Pentalonia nigronervosa is the sole vector of Banana bunchy top virus, the major production constraint for banana growers in Hawaii. P. nigronervosa was reared in the laboratory using different types of leaf cuttings from banana and other known alternative host plants, as well as on small potted banana plantlets. The longevity and fecundity of this aphid varied significantly between treatments. Values for longevity and fecundity were approximately twice as high on potted plantlets as the next greatest values obtained on leaf cuttings. The development and population growth potential of P. nigronervosa on banana plantlets and leaf cuttings are being studied under controlled conditions at 20, 25, and 30°C in the laboratory. Incidence and within-plant distribution of P. nigronervosa were observed in the field on Oahu, Hawaii, from summer 2004 to summer 2005. We found this insect to be common on plantation bananas in Hawaii, occurring on 76% of 1555 plants sampled. P. nigronervosa was observed in the bract around the base of the pseudostem in 72% of the plants sampled, while it was found on the newest, uppermost “cigar leaf” in 42% of the samples. Information obtained from this work will be useful in control efforts and development of sampling plans for P. nigronervosa.