Thank you to Kōkua Sun Care for partnering with me. I always share my honest opinions here. Some links in this post are affiliate links, so I may earn a small commission if you use them, but it won’t cost you anything extra.
This summer, my family and I are off to Hawaii for vacation—one of our favorite ways to make memories together! While I was researching what to bring (and what to leave at home), I stumbled on an article about the must-have items for Hawaii. Sunscreen was high on the list, but here’s the catch—Hawaii only allows reef-safe formulas to help keep its gorgeous ocean healthy. The article mentioned two top brands, including Kōkua Sun Care. I reached out to them, and they were so generous, sending over some goodies for our trip and sharing why reef-safe matters so much. Before I dive into the products, let me tell you a bit about Kōkua Sun Care.
Kōkua Sun Care is a small, passionate Hawaiian company that truly cares about the planet. Their sunscreens are made in an FDA-certified facility, and they support ocean health through local organizations and community events. They’re also on a mission to help people understand why avoiding harsh chemicals in sunscreen is important—not just for marine life, but for us, too.
Their goal is simple: give you clean, high-quality sun protection with a tropical twist. Inspired by Hawaii’s natural beauty, they make reef-safe mineral sunscreens and nourishing skincare that’s good for both your skin and the environment. Their lineup includes daily and sport sunscreens, after-sun care, and gentle cleansing accessories.
One of their best sellers is the SPF 30 Tinted Hawaiian Natural Zinc Sunscreen. It’s super lightweight and perfect for daily use, packed with hydrating Hawaiian botanicals and 18% non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection. The soft tint means you won’t get that chalky look some mineral sunscreens leave behind, and ingredients like kukui nut oil, spirulina, and macadamia oil keep your skin feeling happy.
If you need a little more coverage for beach days, their SPF 50 version is a winner. It offers strong UVA and UVB protection with 25% non-nano zinc oxide and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you’re protected even when you’re swimming or hiking. The Hawaiian botanicals in the formula help your skin stay comfy and hydrated, no matter how active your day gets.
After a long day outside, the After Sun Serum feels like a mini spa moment for your skin—cooling, feather-light, and never greasy. Its blend of aloe, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and Hawaiian sandalwood delivers instant soothing relief and deep hydration, leaving your skin soft, refreshed, and glowing by evening.
And for a little extra pampering, Kōkua’s Konjac Sponge is a gentle way to remove sunscreen, dirt, and makeup. Made from natural konjac root and biodegradable bamboo charcoal, it’s great for sensitive skin and leaves your face feeling fresh after every wash.
What really sets Kōkua Sun Care apart is its commitment to both performance and the planet. Every product is reef-safe certified, cruelty-free, and free from harsh chemicals. If you want strong sun protection and a brand that cares about the ocean, Kōkua is a fantastic pick!
Hello, my name is Laurie. My family and I live near the Oregon coast. When we aren’t at work, in school, or on the volleyball court, we enjoy traveling, cheering for our favorite sports teams, playing outdoors, and checking off items on our bucket list. We are lucky in that both sets of our parents, as well as our siblings and their families, live within an hour of us. We get together often to help one another out, celebrate milestones, and go on adventures together.
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