Running in Honolulu: Dry Eyes & Sun Protection

Running in Honolulu is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike. From the scenic oceanfront routes along Waikīkī to the challenging trails around the islands, Hawai’i offers year-round opportunities for outdoor exercise. But while runners often focus on fitness and endurance, many overlook one critical aspect: eye health.

The combination of Hawai‘i’s intense sun, salty air, and wind can cause dry eyes, redness, light sensitivity, and irritation, making runs less comfortable. Over time, prolonged exposure may contribute to long-term issues such as pterygiums, chronic dry eye, and retinal sun damage, which can lead to ongoing discomfort and even affect vision.

Source: Kahala Eye Clinic is a destination optical and eye clinic in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, conveniently located near Diamond Head and downtown. The clinic and optical serves both residents and visitors, providing expert Honolulu eye care, dry eye treatment, and specialty contact lenses to help runners and active individuals protect their eyes and maintain clear, comfortable vision. Our clinic also offers limited-edition eyewear from Hawaii Eyewear Co., curated exclusively for the islands and unavailable anywhere else, combining style, comfort, and durability for every lifestyle.

Why Runners Experience Eye Issues

1. Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure

Hawai‘i’s sun is strong year-round. UV rays can cause photokeratitis, cataracts, and long-term retinal damage. Even a short run without proper protection exposes your eyes to potential harm.

2. Wind and Salt Air

Ocean breezes may feel refreshing, but wind and salt can irritate your eyes quickly. This is especially common during early morning or afternoon runs along the coast.

3. Allergens

Hawai‘i is home to lush vegetation. Pollen from trees, flowers, and grass can trigger allergic conjunctivitis, leaving eyes itchy, watery, or red.

4. Contact Lens Discomfort

Many runners wear contact lenses, which can dry out more quickly when exposed to sun, wind, and outdoor elements. Long runs and extended exposure to wind may increase irritation and discomfort. Choosing the right contact lens material and fit can make a significant difference in comfort and eye health. Modern lenses include UV protection coatings and friction-reducing technology, but not all contact lenses are created equal. For personalized solutions, including daily disposable lenses optimized for active lifestyles, consult an eye doctor at Kahala Eye Clinic in Honolulu.

Protecting Your Eyes While Running

Here are practical strategies to maintain eye health while enjoying Honolulu’s running routes:

Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses
Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses help reduce glare from water, pavement, and other reflective surfaces. Not all lens coatings provide the same protection — some are more durable and resistant to deterioration. Lens tints and mirrored colors also play an important role, as different environments may benefit from specific tint or mirror combinations. We can customize your lenses with varying intensities — lighter tints for lower sun exposure and darker tints for brighter conditions.

The fit of the frame is equally important. Sunglasses should stay comfortably on your face during movement, not slip down your nose, and block sun and wind from entering the sides. At Kahala Eye Clinic, we provide patients with one-on-one optical consultations, ensuring proper frame fit and custom shaping to match your facial contours, so your eyewear provides maximum protection, comfort, and style.

Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Using artificial tears before, during and after runs can help prevent dry eye symptoms caused by wind, sweat, or pollen. Walking into a local pharmacy, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the variety of eye drops available. So which ones should you use?

Since everyone’s eyes are different, it’s best to have an eye doctor evaluate your tear film and eye health to recommend the most suitable product for you. For general use, Kahala Eye Clinic recommends preservative-free artificial tears, such as Systane® Ultra Preservative-Free Eye Drops.

Drops containing preservatives are typically limited to four uses per day, and the preservatives can sometimes cause irritation or allergic reactions. In outdoor or harsh environments, your eyes may require more frequent lubrication, making preservative-free drops the safer, more comfortable option to keep in your running kit.

Stay Hydrated
Every runner has heard it before: stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen dry eyes, making them feel gritty, irritated, or uncomfortable. Staying properly hydrated is a simple yet essential step to protect both your overall health and your eye comfort during runs.
Consider Daily Contact Lenses
Daily disposable contact lenses are ideal for runners, helping reduce dryness and improve overall comfort during long workouts. Long-distance runners should consider carrying a backup pair of lenses in case of loss or irritation during a run. Not all contact lens materials and coatings are created equal — some modern daily lenses offer superior hydration, UV protection, and comfort compared to others. At Kahala Eye Clinic we specialize in contact lenses and are happy to help you find the right solution for your eyes while you’re in Honolulu.
Other Considerations

When running, choose a sunscreen that won’t drip into your eyes. This can cause burning and make a long run uncomfortable. Do you have a favorite sunscreen? Share it with Kahala Eye Clinic on our Instagram page here— we’d love to try your recommendation and share it with our community!

Wearing a hat provides extra protection from the sun, helping reduce eye strain and exposure. To keep your eyes healthy and your vision optimized for outdoor activities, schedule regular comprehensive eye exams with Kahala Eye Clinic in Honolulu.

Kahala Eye Clinic: Your Destination for Running Eye Care

At Kahala Eye Clinic, we specialize in dry eye treatment in Honolulu, specialty contact lenses, and comprehensive eye exams. We provide customized recommendations for runners and other athletes.

Whether you’re a Hawai’i resident training for the Honolulu Marathon or a visitor, our clinic helps ensure your eyes stay healthy and comfortable. Protect your eyes and enjoy every run—schedule your appointment today at Kahala Eye Clinic in Honolulu!