Family Travel Made Easy: Packing for Hawai’i With a Toddler

Packing for Hawai’i with a toddler might feel a little daunting—between beach time, island adventures, and keeping your little one comfortable on long travel days, there’s a lot to think about. Regardless of which islands you plan to visit, the general laid-back vibe of Hawai’i is perfect for families. Making sure you have the right gear can be the difference between a smooth vacation and one filled with avoidable stress. From sun-safe clothing to toys that keep your toddler entertained on flights, a little preparation goes a long way.

This guide is designed to help streamline the packing process so you can pack with confidence, and minimize your “oh shoot I forgot about xyz” moments. We’ll walk you through the essentials to bring, as well as a couple helpful extras that often get overlooked. Plus a few things you can confidently leave at home. With the right balance of practicality and comfort, you’ll be ready to make the most of island life with your toddler in tow.

Our son has taken 21 flights in his first 20 months, so while we are certainly not the most seasoned travel parents out there, we have flown with him at a variety of ages and stages. Admittedly, the flights we took at 15, 18, and 20 months have been the most challenging, BUT it’s important to remember to give yourself (and your toddler) grace.   

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In the Airport & On The Plane 

Taking the packing list one step at a time. Before you can enjoy Hawai’i, you must first make it to Hawai’i. Being prepared for the airport and subsequent flight can make or break the start of your trip! 

‘Blowout Bag’

We’re getting too real too quickly here, but a toddler pooping on the plane is NOT an ideal situation. We’ve managed to only run into this once, but I like to keep a ‘blowout bag’ ready to go… just so we’re prepared in a worst-case-scenario situation. I recommend still having your diaper bag 200% stocked compared to what you anticipate needing (you want to be prepared in the event of an unexpectedly long layover), but I also recommend packing an additional ‘blowout bag’. 

This should all be in a gallon-sized ziplock bag and include the following: 2 diapers, a half to completely full pack of wipes, a spare outfit, 2 doggy poop bags (or 2 ziplock sandwich baggies), and a disposable changing pad. The doggy/sandwich bags are for a dirty diaper to go in one and soiled clothes to go in the other. The disposable changing pad can be convenient to ensure the post-diaper change clean up is as smooth as possible. Perhaps I just over-worry, but I wouldn’t want to be scrambling for anything in the midst of a poo-mergency! 

Painter’s tape

Masking tape or painter’s tape is a surprisingly versatile item. On the plane, it’s an inexpensive and creative toy—toddlers love peeling pieces off, sticking them to the seat tray, etc. It can be a nice way to keep little hands busy!

Once you arrive at your hotel or Airbnb, that same roll of tape becomes a quick toddler-proofing tool. You can use it to cover outlets, secure dangling cords, or tape shut cabinets you’d rather your curious explorer not open. Lightweight and easy to pack, painter’s tape is a simple ‘hack’ for both mid-flight entertainment AND child-proofing.

Water bottle 

Bringing a water bottle for your toddler on the plane is perhaps common sense, but you do not want to forget it! Air travel can be dehydrating, and having a familiar bottle on hand means your kiddo can have water whenever they need it— without relying on flight attendants. We recommend a bottle with a secure, latch-style lid (unlike straw-only bottles— we learned this lesson the hard way), as these are less likely to leak or spray water when cabin pressure changes during takeoff and landing. 

Snacks

When it comes to packing snacks for a plane ride with a toddler, a little planning can go a long way in keeping everyone content mid-flight. Simple, mess-free options like fruit pouches, Cheerios, apple slices, and Goldfish crackers are great staples—Goldfish, in particular, can be useful since their saltiness often makes kids thirsty, which can encourage them to drink water and help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing. While berries are often a toddler favorite, they don’t always travel well and can easily get squished in a backpack, so sturdier options tend to hold up better.

It’s also worth thinking about how much space you have. If your ticket/airline status includes free checked luggage (or if you’re just generally not worried about suitcase room), bringing a week or two’s worth of your toddler’s go-to snacks can save you the hassle of searching once you arrive. On the flip side, if packing space is tight, just bring enough for the flight and the first couple of days—Hawai’i may feel far from home, but you’ll still find plenty of familiar snack brands at Safeway, Target, Costco, and other mainland-style stores once you’re on the islands. This way, you can balance convenience with practicality while ensuring your toddler always has something they’ll happily eat.

Toys 

Bringing the right toys and activities for your toddler can make all the difference on a long flight or during downtime in Hawai’i. The key is to pack a mix of lightweight, engaging options that hold their attention without taking up too much space. Some of our favorites include peek-a-boo books and interactive books that talk or sing, since they combine play with a bit of learning.

Fidget toys, spinners, and Squigs are all excellent because they’re compact, versatile, and seem to hold attention and novelty longer. In addition, a small toy car can provide entertainment both on the plane as well as once touching down in Hawaii.

Stroller 

Bringing your stroller (we love our jogger) with you and gate checking it—rather than sending it straight to your final destination—can make travel days much smoother, especially if you have a layover. Having the stroller available in the airport means your toddler has a comfortable place to rest, nap, or simply stay contained in the chaos of a busy terminal, giving you a break from carrying them between gates. Or if they want to stretch their legs, you can toss your backpack in the stroller and run after them unencumbered. 

Once in Hawai’i, the stroller becomes just as helpful, not only for the obvious purpose of transporting your kiddo but also as a convenient way to haul all the extras that come with a beach or adventure day: towels, snacks, sunscreen, toys, and more. It saves your arms, keeps everything organized, and helps make outings feel far less overwhelming.

Band-aids 

This is a small and easy item on the list, but having a small pack of band-aids can be useful for any unexpected boo-boos. 

Small blanket 

If you have room in your personal item, consider tucking a small blanket in with your things. It can be a nice layer to cover your kiddo if they fall asleep on the plane, or it can function as a little ‘pillow’ to keep their head from any hard spots  when they’re trying to get comfortable. If your sweet sweet toddler falls asleep in your arms, it might be nice to have a small blanket to give you a little extra support, because sometimes those little bodies get heavy faster than you’d think!

For Exploration 

Touch down in Hawai’i! Time to start enjoying the heck out of your tropical paradise. Everyone’s ideal itinerary is a little different, but there are some good essentials to keep in mind for your little peanut.

Bathing suits 

In my humble opinion, a toddler’s bathing suit should cover as much skin as humanly possible, because it’s the easiest way to protect them from the sun! Especially in Hawai’i! There are some cute long-sleeve-onsies-with-shorts, but you can never go wrong with a rashguard shirt! 

Hat 

If your toddler will tolerate wearing any sort of hat, pack it!!! Not to be dramatic, but sun protection is so important for little skin. Plus hair can still be pretty thin in some toddlers, so the last thing they need is the crown of their head getting burned.  

We keep trying to put hats on our toddler, but he yanks ’em off impressively fast (see above).

Swim diapers 

Swim diapers are one of those toddler travel essentials that you definitely don’t want to forget when heading to Hawai’i. Unlike regular diapers, swim diapers are designed to contain accidents without swelling up in the water, making them a must-have for pool days or splashing around at the beach. Depending on how much your toddler loves (or hates) the water, their necessity might fluctuate, but if you’re going to be in Hawai’i for 1-2 weeks, you   probably don’t need more than a dozen. Alternatively, you can stock up at a local store once you arrive. Since they’re lightweight and don’t take up much space, tossing a handful into your suitcase ensures you’re prepared right away. 

Life jacket 

If your child isn’t a strong swimmer, packing a life jacket is the best way to let them frolic in the water safely. When you google ‘toddler life jackets’, there’s loads of options that pop up, but you always want to make sure a jacket is US Coast Guard approved before purchasing it! Our son looooves this under 30lbs life jacket, but if your toddler is a bit older (or bigger), they might enjoy one that allows them to roll onto their stomach easier and practice swimming. 

Sunshade

If you’re planning to have any Hawaiian beach days, a sunshade is a must. It creates a much-needed break from the strong island sun. While sunscreen and hats are important, having a shaded spot at the beach gives your little one a safe, comfortable place to rest, snack, or even nap without being directly exposed to UV rays. 

It just generally makes beach days more enjoyable for the whole family— offering a cooler space to retreat to when the sand gets hot or the midday sun feels overwhelming. Those mid-day UV rays are strong! Lightweight and easy to pack down, a portable sunshade is more than worth the space it takes up in your luggage.

Roll-up mat

A roll-up outdoor blanket is the perfect counterpart to your sun shelter, creating a (relatively) clean and comfortable base for your shady beach setup. Unlike towels, which can shift around or bunch up in the sand, a big blanket gives your toddler plenty of space to sprawl out with toys, enjoy snacks, or take a break from playing in the water. It’s also handy for keeping bags, shoes, and other items off the sand. Getting a blanket that folds/rolls up easily ensures it’s lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. It shouldn’t add much bulk to your luggage, but it does make a difference in how relaxed and functional your beach days feel.

Shoes

I recommend packing three pairs of shoes for your toddler—sandals, water shoes, and sneakers. This should cover just about every activity you’ll encounter on a trip to Hawai’i. Sandals are perfect for everyday wear in the warm weather, whether you’re heading out to grab shaved ice or strolling along the resort paths. Water shoes are a game-changer at the beach or splash pads, protecting little feet from hot sand, slippery rocks, or unexpected sharp shells while still being quick to dry. Sneakers are always good to have as well— some sturdy support for outdoor exploration, running around playgrounds, or being the kind of big kid that goes walking through town on their own two feet. 

Outfits 

I have less advice for trendy toddler ‘fits and more of a general recommendation to bring more outfits than days visited. If you plan to do laundry while you’re in Hawai’i, that obviously alters the suggestion, but I usually bring 150-200% (i.e. 15-20 little outfits for a 10 day trip) just to ensure we’re covered. You never know how sweaty, sticky, or wet a little person is going to get! 

I would also recommend packing a long sleeve shirt or jacket. Hawai’i is thought of as being warm year round, but there’s certain destinations that get windy, chilly, or downright cold! In addition to warm layers, sometimes it’s also nice to have a long sleeve sun shirt or linen shirt to keep them protected from the sun, without overheating.

Hiking backpack 

A hiking backpack/carrier is a game-changer for parents who want to explore Hawai’i’s trails and natural beauty without being limited by toddler stamina. Even short hikes can feel long for little legs, and having a carrier means your toddler can come along safely. Cinch those straps about as tight as you can to keep their body weight close to your center of mass, and you’ll cruise!

The carrier always seems to put our son to sleep, so we have a collection of photos of him just absolutely zonked in gorgeous places. It’s worth noting, these backpacks can get pricey, so it’s worth checking FB Marketplace as you can often find them here for a fraction of the original cost! 

Sunscreen applicator 

Everyone’s kiddo is different about having lotions put on. Our son currently doesn’t seem to mind when we lotion him up, but for any older toddlers more in a more stubbornly independent season, a little sunscreen applicator can be a nice way to help control the mess. We don’t own one, but just know it exists out in the world. You can also use a make-up sponge to dab sunscreen on a little face. 

The Bedtime Routine

It’s all fun and games until your toddler is up at 3am, with a little body convinced it’s 7am. Making sure the bed time routine and experience is as familiar as possible to help your kiddo adjust. 

Slumberpod 

A SlumberPod can be a lifesaver when traveling with a toddler, especially if you’re all sharing one hotel room or Airbnb. It goes over your pack n’ play and creates a dark, private sleep space that helps block out light and distractions, making it much easier for your child to settle down at night (or nap during the day). 

Bath soap/lotion 

Sticking to your child’s usual bath routine while traveling can provide familiarity and be helpful in the midst of wild changes to their routine. Bringing their bath soap and lotion helps ensure you won’t run into any skin sensitivity issues with unfamiliar products… the last thing you want to be worried about is an unexpected rash or allergic reaction on vacation. 

Sound machine

A portable sound machine is one of the easiest ways to create a consistent sleep environment for your toddler while away from home. It serves as a familiar cue that it’s bedtime, which is especially helpful when you’re changing time zones or routines. Ideally you’re located somewhere relatively quiet, but in case you encounter unexpected environmental chaos, the steady hum of white noise can mask disruptions and help your child sleep soundly.

Bedtime books & blankies 

Packing a few favorite books or other small bedtime routine items can go a long way in helping your kiddo feel settled. Reading the same stories they enjoy at home or cuddling with a familiar stuffed animal gives them a sense of comfort and predictability, even when everything else feels new! 

Packing For The Parents 

How many times have you gotten your toddler dressed for the day, and you’re still looking like a ragamuffin? Perhaps that’s just me, but it definitely won’t be vacation YOU. Here’s a handful of packing considerations either for you or things that might make life a little easier for you. 

Small hiking pack 

A small hiking pack is a really handy item to bring along for outdoor adventures in Hawai‘i. Even on shorter trails, it’s nice to have a lightweight backpack where you can stash water, snacks, sunscreen, keys, and your phone without juggling everything in your hands. Many hikes on the islands are hot and can take longer than expected, so having the basics easily accessible keeps the outing more comfortable. It doesn’t need to be a big pack—just something small and practical that makes it easy to carry your essentials.

Tote bag

A simple tote bag is perfect for beach days in Hawai‘i. It gives you one central spot to toss all of your beachy items—like sunscreen, towels, toys, books, and snacks—so you’re not scrambling to keep track of everything as you head out the door. Easy to carry and quick to shake sand out of, a tote is a low-maintenance option that helps keep your beach essentials organized and within reach.

Clothes

Everyone’s ideal beach Hawai’i vacation differs… I can’t imagine visiting the Hawaiian archipelago and *not* going hiking or snorkeling. All of the Hawaiian islands tend to be pretty casual. A loose packing list would include a couple casual dresses (bonus if they are casual enough to double as a beach cover-up), a fun matching set, and perhaps one nice dress (or dressy outfit). You’ll also want to bring a few ‘workout attire’ outfits, if you plan to do any hiking. A sun shirt can also be nice to have— your toddler isn’t the only one that needs protection from the sun!

It can also be nice to have a lounge outfit or two packed. If you’ve spent a majority of the day outside, a comfy couch and some cool AC can be quite the relaxing indulgence before you head out to get dinner. A linen shirt is so multi-functional as it is the perfect layer on cooler mornings but it also acts as a nice cover up as well! Regardless of which island you plan to visit, you might want to consider packing a jacket. While Hawai’i is generally warm, there are volcanos you can summit that are cold and sometimes windy as well. Particularly Mauna Kea on Big Island– it’s not uncommon to see snow up there! 

Bathing suit & Cover ups

A handful of bathing suits and a couple cover-ups is really all you need, but if you feel like indulging in a matching family moment, there’s a handful of different companies (like this one) that sell matching family outfits and bathing suits. 

Shoes 

At a bare minimum, you need a pair of sandals and a pair of sneakers. Depending on your island of choice, hiking boots may or may not be essential— for example we were VERY glad to have them for the Kalalau Trail in Kauai (rather muddy). Depending on what your itinerary holds, a pair of chacos, tevas, etc— something that acts as a sandal but can also be worn in the water, can be nice to avoid stepping on anything unexpected as you enter and exit the water. If you have lots of styled outfits planned a cuter or dressier sandal shouldn’t take up too much extra room in the suitcase.

Hat

This technically makes the list twice, but don’t forget a hat for yourself! A fun, wide-brimmed hat can even double as shade for your kiddo— if you’re snuggling them in close. The UV rays get stronggg during peak hours of the day, so you want to stay protected!

Portable Charger

A portable charger is a simple but super useful item to bring along when visiting Hawai‘i. Between using your phone for maps, taking endless photos, looking up restaurant recommendations, or keeping kids entertained (our son loooves Damien Marley’s NPR tiny desk concert), batteries can drain quickly. Since many adventures take you far from an outlet, and a backup power source ensures you’re never stuck with a dead phone.

Optional Extras: 

Necessity is in the eye of the beholder. If you have an airline card or status that affords you free bags, take advantage! If you’re looking at your luggage thinking “how do we trim the excess here?!” There are the items we think of as being more optional in nature.  

Car seat

The car seat we use for our son is just spendy enough that we’re a little hesitant to check it and have it experience the full gamut of checked bag experiences. It’s typically an option to rent a car seat from the car rental company; however, this does have a cost associated with it. While it can feel like more of an up front “investment”, purchasing a second, cheaper (but still safe and well-rated car seat) can be a preferred option (this is the one we have).

First and foremost, you don’t have to worry about what has happened in this car seat before it made its way to your family, but more importantly most toddler car seats are good for a while, so in the long run it might be cheaper to just own a second car seat. They do fly for free, so there’s no extra charge incurred there! 

Towels

Towels are one of those bulky items that you can almost always skip when packing for Hawai‘i. Most hotels and Airbnbs provide plenty of bath, pool, and even beach towels, so there’s no need to sacrifice valuable suitcase space lugging your own from home. The only exception might be a lightweight, quick-dry travel towel—these fold down small and can come in handy for spontaneous beach stops or hikes that end at a waterfall. Still, even that’s more of a “nice to have” than a true necessity. For the most part, you can confidently leave towels off your packing list and trust your accommodations to have you covered.

Snorkeling gear

Snorkeling gear falls into the “optional” category for a Hawai‘i packing list because it really depends on how often you plan to use it and how much space you have in your luggage. If you already own a set and know you’ll be snorkeling multiple times during your trip, it can be worth bringing along for convenience and comfort. However, snorkel gear is widely available to rent at beaches, resorts, and shops across the islands, making it easy to grab when you need it without hauling it through the airport. 

Sunscreen & Bug spray 

Sunscreen and bug spray are optional items on a Hawai‘i packing list because they’re easy to find once you arrive—most local shops, grocery stores, and even beach stands sell both. This means you can leave them behind to save space in your luggage, especially if you’re trying to avoid packing liquids. That said, if you’re particular about a certain brand, or if your toddler has sensitive skin and you already know which products work well, it’s worth bringing them from home. Having a trusted option on hand can give you peace of mind, while still knowing that if you run out or forget, replacements are never far away.

Diapers 

Diapers are one of those optional items you can choose to pack or easily leave off your Hawai‘i list, depending on your preference. They’re also widely available at grocery stores, Targets, and Costcos across the islands, so there’s no need to sacrifice valuable suitcase space if you’d rather buy them once you land.

That said, if you don’t want the hassle of tracking down a store right away, a simple workaround is to strap a bag of diapers to your car seat when you check it—since car seats fly free, it’s an easy way to bring diapers along without taking up luggage space. Because both the car seat and diapers are toddler essentials, it feels like a practical packing hack rather than gaming the system. Ultimately, it’s about what makes your travel day less stressful: buying upon arrival or having a stash ready to go.

Hiking boots

Hiking boots may not be necessary for every traveler, but they can be a great addition if you plan to tackle Hawai‘i’s more rugged trails. Many island hikes include uneven terrain, mud, or steep inclines, and a sturdy pair of boots provides the grip and ankle support needed to navigate them safely. While sneakers are often fine for easier walks, boots can make a big difference in both comfort and confidence on more challenging routes. If hiking is on your itinerary, they’re well worth the suitcase space, but if you’re rolling your eyes at the idea of hiking on your beach vacation, leave the boots at home. 

pack ‘N play

A pack and play is one item you can pretty confidently leave off your Hawai‘i packing list, as most hotels provide a crib upon request. Some Airbnbs also offer them, though it’s always best to double-check before booking to be sure. Since these sleep setups are bulky and awkward to travel with, relying on what your accommodations provide is more practical. When you’re organizing all of your stays, ensure each place has a safe sleep option for your toddler lined up in advance, so you can save both space and hassle.

Full List

Here’s the full list with everything above detailed, for anyone that likes a nice condensed version. Best of luck with all your packing— may your bags be light on their wheels!

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Perhaps the best thing we brought to Hawaii with us was an extra pair of hands. Vacation with a toddler is many things… special, fun, adventurous, beautiful, and memorable— in spades! But it’s not exactly relaxing. My sister met us in Hawai’i, and I can 10000% recommend having a sibling tag along!

While we’ve visited all four of the bigger Hawaiian islands, we have only adventured to Oahu in Maui with a toddler. Admittedly, it does change the itineraries slightly (compared to pre-baby travels), but still totally, worth going. You can check out our Maui 4-day itinerary here and our three-day O’ahu itinerary here. Happy travels!

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