all the islands. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, even in small puddles in parking lots. They are more abundant in rainy areas, especially in windward and mauka areas. However, do not be surprised to get bitten in drier areas like Waikiki or Ka’anapali.

Mosquitoes in Hawaii are most active in the morning and evening hours.  The are several species of mosquitoes in Hawaii, two of which bite humans. A third species is limited to birds, and it is not going to impact your vacation. Aedes aegypti bite two hours before and after sunrise and sunset. The other species bite during the day.

aedes-aegypti-mosquito-in-hawaii.jpg
Aedes aegytpi is the most common mosquito in Hawaii

Avoid bites from mosquitoes in Hawaii with DEET

DEET prevents bites because it hides your CO2 signal. Mosquitoes use CO2 as the chemical signal to locate blood. Therefore, you become invisible to mosquitoes when you spray your clothing or skin with DEET.

Personally, I use Cutter All Family 15 Count Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes 7.15% DEET. The wipes tuck into my day pack or purse and never leak. I easily pass TSA screening with them in carry-on toiletry bag. Also, wipes work wonders on squirmy kids, and the DEET doesn’t accidentally get into the nose or mouth when applying it. If you are traveling with children or a group, consider getting a 3-pack of Cutter All Family 15 Count Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes 7.15% DEET (3 Pack) because the wipes are hard to find in Hawaii. However, many people like the convenience of a spray and use  Cutter 54010 Skinsations 6-Ounce Insect Repellent Pump Spray 7-Percent DEET, Case Pack of 1

If you have sensitive skin or feel concerned about a strong reaction to bites, consider using a stronger 20% DEET spray, such as Cutter Backwoods Insect Repellent 25-Percent DEET Pump Spray, 6-Ounce. Apply it in the mornings and evenings when mosquitoes are most active or when you notice you’re being bitten. You may want to shower it off before bed.

If you are allergic to DEET, try a natural mosquito repellant. These are more gentle to sensitive skin because they are not as harsh. The recipe is simple. Mix into a base of vodka equal parts of the essential oils cinnamon, tea tree, and lemon. I fill a small spray bottle and carry it in my purse.

Avoid bites with clothing

Most people with bites are wearing shorts and t-shirts. Instead, I wear a lightweight long sleeve shirt and loose-fitting pants. I avoid bites by wearing permethrin clothing, such as ExOfficio Men’s BugsAway Tarka Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt . Likewise, mosquitoes in Hawaii can usually bite through tight-fitting clothing, including jeans. Therefore, wear loose clothing when possible.

Treat red, itchy mosquito bites

Mosquito bites cause red, itchy welts. Some people experience itching for 10 minutes while other people itch for 10 days. The immune system is to blame because mosquitoes inject a chemical as they bite. This chemical is an anti-coagulant, which prevents blood from clotting. The immune system reacts, causing welts. 

How sensitive you are to mosquito bites is a realistic concern. If you live in an area with lots of seasonal mosquitoes (think Minnesota or Maine), chances are your immune system is not going to freak out over a few bites. However, if you do not get bitten regular by mosquitoes, the immune system can react with raised, red welts that itch like crazy. Here are a few first-aid tips:

If you are sensitive to bites, keep hand to relieve the itching some calamine lotion, such as Caladryl Clear Lotion, 6 Ounce, or sting ease, such as StingEze Max2 Insect Bite Itch Relief Dauber, 0.5-Ounce. You will definitely want to have some in your bag because these items are hard to find in remote and resort areas.

bites-mosquitoes-in-hawaii
Use DEET or protective clothing to prevent bites from mosquitoes in Hawaii. Apply sting relief to red bites.

Sting relief products reduce pain and discomfort. Most grocery stores sell sting ease products that reduce itching from insect bites. Still, I carry individually wrapped sting relief wipes in my day pack and purse. Apply liberally as soon you notice the bite.

Where are the mosquitoes in Hawaii?

Leeward areas have fewer bugs because there is less rain. Less rain means less standing water, where mosquitoes breed. These areas include: Honolulu on O’ahu, Poipu on Kaua’i and Kihei on Maui.

Windward areas have more mosquitoes because there is more rain. This means more standing water, where the bugs breed. These areas include: Hilo on Hawaii island, Hana on Maui, and Hanalei on Kauai. However, windward areas are also more windy. Asa result, strong trade winds prevent mosquitoes in Hawaii from landing on skin because wind blows away carbon dioxide (or CO2).  Mosquitoes cannot hone in on the carbon dioxide coming out of the body with breathing.

What diseases do mosquitoes in Hawaii carry?

Visiting Hawaii is not like going to the Amazon. There is no malaria in Hawaii. Dengue is limited to occasional outbreaks in the deep jungle areas, like the road to Hana on Maui. Catching a disease spread through mosquito bites is not a real worry in Hawaii.

Mosquitoes in Hawaii do not carry malaria, thank goodness. Malaria is a debilitating fever disease found in most tropical zones in the world. However, mosquitoes in Hawaii carry dengue fever. Outbreaks occur in wet zones on Maui and the Big Island. The most recent outbreak of dengue happened in 2015. Read more about dengue and zika in Hawaii.  If you are concerned about dengue fever, stay in leeward areas.

Finally, if you are allergic to mosquitoes, plan your travel to avoid wet areas. Waterfall hikes are located in windward areas. Bring plenty of repellent to reapply after swimming. Also, wear protective clothing and apply sting relief as needed.

Connecting through Honolulu airport and other Hawaiʻi airports

This series of articles on Hawaii’s airports covers nearly all you need to know about flying to and between the Hawaiian islands. If I’ve missed something you’d like covered, please post your comment.

(Note to readers: Please click on each article to read the details.)

  1. Connecting in Honolulu International Airport (HNL) from a Mainland flight to an interisland flight
  2. Connecting with Island Air, go! or Hawaiian Airlines
  3. Connecting from an international flight to an interisland flight
  4. Tips for those departing out of HNL
  5. Non-stop flights to/from Hawaii
  6. Interisland flights between two cities in Hawaii
  7. Cheapest way to vacation in Hawaii

Independence Day Fireworks in Hawaii

If you’re wondering where to see fireworks in Hawaii on the 4th of July, here is a run down by island.

Fireworks Displays on O’ahu

The 4th of July fireworks show presented by Ala Moana Center is the largest fireworks show in Hawaii. The fireworks are launched from three separate platforms and they can best be viewed on the Makai-Ewa Parking Deck of Ala Moana Center. The center usually features live entertainment beginning about 5:00 p.m. and the fireworks show usually begins about 8:30.

The fireworks display at the Aloha Tower Marketplace usually happens on July 3, the day before Independence Day. The fireworks show typically begins about 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. and it is usually preceded by live music and other festivities beginning about 5:00 p.m. Call the Aloha Tower Marketplace to confirm dates and times.

  • Maunalua Bay 4th of July Celebration

The “Independence Day at Maunalua Bay” 4th of July celebration takes place at Maunalua Bay Beach Park, usually from about 2:00 in the afternoon to 9 p.m. Fireworks are released from a barge shore beginning about 8:00 p.m. The 2009 was the 2nd Annual Independence Day at Maunalua Bay Celebration and that year Maunalua headlined the live entertainment.

The Kailua Chamber of Commerce was not able to fund an aerial fireworks display in 2009 but the local citizens were hoping to raise enough money to keep it going. The Kailua 4th of July parade usually begins at about 10:00 a.m. at the Kainalu Elementary School and it ends at Kailua District Park. If the fireworks show can be resurrected, it will begin about 8:00 p.m.

  • Turtle Bay Fireworks and July 4th Celebration

There are usually fireworks and a 4th of July celebration at the Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore of Oahu. The event usually takes place on a field across from the resort’s stables. Features live entertainment, food booths, arts and crafts, and a sunset fireworks display.

Fireworks Display on Maui

Lahaina Town hosts an old fashioned Independence Day celebration including music, food, kids activities and a grand fireworks show. The fireworks show is set to start at 8pm. This display will be visible from Lahaina’s Front Street waterfront and from waterfront restaurants. Synchronized music can be heard from Hard Rock Cafe Maui at 900 Front Street.

Kahului’s fireworks show is set to start at 10pm.

Fireworks Displays on Kaua’i

There will be local entertainments which performs throughout the day along with contests, Talent Show and more. There will be lots of Ono Food booths and plenty of cold Water and Soda booth. Then to end the day with a Spectacular “OMG” Fireworks Display which will be accompaniment by live music. Fireworks being 1 hour after dark.

Fireworks Displays on Hawai’i Island

Waikoloa Fireworks at Waikoloa Bowl are set to light up the sky at 8pm. This event is free and open to the public. Entrances open at 4:30pm with a performance from Beyond Paradise at 5pm and Johnny Shots at 6:30pm. Guests are welcome to bring beach chairs and blankets. Coolers are not allowed. This event is alcohol-free, drug-free and smoke-free.

  • Kailua-Kona Fireworks, Parade & Events
    Coconut Grove Marketplace is hosting a free July 4th Concert at 4pm. Kailua-Kona’s Independence Day Parade is set to begin at 6pm with this year’s grand marshalls being Korean War Veterans. See this link for the parade route.The Kona fireworks show is set to begin at 8pm. This fireworks display will be visible from along Kailua Bay in Kona.