Did you know there’s a Hawaii sunscreen ban on all sunscreen that isn’t reef safe? Keep scrolling to find the best sunscreen for Hawaii to add to your beach bag that’s Eco friendly!
This post about the best sunscreen for Hawaii was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Let me tell you about the time I paid $57 for sunscreen at an ABC store in Kona.
I’d packed my usual bottle, but it was almost empty, and I figured I’d just grab some more.
I wasn’t paying attention to the price and nearly fell over when I looked at my receipt.
Fifty-seven dollars!
Lesson learned: always pack more sunscreen than you think you need.
Here’s the other thing I learned the hard way: I get so excited about the Hawaiian sun (living in Seattle, we rarely see it) that I forget to reapply on days one and two of every trip.
And I always, always pay for it with a sunburn.
Now I carry a white linen shirt or pareo with me everywhere. The second I start feeling too warm, I cover my shoulders. Problem solved.
But the biggest game-changer?
Finding reef-safe sunscreen that actually works.
Hawaii banned the sale of certain chemical sunscreens back in 2021, and for good reason.
As a Hawaii travel expert who’s been visiting the islands for over 20 years (and dancing hula almost as long), I’ve seen firsthand why protecting Hawaii’s coral reefs matters so much.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about reef-safe sunscreen for Hawaii, including which ones I actually use with my own kids.
Why Hawaii Banned Certain Sunscreens (And Why You Should Care)
On January 1, 2021, Hawaii became the first state in the US to ban the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate.
You can’t buy them in stores anymore, though you can bring them with you (not that you should).
Why the ban? These chemicals cause coral bleaching.
When you swim in the ocean wearing traditional sunscreen, those chemicals wash off and damage the delicate relationship between coral and the organisms that keep reefs alive.
About 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter our oceans every year. That’s a lot of damage.
Maui County and Hawaii County went even further with mineral-only sunscreen requirements starting in late 2022. The islands aren’t messing around when it comes to protecting their reefs.
But here’s the thing that should matter even more to you: if these chemicals are bad enough to kill coral, do you really want to slather them all over your kids? I sure don’t.
How Mineral Sunscreen Actually Works
Traditional chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat.
Sounds great, except those chemicals also get absorbed into your skin (studies have found them in breast milk and blood samples).
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead. These sit on top of your skin and physically reflect or scatter UV rays before they can cause damage.
Think of it like holding up a tiny mirror to the sun instead of soaking it up like a sponge.
The downside? Mineral sunscreens can leave a white cast, feel thicker, and require more effort to rub in.
But honestly, once you find the right brand, it’s not that bad. I’ve found ones that work great for my family.
The Sunscreens I Actually Use (And Why)
Here’s my honest take on the best reef-safe sunscreens for Hawaii, organized by who they’re best for.
For Babies
Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Baby Bum is specifically formulated for babies’ sensitive skin. It’s plant-based, pediatrician and dermatologist approved, and comes in several forms: regular lotion, spray, and face stick.
The face stick is brilliant for squirmy babies. Trust me on this one. It’s so much easier than trying to rub lotion on a moving target.
What’s great: SPF 50, water resistant, fragrance-free, multiple application options The reality: Smaller bottles for the price, plastic packaging
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection (SPF 50)
Aveeno Baby sunscreen is thick, which means it really stays on. Aveeno knows baby skincare, and this sunscreen shows it. They also make a small stick version that’s perfect for faces.
What’s great: Pediatrician recommended, naturally sourced minerals, sweat and water resistant The reality: Not fragrance-free, takes effort to rub in completely
For Kids
Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
This is what I use with my own kids. Babyganics soaks in really well without leaving those white ghost marks all over their faces. It uses both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and it’s water-resistant for 80 minutes.
Here’s my trick that changed everything: I let my kids apply it to their own faces.
They used to HATE when I put sunscreen on their faces, but when I let them do it themselves? Game changer. Then I just go in and make sure they rubbed it in all the way.
What’s great: Minimal white cast, good for sensitive skin, kids can apply themselves The reality: Some mixed reviews on SPF effectiveness
Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream (SPF 30)
Badger is consistently rated as one of the absolute best reef-safe sunscreens. It’s 98% organic, GMO-free, non-nano, and biodegradable.
If you’re looking for the most natural option with a minimal ingredient list, Badger is your answer.
The SPF is lower at 30, so you’ll need to reapply more frequently. But the ingredients are as clean as it gets.
What’s great: Almost entirely organic, hypoallergenic, truly minimal ingredients The reality: Lower SPF means more frequent reapplication
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen for Kids (SPF 50)
Australian Gold Botanical is free from parabens, PABA, phthalates, petroleum, sulfates, dyes, and oils. It’s enhanced with Australian botanicals that actually nourish skin while protecting it.
This one is dermatologist and pediatrician approved, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free. It’s a solid all-around choice if you want something effective without a lot of questionable ingredients.
What’s great: Free from many chemicals, SPF 50, hypoallergenic The reality: Still uses plastic packaging
Thinksport Kids SPF 50+
Thinksport was the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods’ Premium Care Requirements.
It’s been top-rated by the Environmental Working Group since 2010. The formula is mineral-based, biodegradable, and free from parabens, phthalates, and harmful chemicals.
It absorbs easily, provides SPF 50+ protection, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Made by physicians and scientists, this is one parents trust.
What’s great: EWG top-rated since 2010, biodegradable, physician-formulated The reality: Can leave slight white tint on darker skin tones
For Adults
Mama Kuleana Waterproof SPF 30
Mama Kuleana is made in small batches right here in Hawaii. It’s highly moisturizing with nourishing oils that protect and soothe your skin. Plus, the packaging is biodegradable.
I love supporting small Hawaii businesses, and this one makes a great product. It’s one of my favorite Hawaiian reef-safe sunscreen options.
What’s great: Made in Hawaii, highly moisturizing, eco-friendly packaging The reality: More expensive, smaller container
Blue Lizard Reef Friendly Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Blue Lizard is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and great for sensitive skin. It’s completely mineral-based with no chemical active ingredients.
I find Blue Lizard works well as a general-purpose sunscreen for Hawaii, whether you’re exploring or hitting the beach.
The bottle turns blue in harmful UV light, which is kind of cool and helps you remember to reapply.
What’s great: Fragrance-free, SPF 50, waterproof and sweat-resistant, bottle changes color in UV light The reality: Plastic packaging
For Active People and Water Sports
Banana Boat Sport Ultra Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Banana Boat Sport is a well-respected reef-safe option that’s perfect for people who are active in and out of the water.
The lightweight formula is available as either a spray or cream, and you can choose from several SPF levels.
What’s great: Lightweight formula, multiple SPF options, great for water sports The reality: Spray doesn’t last as long, stronger scent than some others
My Actual Sunscreen Routine in Hawaii
Want to know what I really do? I use Babyganics on my kids because it rubs in well and they don’t complain.
For myself, I’ve started using Maui Vera products because they make the absolute best after-sun cream. Their sunscreen is great too.
I reapply every two hours when we’re at the beach (I set a timer on my phone now because I always forget otherwise). And I keep a cover-up handy for when I start feeling too warm.
After a day in the sun, I slather on Maui Vera’s after-sun gel. It’s saved me from so many painful sunburns I would have gotten from being lazy about reapplication.
Tips for Using Mineral Sunscreen Effectively
Apply More Than You Think You Need
Mineral sunscreen sits on top of your skin, so you need good coverage. Use about a shot glass worth for your whole body. That’s way more than most people use.
Give It Time to Set
Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before sun exposure. This gives it time to form a protective barrier on your skin.
Reapply, Reapply, Reapply
Most sunscreens are water-resistant for about 80 minutes. After swimming, toweling off, or sweating heavily, reapply immediately. And reapply every two hours no matter what. Set a timer.
Don’t Forget Your Ears, Feet, and Scalp
I learned this the hard way when I got a painful sunburn on the tops of my feet. If skin is exposed, it needs sunscreen. Consider a hat for your scalp if your hair is thin or you have a part line.
Let Kids Help
Seriously, this changed my life. My kids hated sunscreen application until I let them do their own faces. Now they think it’s fun. I just make sure they rubbed it in properly afterward.
What About Sunscreen Sticks and Sprays?
Sunscreen sticks are fantastic for faces, especially for kids. Much less drama than trying to rub lotion near eyes and mouths.
Sprays are convenient but have downsides. A lot of the product ends up on the sand instead of your skin, which wastes money and harms beach ecosystems.
If you do use spray, spray it on your hands first, then rub it on. Never spray directly onto faces.
Packing Sunscreen for Hawaii
Pack more than you think you need. You’ll go through it faster than you expect, especially if you have kids. And trust me, you don’t want to be the person paying $57 at an ABC store.
I always pack at least one full bottle per person for a week-long trip, sometimes more if we’re planning lots of beach days. Keep bottles in your checked luggage if they’re over 3.4 oz.
You can also buy sunscreen after you arrive. Most grocery stores and Target locations carry reef-safe options now.
Just look for mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients.
Other Sun Protection Tools
Sunscreen shouldn’t be your only defense. Here’s what else I always bring:
Lightweight cover-ups: A white linen shirt or pareo is clutch. When you start feeling too warm, cover your shoulders. Way easier than constant reapplication.
Wide-brim hats: Protects your face, ears, and neck. I have a packable one I love from Amazon.
UV-blocking sunglasses: Protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them. The Hawaiian sun is intense.
Rash guards: For kids (and adults!) who’ll be in the water a lot, a rash guard with UPF protection is a game-changer. Way less sunscreen needed.
Shade: Seek it out. Beach umbrellas, trees, covered pavilions. Your skin will thank you.
The Bottom Line
Will reef-safe sunscreen protect your family as well as chemical sunscreen? Absolutely.
Mineral sunscreens are highly effective at blocking both UVA and UVB rays. You’re not sacrificing protection by choosing reef-safe options.
The difference is that mineral sunscreens sit on top of your skin instead of soaking in. This means they might feel thicker and leave a slight white cast.
But honestly? Once you find a brand you like, you stop noticing.
Hawaii’s coral reefs are incredible. Snorkeling at spots like Hanauma Bay or Molokini Crater is pure magic.
Those reefs support entire ecosystems and protect Hawaii’s shorelines from erosion and storm damage. They’re worth protecting.
Plus, if chemicals are harmful enough to bleach coral, I don’t want them on my kids’ skin anyway. It’s a win-win.
Planning Your Hawaii Trip?
If you need help planning your Hawaii vacation, I offer personalized travel consultations where we’ll map out your entire itinerary based on your family’s needs.
You can also grab one of my comprehensive travel guides:
- Maui Travel Guide for Families
- Oahu Travel Guide for Families
- Kauai Travel Guide for Families
- Big Island Travel Guide for Families
And sign up for my free email courses on planning your trip:
Listen to my podcast: I cover all things Hawaii travel on Hawaii Travel Made Easy, including tips for packing, budgeting, and planning activities with kids.
Check out my other Hawaii packing guides: items people always forget to pack, eco-friendly travel essentials, beach essentials for babies, and hiking packing list.
Protect your skin, protect the reefs, and enjoy every sunny minute in Hawaii. Just don’t forget to reapply!
