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Maui County’s Mineral Only Sunscreen law took effect October 1, 2022. Ordinance 5306 prohibits the sale, distribution, and use of non-mineral sunscreen in Maui County without a prescription. For an over-the-counter product, the active ingredients should be zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both.
This isn’t a suggestion. It’s law.
The county adopted the law to reduce sunscreen pollution in coral-reef habitat. Research published in the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology found harmful effects from oxybenzone exposure in coral larvae under laboratory conditions.
Hawaiʻi enacted its statewide oxybenzone and octinoxate sales restriction in 2018, and that law took effect January 1, 2021. Maui’s county law goes further by defining mineral sunscreen around zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and restricting non-mineral products unless they are prescribed.
The ordinance provides for county enforcement and penalties. The useful visitor rule is simple: do not sell, distribute, or use a non-mineral sunscreen in Maui County unless the prescription exception applies.
One exception: if you have a medical prescription for a sunscreen that contains banned ingredients, you’re allowed to use it. The law carves out space for prescription-only products. Everyone else needs to go mineral.
Legal compliance is only one part of sun protection. The county recommends non-nanotized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and emphasizes shade, protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, rash guards, and avoiding peak sun when practical. The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends choosing broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher and reapplying as directed.
Before you travel, check the Drug Facts label—not only a “reef safe” marketing phrase. The active ingredients should list only zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both. A brand can sell both mineral and non-mineral formulas, so the product name alone is not enough.
If you want to buy before the trip, start with Amazon’s searches for mineral sunscreen lotions or mineral sunscreen sticks. Search results and formulas can change, so verify the Drug Facts label before buying; an Amazon listing is not proof that a product complies with Maui County law. These are affiliate links, and HawaiiGuide may earn from qualifying purchases.
The prescription exception is narrow. If it does not apply to you, choose a compliant mineral product and combine it with clothing and shade so you are protecting both your skin and Maui’s nearshore environment.
Buy mineral. Read the label. Protect the reef and protect your skin at the same time.
Reviewed and updated by Tori C. Derrick and John C. Derrick.
More on Hawaii’s sunscreen laws, Maui beaches, and what to know before your trip.
Published by: Tori C. Derrick
President & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 15+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.
Published by: John C. Derrick
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
Quick, personalized recommendations for your Hawaii trip.
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you book or buy through marked links. Compensation supports this site; our editorial standards are described in Ad Disclosures & Standards.
Article Published: 03-25-2026 · Updated: 08-24-2026
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Trades are breezy right now with scattered showers on the windward side and mountains; the leeward coast stays mostly dry. Tomorrow stays breezy with the same pattern.
A tropical disturbance southeast of the islands is likely to become a tropical storm by mid-week and approach the state Thursday through Saturday. The exact track is still uncertain. If it comes closer, expect heavier rain over a longer stretch; if it stays farther out, impacts will be shorter and lighter. Winds will increase late this week, with potential gusts over 70 miles per hour on the highest summits.
Plan your leeward beach time and snorkeling for today through Tuesday. Save summit drives and offshore water sports for after Saturday, and check updates daily as this develops.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
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