Mosquitoes in Hawaii

Aedes aegypti is one of Hawaii’s most common mosquito species noted by black and white spots. It is very invasive and found on all islands. It can spread several diseases, including Zika virus, yellow fever virus, and dengue virus. So far only dengue has been reported in Hawaii. You can avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and pants in the morning and evening hours and by using insect repellant containing DEET, such as Cutter 54010 Skinsations 6-Ounce Insect Repellent Pump Spray 7-Percent DEET, Case Pack of 1. 

I also love Cutter All Family 15 Count Insect Repellent Mosquito Wipes 7.15% DEET HG-95838 because you can toss the wipes into your carry on luggage or purse, and you don’t have to worry about TSA toiletry screening or spills. The wipes also work great on squirmy kids, and they make it easy to protect hard-to-reach body parts like ankles and behind knees.

Disease Outbreaks in Hawaii

Zika

The only reported cases of Zika in Hawaii come from travelers infected elsewhere. The virus is not endemic to Hawaii, and for now, there are no known cases of local transmission. But the mosquito species that spread Zika thrive in Hawaii’s tropical climate, so the potential is there. If you are pregnant or concerned, take extra care to avoid bites.

Dengue

The most recent outbreak of dengue fever occurred in 2015-16, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health. The Big Island was most effected, and 263 cases were reported. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species the virus, mainly in windward and muaka areas. 

The best sunscreen is changing. The Hawaii sunscreen ban passed in the legislature in 2018 eliminates two sunscreen ingredients known to harm marine life: oxybenzone and octinoxate. This law goes into effect in January 2021. This gives makers of popular sunscreens, such as Banana Boat and Coppertone, time to change their products.

The reasoning behind the Hawaii sunscreen ban is to protect coral reefs and marine life. Banned sunscreen has damaged Hawaii’s fragile marine ecosystem. Formerly rich marine sites suffer, such as: Haunama Bay nature preserve on O’ahu and Molikini Crater off Maui’s west side.

Visitors to Hawaii can show their love by supporting Hawaii’s efforts to protect marine life. One concrete action is to change sunscreen. Furthermore, now is a good time to choose the best sunscreen under the Hawaii sunscreen ban. 

Local Tip: The best sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen because it works well and is safe.

Best sunscreen by category

• Children – Best Sunscreen: Sunscreens like ThinkBaby 50+ and Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby 50 are top-sellers on Amazon.com. These achieve low hazard scores by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). 

• Face – Best Sunscreen: Most top sellers for facial sunscreen are not reef safe or low hazard. However, face sticks by Badger and All Terrain Aqua Sport are reef and people safe. Top performing face lotions include Blue Lizard Australian Face SPF 30+  and Caribbean Sol Faces SPF 20. Most sprays are out.

• Body – Best Sunscreen: Coral Safe All Natural SPF 30 and BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical Sunscreen SPF 30 rank as low hazard with EWG and cost under $20 each. Another safe product with a more luxurious feel of a moisturizer is MyChelle Replenishing Solar Defense Body Lotion SPF 50.

What is behind these choices for best sunscreen?

Previously, I reported on the EWG’s recommendations for safer sunscreens. The Environmental Working Group (EGW) offers an annual review of sunscreens that are safer for both coral reefs and people. Beachgoers no longer have to guess at which products are safe. Meanwhile, many sunscreens release a toxic oil slick into the ocean. With a little advanced planning and cross-checking between Amazon and EWG, there are hundreds of safer sunscreens to choose from. 

For example, Amazon.com’s top-seller in the facial sunscreen category, EltaMD UV Clear, contains 7.5% octinoxate, which is not reef safe. Even if you plan to keep your face out of the water, overspray will drift and find its way to the ocean. This product is also not rated by EWG. It is a good example of why it is important to cross check before buying.

Why change sunscreen?

No one goes on vacation to Hawaii to harm the place. Yet, it continues to happen in Hawaii. This is because humans are subject to many cognitive biases that impact our thinking and actions.

For example, someone who just bought an expensive airline ticket to visit a Hawaiian beach will likely see that beach as beautiful. The mind ignores any signs of reef or environmental destruction because of confirmation bias. Clumps of algae overgrowth, dead coral heads, and few fish species will often not register with visitors as a problem. In other words, we see what we expect to see.