Maui's All-Mineral Sunscreen Rule: What's Banned and the $1,000 Fine
Hawaii's state ban covers two chemicals — but Maui bans every chemical sunscreen, and getting it wrong can cost you a fine.
Under Maui County Ordinance No. 5306, since October 1, 2022 only sunscreens whose active ingredients are non-nanotized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be sold, distributed or used in the county; any other (non-mineral) sunscreen is illegal without a prescription, with fines up to $1,000.
County of Maui guidance clarifies that the ordinance goes beyond Hawaii's statewide oxybenzone and octinoxate ban by permitting only non-nano mineral actives, so travelers used to the state rule can still run afoul of Maui's stricter standard.
Questions we get a lot
What sunscreens are allowed in Maui?
Under Maui County Ordinance No. 5306, only sunscreens whose active ingredients are non-nanotized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be sold, distributed or used. This has been in effect since October 1, 2022, and it is stricter than Hawaii's statewide rule.
What happens if I bring a chemical sunscreen to Maui?
Non-mineral sunscreens are illegal to sell, distribute or use in Maui County without a prescription, and violations can carry fines of up to $1,000. Travelers should pack a compliant non-nano mineral sunscreen to be safe.
How is Maui's rule different from Hawaii's statewide ban?
Hawaii's statewide law bans only oxybenzone and octinoxate, while Maui's ordinance goes further by permitting only non-nanotized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and effectively prohibiting all other (non-mineral) sunscreens. Maui is therefore the stricter standard.
r/travel: 'Heading to Maui — is my regular chemical sunscreen actually going to get confiscated?'