Hawaii’s idyllic image is being challenged by a persistent and growing bed bug problem, with several cities across the islands taking action to combat these resilient pests. As travel rebounds and global bed bug numbers surge, Hawaii’s unique climate and high visitor turnover have made it especially vulnerable. Here’s how five Hawaii cities are fighting back against the bed bug onslaught in 2025.
1. Honolulu: Ground Zero for Bed Bug Battles
Honolulu, the state’s largest city and tourism hub, has faced repeated high-profile infestations in recent years. In 2023, a section of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport was shut down for extensive fumigation after bed bugs were discovered in terminal seating, prompting carpet removal and weeks of pest control.
The city’s emergency call center, which houses critical services like the Honolulu Police Department and EMS, was also temporarily closed for fumigation after bed bugs were found crawling on staff. Local pest control companies, such as Wela Pest Control, now offer rapid-response heat treatments, promising to eradicate bed bugs in homes and businesses within a single day. Honolulu’s dense population and constant influx of travelers make vigilance and swift action essential.
2. Waikiki: Tourist Hotspot, Bed Bug Hotspot
Waikiki, a world-famous tourist district within Honolulu, has seen a spike in bed bug complaints from both visitors and residents. Recent reports include a Japanese family’s ordeal at a major hotel, where multiple room changes failed to resolve the infestation, resulting in severe bites and ruined vacations.
The hospitality industry faces mounting pressure to address the issue, but with no state law requiring hotels to disclose or treat bed bug infestations, responses vary widely. Some properties are exploring new technologies, such as smart bed legs that trap and alert staff to bed bugs, but widespread adoption remains limited.
3. Kapolei: Suburban Spread and Community Response
Kapolei, one of Oahu’s fastest-growing cities, is not immune to the bed bug surge. As more families move into new apartments and homes, pest control companies report increased calls for bed bug treatments in multi-unit buildings.
The city’s community associations are working with pest management professionals to educate residents about prevention—such as using mattress covers, reducing clutter, and avoiding secondhand furniture. Kapolei’s proactive approach aims to stop infestations before they spread through entire complexes.
4. Kailua: Residential Vigilance
Kailua, a popular residential and vacation rental area on Oahu’s windward side, has seen bed bugs infiltrate both homes and short-term rentals. With the rise of vacation rentals, the risk of bed bugs hitchhiking between properties has grown.
Local pest control experts emphasize regular inspections, prompt reporting, and heat-based extermination as the most effective strategies. Community outreach programs encourage residents and property managers to act quickly at the first sign of infestation.
5. Mililani: Schools and Public Facilities on Alert
Mililani, a family-oriented city in central Oahu, has experienced bed bug incidents in schools and public facilities, raising concerns about the pests spreading among children and staff. The city has responded with targeted fumigation, increased cleaning protocols, and educational campaigns in schools to help families identify and prevent bed bug problems at home.
The Statewide Challenge
Despite these local efforts, Hawaii lacks comprehensive statewide regulations for bed bug control in hotels and public accommodations. Proposed legislation in 2025 would require landlords to ensure rental properties are bed bug-free, but hotels remain largely self-regulated.
As bed bugs continue to thrive in Hawaii’s warm, humid climate, cities like Honolulu, Waikiki, Kapolei, Kailua, and Mililani are leading the fight—combining rapid response, community education, and new technology to protect residents and visitors from this persistent pest.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.civilbeat.org/2025/02/hawai%CA%BBi-might-ban-bedbugs-in-housing-but-not-hotels/
[2] https://beatofhawaii.com/hawaii-hotels-and-bedbugs-state-wont-act-but-new-tech-might/
[3] https://hawaiibedbugsolutions.com
[4] https://beatofhawaii.com/bedbug-scares-and-hawaii-travel-what-you-should-know/
[5] https://www.sandwichisle.com/bed-bug-control/
