Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Hawaii
State and county rules in plain words, and what to buy.
Plan My Hawaii TripHawaii’s Sunscreen Rules in Plain Words
Hawaii protects its coral reefs partly through sunscreen rules. They differ between the state and the counties, which confuses many visitors. Here is the short version, checked against official and local news sources in October 2026.
| Rule | Where | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| State law (in effect since 1 January 2021) | All islands | Bans the sale and distribution of sunscreen containing oxybenzone or octinoxate without a prescription. |
| Maui County Ordinance 5306 (since 1 October 2022) | Maui, Molokai, Lanai | Only mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients) may be sold, distributed or used, unless prescribed. |
| Hawaii County rule (since 1 December 2022) | Hawaii Island | Bans the sale of non-mineral sunscreen. |
Rules can change, so check the county’s own page before you travel; Maui County publishes a mineral-only sunscreen page at mauicounty.gov.
What to Pack
- A mineral sunscreen whose active ingredients are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
- A rash guard or swim shirt, which cuts the amount of sunscreen you need and protects better in the water.
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for beach days.
- Lip balm with SPF, and a small bottle for your daypack.
- If flying carry-on only: sunscreen counts as a liquid, so keep each container to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) in your quart bag, or buy a large bottle on arrival. See TSA’s What Can I Bring list.
Being Kind to the Reef
Sunscreen is only part of it. Look but do not touch or stand on coral; keep a respectful distance from sea turtles and monk seals; and use calm, sandy entries rather than walking over reef flats. Apply sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before you get in the water so less of it rinses off straight away. If you are snorkeling from a boat, crew members usually brief you on the local rules; find trips on Discount Shore Activities.
Mineral sunscreens can leave a white sheen; tinted versions and lotions rub in more easily than thick pastes. Try one at home before your trip so you are not surprised on the first beach day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring regular sunscreen to Hawaii?
The state law bans the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone or octinoxate, not bringing them in. But Maui County (Maui, Molokai and Lanai) prohibits using non-mineral sunscreen without a prescription, so the simple answer is to pack or buy a mineral sunscreen for the whole trip.
What counts as reef-safe sunscreen in Hawaii?
“Reef safe” is a marketing term, not a legal one. What the laws look at are ingredients: Maui County allows only mineral sunscreens whose active ingredients are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Check the active ingredients on the label, not the front of the bottle.
Is sunscreen easy to buy in Hawaii?
Yes. Mineral sunscreens are widely sold in island stores, so you can buy on arrival if you prefer to travel light.
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