What Hawaii’s sunscreen law means, which chemicals to avoid, and what to actually put on before you hit the beach
Hawaii was the first state in the U.S. to ban certain chemical sunscreens — and for good reason. The reefs here are some of the most biologically rich on Earth, and they’re already stressed by warming water and storm runoff. Oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two main chemicals targeted by Hawaii’s reef safe sunscreen law, have been shown to cause coral bleaching and disrupt reef reproduction even in tiny concentrations.
This guide explains the law, what to look for on the label, which brands actually pass muster, and why mineral sunscreen is worth the extra few bucks.
Hawaii’s Act 104 prohibits the sale of sunscreen products containing oxybenzone or octinoxate without a valid prescription. Retail stores, pharmacies, and beach vendors across all islands must comply.
Maui County went further and added octocylene to its ban. Some state parks and marine sanctuaries post additional restrictions on chemical sunscreens, regardless of what the law requires.
Important: bringing your own sunscreen from the mainland is legal. The ban applies to sales within Hawaii, not personal possession. But please consider the reef.
Check your sunscreen’s active ingredients list for these names:
Look for these as the only active ingredients:
Note: product formulations change. Always verify the active ingredients list at time of purchase.
Hawaii’s reefs are home to roughly 25% of all marine species found in Hawaiian waters. Places like Hanauma Bay, Molokini Crater, and Honaunau Bay draw hundreds of thousands of snorkelers each year. A single average beach day can wash significant amounts of chemical sunscreen off visitors into enclosed reef environments.
Research published in the journal Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology found oxybenzone causes coral to bleach at concentrations as low as 62 parts per trillion — roughly equivalent to one drop in 6.5 million gallons of water. Even small amounts matter at heavily visited reefs.
Rash guards and UV-protective clothing are also a great option — they reduce how much sunscreen you need on the areas they cover, and they’re increasingly popular at snorkel sites.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer
Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project not affiliated with any government agency or health authority. Sunscreen recommendations on this page are general guidance only. Always verify product ingredients yourself. Legal information is provided for general reference — consult Hawaii state law for official requirements.
Check current water quality at the Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch before swimming.
When in doubt, don’t go out. 🤙