Top 17 Hawaii Reef Safe Sunscreen: Best for Skin and Coral Life

Yes, basking under the Hawaiian sun sure feels refreshing, relaxing, and recharging. But unprotected sun exposure also puts us at risk of sunburn, tan lines, premature aging, and even skin cancer. That’s why packing out your bag for any Hawaiian adventure without including native essentials like reef-safe sunscreen would remain incomplete.

Sunscreen isn’t just our top beauty secret: it’s a skin-guarding potion against harmful sun rays. So, no matter where we’re traveling in 2024—or beyond, prioritizing sunscreen is non-negotiable. When it comes to Hawaii where laws for sunscreen are a bit stricter side, it’s important to choose the best reef safe sunscreen for Hawaii that not only is safe for the reefs but also provides an extra layer of protection against those brightening sun.

Besides Hawaii-approved reef safe sunscreen, don’t forget adding other essentials and pool-side accessories like sun-protective clothing, stylish wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection. Browse through our curated selection of top reef-safe sunscreen picks of 2024 for your Hawaiian getaway!

Hawaii Reef Safe Sunscreens Outlines

• Why is Reef Safe Sunscreen Required in Hawaii?
  
  
• What Does “Reef-safe” Sunscreen Mean?
  
  
• Where to Buy Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Hawaii?
  
  
• Reef Safe Sunscreen Hawaii Ingredients: Essential Tips
  
  
• Best Reef Safe Sunscreen for Hawaii in 2024
  
  

Why is Reef Safe Sunscreen Required in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, the sale of sunscreen products containing coral-harming chemicals, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, is banned. On January 1, 2021, Hawaii passed regulations encouraging residents and visitors to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect vulnerable marine life.

Did you know that most regular sunscreen typically contain coral-harming chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate? These chemicals have a terrible reputation for causing coral bleaching.

Coral bleaching occurs when underwater conditions like temperature, light, or nutrients change and stress out the corals. When corals are stressed, they expel algae, resulting in the loss of their vibrant colors and eventually turning white. Ultimately they die due to the impact of heat stress caused by these toxic chemicals found in most sunscreen products.

Shockingly, about 14,000 tons of sunscreen with these toxic chemicals end up in our coral reefs every single year. Coral bleaching harms the overall reef ecosystems where corals have a more challenging time surviving and staying healthy. And once these corals die, “reefs rarely come back”.

What Does “Reef-safe” Sunscreen Mean?

In the simplest terms, “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” sunscreen is one that typically does not contain two common UV-blocking ingredients known to contribute to coral bleaching: oxybenzone and octinoxate.

Where to Buy Reef-Safe Sunscreen in Hawaii? 

Starting January 1, 2021, finding reef-safe sunscreen in Hawaii and across the United States has become more accessible. Many local grocery and convenience stores, as well as chains like Target, Costco, and CVS, now carry reef-safe options. You might also find them at watersport businesses like snorkel, windsurfing, and dive shops.

You can also look for Hawaii reef safe sunscreen online on sites like:

• Amazon
  
  
• Walmart
  
  
• Target | Target stores in Hawaii
  
  
• Costco
  
  

Just make sure the sunscreen you pick doesn’t contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other harmful chemicals as the Ingredients.

Reef Safe Sunscreen Hawaii Ingredients: Essential Tips

Picking out ocean-safe sunscreen isn’t just about shielding your skin from sunburns and skin cancer—it’s also about being a responsible guardian of our oceans and marine buddies. Finding the right sunscreen that does the job and keeps our reefs safe might feel like a puzzle. Here’s a handy checklist to carry while shopping for sunscreen to protect your skin and our gorgeous reefs.

Best Reef Safe Sunscreen for Hawaii in 2024

Whether you’re lazing on the beach or snorkeling in those crystal-clear waters, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your skin, as well as Hawai’i’s marine life, are safe and protected with these best reef-safe sunscreen of 2024 for Hawaii.

Top Reef Safe Sunscreen Picks of 2024 for Hawaii

1. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen (Hawaii Approved)
   
   
2. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion (Hawaii Approved)
   
   
3. Paula’s Choice Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30
   
   
4. Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Clear Zinc Lotion
   
   
5. Kokua Sun Care SPF 50/80 Lotion
   
   
6. Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 (Hawaii Approved)
   
   
7. Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
   
   
8. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body & Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
   
   
9. Banana Boat Simply Protect SPF 50
   
   
10.  Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50
    
    
11.  Badger Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 (Hawaii Approved)
    
    
12.  Little Hands Hawaii SPF 35
    
    
13.  MANDA Waterproof SPF 50 Sunscreen Paste (Hawaii Approved)
    
    
14.  Raw Elements SPF 30 (Hawaii Approved)
    
    
15.  Suntegrity Mineral Sunscreen For Body
    
    
16.  Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ (Hawaii Approved)
    
    
17.  Alba Botanica Sunscreen Spray (Hawaii Approved)
    
    

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information provided here is for general guidance and informational purposes only, and is not medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance, and recommendations, or before making decisions based on this article.

Please keep in mind that sunscreen regulations may differ between Hawaiian islands, so it is best to check the current laws for each destination before purchasing and applying reef-safe sunscreen.