Hawaii with Littles: What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)
Ultimate Packing Guide for Families
Alright, moms (and a few dads) — let’s get real for a minute. We all know how this goes: you’ve scoured the internet for the best flights, booked family-friendly hotels, snagged a rental car deal, mapped out kid-approved activities (and their costs), and even set reminders to book excursions that open 48 hours in advance. You’ve arranged dog-sitting, lawn care, and mail holds. And if you’re anything like me, it’s all neatly organized in a spreadsheet that would make NASA jealous.
At this point, you should be able to kick back, sip a frozen drink, and daydream about sandy beaches and sunny skies, right? Wrong.
Phase 2 begins: packing. Not just for you, but for the kids… and maybe even your husband. Panic sets in. How do you fit all the necessities for three little people, plus yourself, into a suitcase without losing your mind?
Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered. Here’s my ultimate packing guide for Hawaii with littles. I break it down into five categories: Clothing, Toiletries, Entertainment, Snacks & Drinks, and Destination-Specific Essentials. And yes, I’ve added a few extras you probably didn’t even know you’d need.
Clothing
3–5 bathing suits (kids go through them like magic)
2 bathing suit cover-ups
Rash guards for sun-sensitive kiddos
3 sundresses
5 shorts & 5 tops
1 pair of capris
1 lightweight cardigan or sweater for breezy evenings
1 pair flip-flops
1 pair water shoes (kids)
1 pair comfortable walking shoes
1 pair cute sandals for dinners
Socks
Hats & sun hats
Swim diapers (if needed)
Lightweight rain jacket (sudden tropical showers are a thing)
Pajamas / sleepwear (including a set for travel)
Toiletries
Facial cleanser & moisturizer with SPF
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush/comb, hair ties, clips, bows
Hair spray / detangler
Deodorant, perfume
Razors & shave cream
Feminine hygiene products
Diapers & wipes
Baby powder & diaper cream
Sunscreen (reef-safe, mandatory!)
Aloe Vera or after-sun lotion
Contact lenses & solution / glasses
Mini first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, toddler-safe pain reliever)
Mini sewing kit (might need safety pins to keep sarong in place)
Motion sickness meds (if your kids are prone to car or boat sickness)
Bug spray / mosquito repellent
Entertainment
Phone & chargers
iPads / tablets & chargers
AirPods or kid-friendly headphones
Books, coloring books, crayons
Puzzle books, word searches, crosswords (for plane downtime)
Stuffed animals / comfort items
Baby toys, pacifiers
GoPro or camera + accessories
Travel-friendly board games / card games (for rainy days)
Snacks & Drinks
Refillable water bottles
Baby bottles, formula, or toddler-friendly drinks
Goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, and trail mix
Lollipops (take-off/landing lifesavers)
Protein bars or granola bars for parents
Small cooler bag for beach or hiking excursions
Destination-Specific Essentials for Hawaii
Sunglasses for everyone
Waterproof bag for boating day or water sports
Beach bag (or use your diaper bag)
Travel-size umbrella
Collapsible stroller
Car seats (if not renting from your provider)
Sand-free beach blanket / towel
Snorkel gear for kids if you have favorites (many resorts rent gear)
Lightweight backpack for hikes & excursions
Ziplock bags for wet clothes, snacks, or sand-covered toys
Swim floaties / life jackets if your resort doesn’t provide
Waterproof phone case or pouch
Bonus Packing Tips
Pack in layers — island weather can change fast.
Bring a small laundry bag — sand + wet swimsuits = laundry emergency.
Extra zip bags — perfect for electronics, snacks, or little treasures your kids collect.
Travel nightlight — hotel rooms can feel spooky to little ones.
Baby wipes for everything — sticky hands, faces, and unexpected spills.
Download Hawaii Packing List
For your convenience, you can download a free PDF copy of my packing list. Simply click HERE.
Final Thoughts
Packing for Hawaii with littles doesn’t have to be stressful. The islands are stocked with all the same stores you know and love from the mainland, so if you forget sunscreen, a sippy cup, or even a beach toy, Walmart and Target have your back.
Remember: Hawaii is the no-stress vacation. Leave the worries at home and focus on sandcastles, sunsets, and sticky little hands that leave the happiest kind of mess.
