What a great and eco-responsible idea

By Patti Pietschmann, Travel Diva

This is one of the best amenities a resort can offer.  Not only does it help people avoid sunburns and damage but it also helps save the reefs, fish and other ocean life.

It's free sunscreen to be available throughout the grounds of  The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kāʻanapali.

The company says it is dedicated to conserving coral reefs and marine life through property activations, community engagement and partnerships. 

So  it went into partnership with Maui-based  Project Reef-- a modern sun care brand that aligns skin and planetary health—to supply guests with safe sunscreen products.

Sunscreen stations

Complimentary sunscreen stations will be spread around the resort beginning on Oct. 1, 2022 in compliance with Ordinance No. 5306 banning the sale, distribution and use of non-mineral sunscreens without a prescription in the County of Maui. Under the current state law, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2021—the sale and distribution of over-the-counter sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate are prohibited. 

“We’re glad that Maui County has taken the extra effort to only allow the sale and use of mineral sunscreens, which will protect Maui’s fragile marine ecosystem,” said Kass. “Not only is Project Reef a Maui-based company—they have a terrific product and were involved in getting this important ordinance passed.”

Eco education

This partnership is just one element of The Westin Maui’s commitment to conservation efforts. The resort’s Westin Waterman Program connects guests with some of Maui’s most notable ocean experts—from skilled surfers, to lifeguards, to boat captains—who engage guests with their knowledge and love for the ocean by leading them on unique activities that combine ocean-based adventure with environmental stewardship.

The Westin Waterman program invites guests to join in beach cleanups and ocean adventures with paddleboarders, boat captains, canoe racers, and others who are passionate about the water and environment. Guest can join these ocean ambassadors in a two-hour beach cleanup and environmental talk story at 8 a.m. the first Friday of every month. Or work up a sweat with Ali'i Maui Outrigger Canoe with a scenic paddle along Kā‘anapali Beach’s Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Discarded pillowcases are used as trash bags for beach cleanups, and participants get a souvenir pillowcase to start their own initiative back home.  

For more information on Ordinance No. 5306 visit www.mauicounty.gov.

About The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka‘anapali

,The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Kaʻanapali sparkles after a recent transformation of its 217-room Hōkūpaʻa Tower and other areas of the resort. The extensive redo  also includes new culinary experiences – waicoco by Chef Chris Kajioka, Mahele Market, Hale Moʻolelo and Hale ʻĀ – and upgrades to the resort’s iconic six-pool aquatic landscape. To complement The Westin Maui’s physical transformation, Hawaiian culture has been brought to life at the resort while guest programs now have a stronger focus on environmental sustainability.