Maui County (Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi) sunscreen law
Since October 1, 2022, Maui County allows only sunscreens whose active ingredients are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, unless you have a prescription. Unlike the state law, it also bans using or applying a non-mineral sunscreen, not just selling it. Any product marketed for topical use to prevent sunburn is covered.
Last verified October 14, 2026 · Ordinance No. 5306 (Bill 135, 2021), Maui County Code ch. 20.42
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 zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (MCC 20.42.030). Inactive ingredients are not restricted by this ordinance.
- Three prohibitions (MCC 20.42.010): (A) selling, offering for sale, or distributing for sale; (B) selling, providing or offering for use at County facilities, County-authorized concessions, County-sponsored or permitted events, and County programs; (C) use or application by any person.
- Prescription exception: each prohibition carves out sunscreen dispensed under a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, as defined in HRS § 342D-21.
- Uses the state-law definition of 'sunscreen' (HRS § 342D-21), so products marketed as facial cosmetics are outside its scope.
- Enforced by the Department of Environmental Management (Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division) under MCC 19.530.030. Possible penalties: a cease-and-desist notice, a civil fine of up to $1,000, and up to $1,000 per day while a violation continues. Fines go to the environmental protection and sustainability fund.
- Covers the islands of Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Kahoʻolawe. Kalawao County on Molokaʻi is a separate county.
- The ordinance says the Council may revise its list of permitted actives once the FDA finalizes its sunscreen GRASE determinations. No amendment was found as of the verification date.
History
- October 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 Maui 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 Maui?
You can pack it, but you can only use a mineral one. Maui County bans using or applying any sunscreen with an active ingredient other than zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi, unless a healthcare provider prescribed it. A violation can bring a civil fine of up to $1,000.
What sunscreen ingredients are banned in Maui County?
Only sunscreens whose active ingredients are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are permitted. Any other active ingredient is not allowed.
When did the Maui County sunscreen rule take effect?
October 1, 2022.
Which sunscreens are allowed in Maui County?
Of the 988 products we track, 388 meet the Maui 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.