Hawaiʻi County (Big Island) sunscreen law
Since December 1, 2022, it is unlawful on the Big Island to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale any sunscreen with an active ingredient other than zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, unless it is dispensed under a prescription. Unlike Maui County, the ordinance restricts sales only; it does not ban visitors from using a non-mineral sunscreen.
Last verified October 14, 2026 · Ordinance No. 22-81 (Bill 167, Draft 2), Hawaiʻi County Code ch. 14, art. 5 (§§ 14-30 to 14-35)
What’s allowed
Only sunscreens whose active ingredients are Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide. Every chemical UV filter — including ones not named in any state law, like homosalate and octisalate — is excluded.
The details
- 'Non-mineral sunscreen' means any sunscreen that uses an active ingredient other than titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (HCC § 14-30). Inactive ingredients are not restricted.
- The prohibition (HCC § 14-31) covers selling, offering for sale, and distributing for sale. There is no provision on personal use.
- Prescription exception, with 'sunscreen', 'licensed healthcare provider' and 'prescription' defined as in HRS § 342D-21. Facial cosmetics are therefore excluded.
- Enforced by the County Department of Environmental Management. Fines are up to $1,000 per incident, and non-compliant products may be seized and disposed of (HCC § 14-34). Fine money funds mineral-sunscreen dispensers and education through the Department of Parks and Recreation.
- Introduced June 1, 2022, with second reading on June 15, 2022. The Council records show an effective date of December 1, 2022.
- No amending ordinance was found as of the verification date.
History
- December 1, 2022 · Took effect Sunscreen rule took effect.
We last re-read this law’s sources on October 14, 2026. All law updates →
Sunscreens allowed in Hawaiʻi County
388 of 988 products we track pass; 599 don’t.Browse all 388 →
Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 30
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Our best picks that are legal on every Hawaiian island →
By brand
Common questions
Can you bring your own sunscreen to the Big Island?
Yes, and you can use it. Hawaiʻi County’s ordinance (HCC § 14-31) bans selling, offering for sale and distributing for sale non-mineral sunscreen and has no rule on personal use. The statewide Act 104 is a sales ban too.
What sunscreen ingredients are banned in Hawaiʻi County?
Only sunscreens whose active ingredients are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are permitted. Any other active ingredient is not allowed.
When did the Hawaiʻi County sunscreen rule take effect?
December 1, 2022.
Which sunscreens are allowed in Hawaiʻi County?
Of the 988 products we track, 388 meet the Hawaiʻi County rule. The simplest choice is a sunscreen with only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.
TSA limits for sunscreen in carry-on and checked bags are on the Hawaii sunscreen law page.