10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii
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Key Takeaways
- Hawaii's Act 104 bans the sale of oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens statewide as of January 1, 2021.
- Maui County goes further and bans all non-mineral sunscreen products.
- The term "reef safe" is not regulated — flip the bottle and check the active ingredients list.
- Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients.
- Non-nano zinc oxide is the safest option: too large to be absorbed by coral polyps.
- Order before your trip — sunscreen is more expensive and harder to find on the islands.
- Even with a rash guard, you still need mineral sunscreen on your face, neck, and legs.
What Hawaii's Sunscreen Law Actually Says
In 2018, Hawaii passed Act 104, making it the first US state to ban the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate. The law took effect on January 1, 2021.
Here's what that means for you: you cannot buy sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate in Hawaii without a prescription. You can still bring them from home and use them, but the law prohibits their sale and distribution in stores.
Maui County goes even further. In Maui, the sale of all non-mineral sunscreens is restricted, not just those two chemicals. So if you're visiting Maui, you really want a mineral-only formula in your bag.
If you care about the ecosystem you're visiting, the reason for the law is clear. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are linked to coral bleaching and damage to marine life, even at very low concentrations. We're talking about one drop in an Olympic-size swimming pool being enough to cause harm.
Hawaii isn't alone on this, either. Key West and Aruba have passed similar sunscreen laws. This is a growing global issue, and Hawaii was simply first to act.
How to Choose the Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii
Here's something most people don't know: the term "reef safe" is not regulated by the FDA. Any brand can put it on the front label, even if the formula is harmful to reefs. So skip the front of the bottle and go straight to the active ingredients list.
What you want to see: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients. These are mineral-based UV filters that sit on top of your skin rather than absorbing in, and they are not linked to coral bleaching.
What to avoid: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone. Oxybenzone and octinoxate are the two that Hawaii law bans, but the others are still under review by marine biologists.
One more term worth knowing: non-nano. This describes the particle size of the zinc oxide. Nanoparticle forms can potentially be absorbed by coral polyps. Non-nano particles are too large for that, so they're the safer choice for reef areas.
My advice for your first trip to Hawaii: order one of the best reef safe sunscreens for Hawaii before you fly. Prices on the island are higher, and the selection is smaller since the ban took effect.
Find Your Perfect Reef-Safe Sunscreen
The 10 Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii
I've used all of these in real Hawaii ocean conditions, from snorkeling over coral heads to long beach days in full sun. Here's my honest take on each one.
1. Kokua Sun Care SPF 50 Hawaiian Natural Zinc Lotion
This is my personal go-to for snorkeling in Hawaii. Kokua Sun Care is made in Hawaii using locally sourced ingredients, including kukui nut oil, macadamia nut oil, Hawaiian spirulina, noni, and plumeria extract. The active ingredient is 25% non-nano zinc oxide — one of the highest concentrations you'll find — and it goes on smoothly for a zinc-heavy formula.
It's free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and over 40 sunscreen ingredients identified as harmful to coral reefs and marine life. The EWG gives it a top safety rating. This is the best reef safe sunscreen I've found for Hawaii, full stop.
Check Price on Amazon →2. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Sun Bum is the most popular sunscreen brand you'll see on Hawaiian beaches. The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 has no oxybenzone or octinoxate, so it's legal to buy in Hawaii. It's lightweight, leaves no white cast, and is infused with Vitamin E.
My honest take: Sun Bum Original uses chemical UV filters like avobenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene. It passes Hawaii law, but it's not fully reef-safe by marine biologist standards. For lounging on the beach, great. For snorkeling over live coral, step up to a mineral option.
Check Price on Amazon →3. Stream2Sea Reef-Safe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30/50
Stream2Sea is the only sunscreen brand I know of that has done actual lab testing on coral and fish to confirm their formula causes no harm. Not just "no oxybenzone" marketing — real ecological testing. That matters a lot if you're serious about protecting Hawaii's marine ecosystems.
The formula uses non-nano zinc oxide and is certified biodegradable. It's a little thicker than some options, but holds up really well in the water. If you're snorkeling at Hanauma Bay or the best beaches on the Big Island, Stream2Sea is one of the most responsible choices on this list.
Visit Stream2Sea →4. Coral Safe SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Coral Safe uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the active ingredients, giving you full broad-spectrum protection. It's a solid mid-range option that works well for both adults and kids. No gimmicks, no harmful chemicals, and it performs well on beach days with regular snorkel outings.
Check Price on Amazon →5. Badger Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
If clean, simple ingredients are your top priority, Badger is hard to beat. This mineral sunscreen has just five ingredients: zinc oxide at 18.75%, organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, sunflower vitamin E, and organic seabuckthorn extract. No parabens, no fragrance, no hidden harmful chemicals.
The trade-off is water resistance. Badger SPF 30 is rated for 40 minutes in the water rather than 80, so you'll need to reapply more often during a long snorkel session. For a beach day with some swimming, or as a daily face sunscreen, it's a fantastic reef-friendly choice.
Check Price on Amazon →6. Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50
Reef Repair takes its name seriously. The SPF 50 mineral formula is water resistant for 80 minutes, which makes it a strong pick for serious snorkelers and surfers. Zinc oxide is the active ingredient, and the formula has no oxybenzone or octinoxate.
It applies a little thicker than some others on this list. But if you're going to be in the water for long stretches — like a full day at a North Shore Kauai beach — that staying power is exactly what you want.
Check Price on Amazon →7. RAW LOVE All Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
RAW LOVE is another sunscreen brand built with Hawaii's ocean in mind. The all-natural mineral formula uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and meets Maui County's stricter rules that ban all non-mineral formulas. It feels smooth and natural on your skin and works well for sensitive skin types.
Check Price on Amazon →8. Coral Isles Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 Lotion
Coral Isles delivers solid SPF 50 protection in a lightweight lotion that avoids the thick, chalky feeling that can come with some zinc oxide sunscreens. It's mineral-based with no oxybenzone or octinoxate, and it works well as both an everyday lotion and a beach formula.
Check Price on Amazon →9. Banana Boat Simply Protect Mineral Enriched Sunscreen
Need something affordable and easy to find? Banana Boat Simply Protect is mineral enriched and free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, so it's legal to buy in Hawaii and gentler on reefs than standard chemical sunscreen. It's a solid option if you're watching your budget before the trip.
Check Price on Amazon →10. Suntegrity Mineral Sunscreen for Body SPF 30
Suntegrity rounds out this list with a clean, EWG-verified formula that uses non-nano zinc oxide and is made with aloe vera and antioxidants. It feels genuinely pleasant on your skin on a hot Hawaiian day, not just functional. I like this one for full days out exploring Hawaii's beaches and hiking to waterfalls.
Check Price on Amazon →Best Reef Safe Sunscreens for Hawaii: Comparison at a Glance
| Sunscreen | SPF | Active Ingredient | Non-Nano | Water Resist. | Hawaii Legal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kokua Sun Care | 50 | Zinc Oxide 25% | Yes | 80 min | Yes |
| Sun Bum Original | 50 | Chemical blend | No | 80 min | Yes |
| Stream2Sea | 30/50 | Zinc Oxide | Yes | 80 min | Yes |
| Coral Safe | 50 | Zinc + Titanium | Yes | 80 min | Yes |
| Badger SPF 30 | 30 | Zinc Oxide 18.75% | Yes | 40 min | Yes |
| Reef Repair SPF 50 | 50 | Zinc Oxide | Yes | 80 min | Yes |
| RAW LOVE | 30 | Zinc Oxide | Yes | 40 min | Yes |
| Coral Isles | 50 | Zinc Oxide | Yes | 80 min | Yes |
| Banana Boat Simply | 50 | Mineral enriched | No | 80 min | Yes |
| Suntegrity Body | 30 | Zinc Oxide | Yes | 80 min | Yes |
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: What's the Difference?
So why does it matter whether your sunscreen is mineral or chemical? Here's a simple breakdown.
✓ Mineral Sunscreen Pros
- Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are not linked to coral bleaching
- Non-nano particles are safe for marine ecosystems
- Works right away — no wait time needed
- Less likely to cause skin irritation or reactions
- Safe for Hawaii reef areas, including under Maui's stricter rules
✗ Mineral Sunscreen Cons
- Can leave a slight white cast, especially on darker skin tones
- Some formulas feel thicker and take more effort to rub in
- Usually costs more than drugstore chemical sunscreens
- Lower SPF options may need more frequent reapplication
Tips for Buying Sunscreen Before Your Hawaii Trip
Buy before you go. The best reef safe sunscreen for Hawaii costs more on the island, and selection is smaller since the sunscreen ban took effect. Order on Amazon or pick some up at a natural grocery store before your flight. It's one of the most common Hawaii travel mistakes to avoid.
Reapply every 80 minutes in the water. Even the best water-resistant formulas are only rated for 80 minutes. After that, the sunscreen has washed off and you need another coat. The Hawaiian sun is much more intense than most people expect.
Check the label, not the front of the bottle. "Reef safe" is not a regulated term. Flip the bottle over and read the active ingredients. See oxybenzone or octinoxate? Banned from sale in Hawaii. See zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients? You're good.
Pair it with a rash guard. Wearing a rash guard plus mineral sunscreen on exposed areas reduces the total amount of sunscreen entering the ocean. It's what I do every time I snorkel in Hawaii.
Want more tips for your trip? Check out my guide on 23 things to know when planning a trip to Hawaii.
What Other Travelers Are Saying
"Kokua Sun Care is the real deal. I was nervous about switching to mineral sunscreen but this goes on like a regular lotion. I didn't burn once during a week of snorkeling on the Big Island."Sarah T. — verified Amazon reviewer
"Stream2Sea got us through a whole day at Hanauma Bay. No burns, no stinging eyes, and I felt good knowing it was actually tested for reef safety. Will never go back to regular sunscreen for Hawaii."Mike R. — verified Amazon reviewer
My Top Pick: Kokua Sun Care SPF 50
Made in Hawaii, tested in Hawaii's waters, and packed with Hawaiian botanicals. 25% non-nano zinc oxide, 80-minute water resistance, and a formula that actually feels good on your skin.
Which Reef-Safe Sunscreen Should You Get?
Best for snorkeling: Kokua Sun Care SPF 50 or Stream2Sea. Both are non-nano, 80-minute water resistant, and tested for marine life safety.
Best on a budget: Banana Boat Simply Protect. It's Hawaii law compliant and a solid step up from standard chemical sunscreen, even if it's not fully mineral.
Best for sensitive skin: Badger SPF 30. Five clean ingredients, 98% organic, and very gentle on your skin.
Best for reef protection: Stream2Sea. It's the only sunscreen on this list that has been lab-tested directly on coral and fish. If leaving the reef exactly as you found it matters to you, this is the one.
Skip if: You want zero white cast and aren't snorkeling over live coral. Sun Bum Original feels the lightest, but it's the least reef-protective option on this list.
All 10 of the best reef safe sunscreens for Hawaii on this list are available on Amazon with Prime shipping. If you're still figuring out which island to visit, add one of these to your cart now so you're set when you land.
Planning Your Hawaii Trip?
Sunscreen is just one piece of the puzzle. Get all my best tips for making the most of your time in Hawaii.
Read My Hawaii First-Timer's GuideFrequently Asked Questions About Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Hawaii
Is reef safe sunscreen required in Hawaii?
Hawaii passed Act 104, which prohibits the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate without a prescription. The law took effect January 1, 2021. You can still bring and use those sunscreens from home, but you cannot buy them in Hawaii stores. Maui County has gone further and bans all non-mineral sunscreen products.
What sunscreen ingredients are banned in Hawaii?
Hawaii's statewide sunscreen ban covers oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemical UV filters linked to coral bleaching. Maui County also restricts all chemical sunscreen actives, requiring mineral-only formulas. Always check the active ingredient list before you buy, and look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients.
What is the best reef safe sunscreen for Hawaii snorkeling?
For snorkeling in Hawaii, Kokua Sun Care SPF 50 and Stream2Sea are the top picks. Both use non-nano zinc oxide, are water resistant for 80 minutes, and have been tested for impact on coral reefs and marine life. Stream2Sea is the only brand with direct coral and fish toxicity testing, making it the strongest choice if reef safety is your top priority.
Is Sun Bum sunscreen reef safe and legal in Hawaii?
Sun Bum's Hawaii Act 104 compliant line has no oxybenzone or octinoxate, so it's legal to buy in Hawaii. The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 lotion uses chemical UV filters like avobenzone and octocrylene. While it meets Hawaii's sunscreen laws, it is not considered fully reef-safe by marine biologists. For true coral reef protection, a mineral-based formula is the better choice.
What does non-nano zinc oxide mean?
Non-nano means the zinc oxide particles are larger than 100 nanometers. Nanoparticle zinc can potentially be absorbed by coral polyps, which is harmful to the reef. Non-nano particles are too large for that absorption. Look for "non-nano" in the product description or on the sunscreen label when buying sunscreen for Hawaii.
Can I buy reef safe sunscreen in Hawaii?
Yes. Since the sunscreen ban took effect, most major retailers in Hawaii carry reef-safe options. That said, selection and pricing is generally better if you order online before you travel. Brands like Kokua Sun Care are made in Hawaii and are sold at ABC Stores, Whole Foods, and pharmacies around the islands.
Do I still need sunscreen in Hawaii if I wear a rash guard?
A rash guard covers your torso and arms but leaves your face, neck, and legs exposed. You still need reef-safe sunscreen on any uncovered skin. Many snorkelers use a rash guard plus mineral sunscreen on exposed areas to reduce the total amount of sunscreen that enters the water, which is better for marine ecosystems and better for your skin.
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Bryan Murphy is the creator of Hawaii's Best Travel and host of the Hawaii's Best podcast, a top-30 U.S. travel podcast with 650,000+ downloads and a 4.9-star rating from 280+ reviews on Apple Podcasts. A Certified Hawaii Destination Expert and member of the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, he helps visitors plan more meaningful trips to Hawaii with practical, respectful guidance. His work has been featured in Travel + Leisure, National Geographic, Yahoo!, Simple Flying, USA Today, Parents, and Fox.
