Children love Hawaii in the simplest ways: a tide pool full of crabs, a turtle sleeping on the sand, a first ride on a boogie board. Packing for them is about two things: keeping them safe in strong sun and surf, and not hauling a mountain of gear across the Pacific. Here is the family list that works, and what you can leave behind and rent on arrival.
The family essentials
- Two rash guards per child and a sun hat with a neck flap
- Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide) and a stick for faces
- Water shoes for rocky beaches and tide pools
- Kids' snorkel mask that fits; cheap rental masks often leak
- A beach tent or umbrella for shade (or rent one)
- Light rain jacket and one warm layer per child
- Refillable water bottles and plenty of snacks
- Basic first-aid kit: plasters, antiseptic, children's pain relief, after-sun, motion sickness remedies
- Each child's passport and ESTA (international visitors)
Sun protection for kids
Hawaii sits in the tropics, and the sun is much stronger than most families expect, even on cloudy days. The UV index regularly reaches extreme levels around midday. Children burn quickly, especially while playing in the water, when they do not feel the heat.
The best protection is clothing: long-sleeved UPF swim shirts, swim leggings or board shorts, and a hat. Use a mineral sunscreen on faces, hands and feet. It is kinder to sensitive skin, and it is the only kind sold on Maui; Hawaii bans oxybenzone and octinoxate statewide. Plan beach time for the morning and late afternoon, and use the middle of the day for lunch, naps or the hotel pool in the shade.
Beach and snorkel gear
- Boogie board: buy a cheap one locally; they are part of growing up in Hawaii.
- Swim vest or puddle jumper for young or weak swimmers.
- Sand toys: easy to buy on arrival and to leave behind.
- Mesh beach bag so sand shakes out.
- Small dry bag for phones, keys and snacks.
Choose calm, lifeguarded beaches for children and always ask the lifeguard about conditions. Our guide to the safest beaches in Hawaii for families lists the best on each island.
Babies and toddlers
- Travel cot or book a crib with the hotel or a baby gear rental.
- Compact stroller; a jogging stroller with big wheels handles sand and paths better.
- Baby carrier for hikes and crowded places.
- Swim nappies: reusable ones save buying packs on arrival.
- Infant sun tent and a clip-on fan for the stroller.
- Enough formula, special foods and medicines for the first few days; supermarkets have most brands, but island prices are high.
Car seats and getting around
Hawaii law requires a child safety seat for children under 4 and a booster seat or child restraint for children aged 4 to 7. Rental companies charge for car seats per day, so for a week-long trip many families bring their own; most airlines check car seats free of charge. Baby gear rental companies on every main island also deliver seats to the airport or your accommodation.
Not sure whether you need a car at all? See do you need a car in Hawaii.
On the plane
From the US West Coast the flight to Hawaii takes about five to six hours; from Europe or the East Coast it is a long day with a connection. Pack each child a small bag with:
- Snacks, an empty water bottle and gum or a dummy for ear pressure on landing.
- Headphones, a tablet with downloaded films and a couple of new small toys.
- A change of clothes for each child, and a T-shirt for you.
- A light sweater: planes are cold.
- Swimsuits at the top of the carry-on, so you can head straight to the beach.
Rent it or buy it there
Every main island has baby gear rental companies that deliver cribs, high chairs, strollers, car seats, beach tents, boogie boards and even toys. Big supermarkets, Target and Walmart stores, and ABC Stores in Waikīkī sell beach toys, snorkels, sunscreen and swim nappies. Prices are higher than on the mainland, but you save the luggage space, the bag fees and the effort.
A good rule: bring what keeps your children safe and comfortable (car seats, medicines, fitted masks, sun shirts), and rent or buy the bulky, cheap or disposable things there. For the full list for adults, see our Hawaii packing list, and for budgeting, read a Hawaii trip for a family of four.
Quick answers
What should I pack for Hawaii with kids?
Rash guards and swim hats, mineral sunscreen, kids' snorkel masks that fit, water shoes, a beach tent or umbrella, a car seat or booster plan, snacks, a light rain jacket and a warm layer for each child.
Can you rent baby gear in Hawaii?
Yes. Baby gear rental companies on every main island deliver cribs, strollers, car seats and beach gear to your hotel or condo, which saves carrying bulky items.
Do kids need car seats in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii law requires child restraints for children under 4 and booster seats or restraints for children aged 4 to 7. Rental companies charge per day, so many families bring their own.
What is the best sunscreen for kids in Hawaii?
A mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It is gentler on children's skin and is the only kind sold on Maui. Combine it with rash guards and shade.
Do children need ID to fly to Hawaii?
On domestic US flights, children under 18 do not need ID when travelling with an adult. International visitors need a passport and ESTA or visa for every child, including babies.
More planning guides: passports and entry, do you need a car?, island hopping, packing list, packing for kids, is it safe right now? and hurricane season.
Facts checked October 2026. Rules, fares and closures change, so confirm with the official source before you travel.
