Category Archives: Environment

Is there Zika in Hawaii?

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. 

Does Hawaii have mosquitoes?

aedes-aegyptiYES!

Tropical, warm and humid all point to mosquitoes in Hawaii, yet few if any, of the guidebooks talk about them. Truth is there are several species of mosquito in Hawaii, two of which like to bite humans. One species limited to birds, but that’s not going to impact your vacation.

Which mosquito repellant?

Will you need to slather up with DEET in order to enjoy your tropical vacation? The answer is probably yes, depending on a few factors. Continue reading Does Hawaii have mosquitoes?

Sunscreen Reviews Under the Hawaii Sunscreen Ban

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.

the-best-sunscreen-is-mineral-based
Mineral sunscreens are generally safer for people and marine life.

Best sunscreen by category

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.

the-best-sunscreen-does-not-harms-coral-reefs
The common sunscreen ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate kill coral that form the basis of tropical marine ecosystems.