​Let’s face it - nobody wants to see cockroaches when they come to paradise, but the truth is when you come to Hawaii, you’re going to see a cockroach or two.  These pesky insects are a non-Native, invasive species.  This means that they did not appear in the Hawaiian Islands on their own accord.  Rather, they were introduced by humans.  Albeit indirectly - as hidden castaways on ships and/or inside shipping containers being transported to the islands over the last two hundred years of contact with the western world.  

The Hawaiian Islands are such an amazing balance of natural ecosystems and biodiversity that MANY species thrive here.  So, in regards to the cockroach, you might as well resign yourself to it and figure out a way to make it interesting.  

Here’s a fun fact to start with - there are nineteen different species of cockroaches in Hawaii!  So, when you come here - you can see how many species you are going to be able to spot.  Chances are that you will only see three distinct types...but if you go looking - you never know what you will find. 

The three pest species of cockroaches in Hawaii are the German cockroach, the Suriname cockroach, and the American cockroach.  American cockroaches are the big reddish-brown ones.  We don’t want to freak you out - but they have wings.  American cockroaches like warm, moist areas so they are really well suited to thrive in the Hawaiian islands and will frequently be found in Hawaiian jungle settings.  It won’t hurt you, but it might startle you with it's size.  Look for these on hikes and when you go to outdoor parties like a luau.


​The German cockroach is the one you are likely to see in hotels, vacation rentals, or restaurants.  They are hardy survivors and extremely hard to get rid of.  Typically you will find them in bathrooms, kitchens, and behind refrigerators and stoves.  They are nocturnal, so the most likely time to see them after the sun has set.

The burrowing cockroach (Suriname) is mostly a yard pest.  However, they do sometimes make it into houses and garages.  The main thing they seek is food, warmth, humidity, and dark places to nest.  Unfortunately, it only takes one pregnant female to create an infestation and cockroach numbers can increase nearly exponentially if conditions are favorable.  Even after extermination, eggs can hatch and start the cycle again.  These critters are evolutionary survivors!!! 

Here’s one last fun fact...a cockroach can live for up to a month without it's head!
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When you talk about food or plants in Hawaii, one of the first things that will come to mind is the coconut.  Called, Niu in the Hawaiian Language, this was one of the most important plants in the world to the ancient Hawaiians. 
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