Holo Holo Blog

You may have noticed reef-friendly and reef-safe sunscreens for sale at your local store. Here at Holo Holo Charters, we aim to not only dazzle our guests with a magical experience but also to educate them on how to best maintain our gorgeous waters. As reef-safe sunscreen becomes more mainstream, many wonder if it makes a difference. It’s a big ocean…does it really matter? The short answer is yes. This simple choice can affect much more than you’d think.

Using the correct sunscreen when admiring the inhabitants of a gorgeously complex coral reef ecosystem is essential to reef health and, thereby, the vitality of the creatures we delight in admiring in their natural habitat. Coral reefs in Hawaiʻi are slowly deteriorating, and with it, the beautiful species of ocean life that come along with them are dwindling. Not only does the placement of a reef create waves for surfers to enjoy, but it also provides food and shelter for tropical fish and reef-dwelling plants. Unfortunately, the reefs in Hawaiʻi are suffering due to environmental factors attributed to–you guessed it–humans. Now, as hospitable guests in the ocean, we feel a kuleana (responsibility) to help mitigate those environmental risks while also enjoying nature’s bounty, and we invite you to join us.

As humble visitors and ocean lovers, our guests always ask what they can do to help…and it’s easier than you think. A small choice that can make a significant impact in supporting healthy oceans is as simple as your choice of sun protection. Pretty cool, huh? Reef-safe sunscreens are mineral-based and do not contain toxic chemicals that could negatively affect the reef or surrounding life. Reef-safe and reef-friendly are often used interchangeably and at the discretion of the company selling the product. So, to be sure you are sporting an ocean-friendly sunscreen, double-check the ingredients. Although the state of Hawaiʻi banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, a lot of visitors purchase and pack their sunscreen before flying over to see us. Here is a cheat sheet on what to avoid:

NOT REEF-FRIENDLY – These ingredients are slowly eroding the reef and compromising its potential to thrive. Not only are they damaging to the reef itself, they are also toxic to sea creatures:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene

REEF-APPROVED – These two ingredients are very effective for sun protection AND do not have a negative impact on marine life. Win/win! With fewer chemicals and additives, you will be doing yourself a favor by going with reef-safe and skin-friendly sun protection.

• Zinc Oxide
• Titanium Oxide

As you prepare for a trip to Hawaiʻi, please consider one of the following brands:

HOLO HOLO REEF-SAFE PICKS

1. Raw-Elements – This is a staff favorite! Water-resistant and reef-safe with other vitamins and minerals included to keep your skin soft.
2. Kokua Sun Care – Goes on smooth with a (natural) tropical scent – MADE IN HAWAIʻI!
3. Garden Goddess Organic Sunscreen – Great for the keiki, and the face sticks are great for on-the-go.
4. Bare Republic – Sheer mineral sunscreen, naturally scented with coconut and kukui nut oil moisturizers
5. Native – Mineral sunscreen is available in several scents or unscented.

Have questions? Reach out to anyone on our staff for more info. Mahalo for your kōkua!