This species is a member of the planitiba subgroup of the picture-wing clade of Hawaiian Drosophila.

[2] Drosophila hemipeza flies are yellow with two brown dorsal stripes, slender legs, and relatively long, slightly pointed, wings.

[3] They have been recorded breeding on bark from opuhe (Urera kaalae), as well as on plants in the genera Cyanea and Lobelia.

[2] Threats to the conservation of D. hemipeza include loss-of-habitat, in part due to invasive pigs and goats, as well as introduced predators such as big-headed ants, yellow crazy ants, and yellowjacket wasps.

In addition, the host plants of D. hemipeza are increasingly rare (opuhe is also listed as critically endangered).