Ruth Haines
Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing certain ingredients, including oxybenzone and octinoxate, due to their harmful effects on the state's marine environment and ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. As a result, visitors to Hawaii must be mindful of the type of sunscreen they bring or purchase upon arrival. While some travellers opt to pack sunscreen in their checked luggage, others choose to buy it at their destination, either at the airport or local stores. This raises the question of whether travellers can conveniently purchase sunscreen upon arriving at the Hawaii airport and what factors they should consider when making their purchase.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I buy sunscreen in Hawaii? | Yes, but only if it is reef-safe. |
| Can I buy sunscreen at the Hawaii airport? | Yes, but it is recommended to buy it before your trip as it is more expensive at the airport. |
| What kind of sunscreen can I buy in Hawaii? | Mineral-based sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, or avobenzone. |
| What kind of sunscreen can I bring to Hawaii? | Sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, or avobenzone. |
| How much sunscreen can I bring to Hawaii? | Sunscreen can be brought in containers of 3.4 oz or less in carry-on luggage. Larger containers must be placed in checked bags. |
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What You'll Learn
- Sunscreen with certain ingredients is banned in Hawaii
- You can buy sunscreen in Hawaii grocery stores, Costco, department stores, and convenience stores
- Sunscreen must be packed in checked luggage due to TSA rules
- Sunscreen can be purchased at the airport, but it may be more expensive
- Mineral sunscreens are recommended for use in Hawaii
Sunscreen with certain ingredients is banned in Hawaii
Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing certain ingredients due to their harmful effects on the marine environment and ecosystems, including coral reefs. The ban was implemented to prevent further damage to the coral reefs, which are already endangered. Studies have shown that some sunscreen ingredients contribute to coral reef destruction by causing coral bleaching and coral DNA damage.
The first set of banned ingredients includes oxybenzone and octinoxate, which took effect on January 1, 2021. Oxybenzone is a chemical compound that can slow the absorption of UVA and UVB rays. It is toxic to coral reefs and other marine life and is considered a skeletal endocrine disruptor. Octinoxate, also known as cinnamate ester, is the most commonly used sunscreen ingredient in the United States. It provides protection from UVB rays but does not block UVA rays. Like oxybenzone, it has been shown to have harmful effects on marine ecosystems.
There is also a proposed ban on sunscreens containing octocrylene and avobenzone, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2023, if passed by the state senate. Octocrylene provides UVB protection and limited UVA protection. Studies have found that octocrylene can degrade into benzophenone, a carcinogen and herbicide toxic to aquatic organisms. Avobenzone is a UV protector that can block UVA I, UVA II, and UVB rays. It is a potential endocrine disruptor that can harm marine life and make coral less resistant to high temperatures.
Additionally, two Hawaiian counties, Maui County and Hawaii County, have gone further by banning all chemical sunscreen actives, allowing only mineral sunscreens for tourists and residents. Mineral sunscreens have improved in recent years, offering invisible coverage and broad-spectrum protection. Zinc oxide, for example, provides broad-spectrum sun protection and is known for its soothing properties.
When travelling to Hawaii, it is important to be aware of these sunscreen bans and plan accordingly. Tourists and residents are advised to use mineral sunscreens that are reef-safe and do not contain the banned ingredients.
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You can buy sunscreen in Hawaii grocery stores, Costco, department stores, and convenience stores
If you're travelling to Hawaii and need to buy sunscreen, you can purchase it at Hawaii grocery stores, Costco, department stores, and convenience stores. From January 1st, 2021, sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate have been banned from sale in Hawaii due to their harmful effects on the coral reef. So, when buying sunscreen in Hawaii, you can be sure that any product you find in these stores will be reef-safe.
Hawaii grocery stores stock a range of reef-safe sunscreens, including big brands like Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat, as well as natural brands like Blue Lizard. A 6-ounce bottle of sunscreen typically costs around $12.99 at a grocery store, so you may prefer to bring your own sunscreen from home. However, if you've forgotten to pack sunscreen or run out during your trip, you can easily purchase it at a local grocery store.
Costco in Hawaii also offers reef-safe sunscreens. While some customers have described the sunscreen available at Costco as "ugly" due to its white cast, it is a more affordable option.
Department stores in Hawaii, such as CVS, Walgreens, and Target, also provide a selection of reef-safe sunscreens. These stores may offer a wider range of brands and types, including mineral-based sunscreens that are recommended for use in Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii.
Additionally, convenience stores in Hawaii, like ABC stores, sell reef-safe sunscreens. Banana Boat Sport, for example, is a low-priced, reef-safe option available at convenience stores.
When purchasing sunscreen in Hawaii, remember to read the labels carefully and choose products that are mineral-based and free from oxybenzone and octinoxate to ensure you are using a reef-safe option.
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$13.97 $17.99
Sunscreen must be packed in checked luggage due to TSA rules
Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing certain ingredients that are harmful to its marine environment and ecosystems, including coral reefs. The banned ingredients include oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and avobenzone. As a result, mineral sunscreens that are reef-safe are the only option for tourists and residents in Hawaii.
When travelling with sunscreen, it is important to follow airline regulations and security guidelines to ensure a smooth journey. Sunscreen is typically considered a restricted medicinal or toiletry article by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). For carry-on luggage, the TSA's 3-1-1 rule limits passengers to bringing liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers sized 3.4 ounces or 100ml or less. These containers must fit into a single quart-sized, clear, resealable plastic bag.
To comply with these restrictions, some travellers opt to purchase sunscreen at their destination, pack sunscreen in checked luggage, or ship their luggage ahead of time to avoid the hassle of TSA restrictions. For checked luggage, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) limits the total amount of restricted medicinal and toiletry articles, including aerosols, to 2 kg or 2 L. Each container must not exceed 0.5 kg or 500 ml, and aerosol release devices must be protected to prevent accidental release.
Therefore, while sunscreen can be packed in carry-on luggage in small quantities, it is often more convenient and compliant with TSA rules to pack sunscreen in checked luggage. This allows travellers to bring larger quantities of sunscreen and avoid the risk of confiscation at security checkpoints.
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Sunscreen can be purchased at the airport, but it may be more expensive
Since January 1, 2021, Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing the chemical active ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals have been found to have harmful impacts on the state's marine environment and ecosystems, including coral reefs. As such, sunscreens sold in Hawaii are required to be reef-safe.
If you're travelling to Hawaii and plan to buy sunscreen at the airport, you can do so at grocery stores, Costco, department stores, and convenience stores. However, keep in mind that sunscreen prices in Hawaii may be higher than in other places. For example, a 6-ounce bottle of sunscreen at a grocery store in Hawaii averages $12.99.
Additionally, due to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) 3-1-1 rules, passengers are limited to bringing liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers sized 3.4 ounces or less in their carry-on luggage. These items must also fit into a single quart-sized zip-top bag. Therefore, if you plan to bring your own sunscreen, you may need to pack it in your checked luggage or purchase a smaller travel-sized container.
It is worth noting that some travellers have reported buying sunscreen at their destination, including Hawaii, to avoid the hassle of packing and carrying it with them. This approach may be more convenient, especially if you are travelling with only carry-on luggage.
Hawaii's sunscreen regulations aim to protect the state's fragile natural environment and coral reefs. When visiting, it is essential to use reef-safe sunscreen and support the preservation of Hawaii's unique ecosystems.
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Mineral sunscreens are recommended for use in Hawaii
Hawaii has not banned sunscreen entirely, but it has banned sunscreen products containing certain ingredients. Research has shown that some sunscreen ingredients are highly damaging to coral reef ecosystems. Exposure to these ingredients has been linked to coral bleaching and coral DNA damage. Since the coral reefs are already endangered, Hawaii has taken protective measures.
Hawaii banned the distribution and sale of products containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, which came into effect on January 1, 2021. Oxybenzone is toxic to coral reefs and other types of marine life. Octinoxate is the most commonly used sunscreen ingredient in the United States, providing protection from UVB rays. However, like oxybenzone, it has been shown to have a harmful effect on marine ecosystems.
In late 2022, Maui County and Hawaii County went further and banned all non-mineral sunscreens, allowing only mineral sunscreens to be sold and used. Maui County covers Maui, Lanai, Kahoolawe, and most of Molokai, while Hawaii County covers the entirety of the Big Island. These mineral sunscreens are made with 'non-nanotized' zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, natural mineral ingredients that create a barrier on the skin to reflect UV rays.
Therefore, when visiting Hawaii, it is recommended to use mineral sunscreens to comply with the state's regulations and protect the environment. Mineral sunscreens are widely available and have improved in recent years, offering invisible coverage and broad-spectrum protection.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy sunscreen at Hawaii airports, but it is recommended that you check the ingredients before buying as Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate since these chemicals have been found to contribute to coral reef bleaching.
You can buy mineral-based sunscreens in Hawaii. These sunscreens are reef-safe and do not contain chemicals that are harmful to the marine environment and ecosystems, including coral reefs. Look for sunscreens that contain natural minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Yes, you can bring sunscreen with you to Hawaii, but it must be in containers sized 3.4 oz or 100ml or less if you are carrying it on. If you are checking a bag, you can bring larger containers. However, it is important to note that Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing certain ingredients, so it is recommended that you check the banned ingredients before bringing sunscreen to Hawaii.
