[Objectives]  To assess the risk of spinetoram resistance in Thrips hawaiiensis and provide a theoretical basis for the rational application of insecticides to control these pests. [Methods]  The thrips insecticide bioassay system (TIBS) was used to bioassay different insecticides. A resistant population of thrips was established by group selection, and realized heritability (h²) and resistance development rates were estimated using the threshold trait analysis method. [Results]  The T. hawaiiensis strain developed 19.42-fold resistance to spinetoram after 17 generations of selection over 20 generations. The average h² of this strain was estimated as 0.1317. According to the pattern of spinetoram resistance development in T. hawaiiensis, h² values in four stages of resistance development were 0.1960 (G₁-G₃), 0.1796 (G₅-G₉), 0.1262 (G₁₁-G₁₄) and 0.0944 (G₁₆-G₂₀), respectively. Based on the average h² of 0.1317, it was predicted that T. hawaiiensis would need 16.68, 13.70、11.21、9.52、7.55、2.55 generations to develop 10-fold resistance to spinetoram under selection pressures (mortality) of 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 99%, respectively. [Conclusion]  These findings indicate that T. hawaiiensis is capable of developing resistance to spinetoram, and that this insecticide should therefore be used rationally in the field.