Sunscreen chemicals, while effective at filtering UV rays when applied topically, have been linked to coral bleaching, which is extremely harmful to coral reefs and marine environments. Thousands of different types of fish and marine animals live within Hawaii’s coastal water – and many of them rely on the coral reef ecosystems to survive, therefore there’s a huge environmental reason to require the use of reef safe sunscreen in Hawaii.

You will want to make sure any sunscreen you buy elsewhere and bring with you to Hawaii is compliant.

Hawaii reef-safe sunscreens do not contain chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, they both contribute to coral bleaching. Read the sunscreen’s ingredients before buying. Look for sunscreens that contain natural minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and are labeled as non-nano and paraben-free.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE A FEW RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING SUNSCREEN, PLEASE REFER TO THIS ARTICLE WRITTEN BY HAWAII LOCALS: Hawaii Reef Safe Sunscreens

Dress Code

Dress code: Cocktail attire. We suggest that men wear a suit or dress shirt (tie optional) and women wear a midi- or knee-length dress or pant suit.

Examples: