What to Pack for the Big Island of Hawaii with Kids (2024)
I traveled to the Big Island of Hawaii with my blended family of six, including four girls at the time aged 9, 11, 11, and 13. We were somewhat clueless about what to pack and had to do our research. Packing for this trip required careful consideration due to the island’s unique landscapes and climate. From the black lava beaches to the chilly Mauna Kea summit at 13,680 feet. It rained more than we thought it would and sometimes got chilly. The Big Island has a unique landscape and we found things like water shoes necessary where you may not need them on other islands in Hawaii.
I’ve compiled a list of what we brought to the Big Island of Hawaii. We learned we needed these items and found them to be important to bring with kids. I hope to take the guesswork out of what to bring to make your trip worry-free so you can relax and have a great time!
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1. Water Shoes
One surprising revelation during my visit to the Big Island was the presence of rocky beaches and seabeds. I did not know until the last minute this was something we needed to pack for Hawaii. Water shoes proved to be indispensable for navigating these rugged ocean floors, as well as exploring the lava flows. Your children will appreciate having them on hand! Water shoes only seem to be necessary on the Big Island where we used them a lot! When I traveled to Oahu, I didn’t need them as the beaches weren’t as rocky.
2. Microfiber Beach Towels
One thing that’s optional to add to your packing list for Hawaii is a microfiber beach towel. Microfiber towels are slim and easy to carry, making them perfect for transporting to various beaches. They excel at removing sand from your feet and the kids, and they’re exceptionally lightweight and quick to dry. You can get compact towels with cases to make packing for your Hawaii vacation easy. While many resorts provide beach towels, we stayed at a condo with a kitchen—an excellent option for kids—and we enjoyed having our lightweight towels with us. They also come in handy outside of resorts, like at the Black Sand beach, and are great to have in the car for wiping off your feet.
3. Waterproof cell phone case
Waterproof phone cases offer an enjoyable means to capture underwater photos using your smartphone. We managed to snap pictures of vibrant schools of fish, captivating coral formations, and even the kids during our snorkeling adventure. Add this to your Hawaii packing list for added fun and protection for your phone.
4. Collapsible Water Bottles
An essential item that comes in incredibly useful, not only during a long flight but also for those extended road trips and leisurely beach days in Hawaii is a reusable water bottle (collapsible makes it easy to pack). They’re easy to pack for Hawaii and excellent for ensuring the kids stay well-hydrated.
5. Reusable Grocery Bags
If you’re staying in a condo, VRBO, or any accommodation with a kitchen, this is nice to have on your packing list in Hawaii. We noticed that at the grocery store, you needed your own bags as they refrain from providing plastic bags to support environmental efforts. We did not know this and as a result, we had to purchase bags, and having these would have certainly come in handy.
6. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
In Hawaii, reef-safe sunscreen is one of the essential items to pack. Reef-safe sunscreen refers to sunscreens that are formulated with ingredients that are considered safe for coral reefs and marine ecosystems. Endless hours in the sun can be harsh on your skin, and dealing with a sunburned child can put a damper on your trip. Our favorite reef-safe beach-compliant sunscreen is Sun Bum. Also, Sun Bum makes a great lip balm with SPF to protect your lips while getting your beach time in.
7. Sand Proof Beach Blanket
Another thing that is nice to have on your Hawaii packing list is a lightweight Beach Blanket. This comes in a super compact case and spreads out so you can enjoy sitting on the sand. It’s designed to be compact, lightweight, and waterproof.
8. UV Sunglasses for the Kids
While we typically prioritize sunglasses for ourselves, it’s equally important to protect our kids’ eyes on a beach vacation, so add this to your packing list for Hawaii. Spending a long day by the water can impact young eyes, so here are some excellent options for your little ones.
9. Light Rain Ponchos or Light Rain Jacket
An almost overlooked essential item in our packing list for Hawaii was rain ponchos or rain jackets. Fortunately, my husband managed to grab some compact ones last minute. They proved incredibly useful, particularly at Volcanos National Park during heavy rain when we wanted to explore. With frequent, albeit brief, rain showers throughout our stay in Hawaii, having the ponchos on hand was a smart decision. This can be especially important during the rainy season between November – March.
10. Sweatshirt or Light Jacket
Despite its tropical setting, the Big Island had moments of chilliness. Our decision to bring sweatshirts and warm clothes came in handy, especially during our visit to Volcano National Park. Volcano National Park is known for its cooler weather. If you go there at night or climb to the summit of the Mauna Loa at sunset, you will want to bring a hat and long pants!
11. Pack more than 1 Swimsuits
I know a bathing suit is a no-brainer in knowing what to pack for Hawaii, but with kids, I would bring backups. Our condo on the Big Island had a washer and dryer, which was amazing because, in Hawaii, you get wet! Kids will want to swim 1, 2, or 3 times a day, and having an extra dry swimsuit helps a lot.
12. Rash Guards
A rash guard is advisable to pack for kids if you intend to spend extended hours in the water, particularly during snorkeling adventures. They provide UV protection and shield the skin from the effects of saltwater.
13. Shorts, tee shirts & tank tops
This is also a no-brainer when deciding what to pack for Hawaii and planning for warm weather, but a few pairs of shorts, tees, and tanks are great for casual dinners, strolling around town, and getting shaved ice! Amazon has great beach wear for both boys and girls of all ages.
14. Luau Dress or Hawaiian Shirts or Shorts
We loved going to a luau in Hawaii. We were glad we added to our packing list some attire that fit with the theme of the luau. We wore pretty sun dresses, and we saw the boys have fun wearing cute Hawaiian-style shirts and shorts. Hawaii is usually casual, but the luau was a chance to dress up a bit.
15. Pack Sturdy hiking or walking shoes
Hawaii offers fantastic hiking trails to explore, providing breathtaking views of waterfalls, lush hills, and the coastline. There are also many kid-friendly trails and kid-friendly waterfall hikes. In Hilo on the Big Island, Akaka Falls is a fantastic and easy hike with a stunning waterfall! If you’re wondering what shoes to pack for your kids for Hawaii, good sturdy shoes are a must. Make sure to wear tennis shoes or hiking shoes on trails and the trails are worth the views.
16. Flip Flops or Crocs
Both flip-flops and Crocs are water-friendly, making them suitable for activities like walking along the shoreline, wading in shallow waters, or exploring tide pools. They dry quickly and are easy to clean. My kids did not like walking barefoot in the sand all that much, my daughter was stung by something one day and that put an end to that.
17. Sun Hat
Packing a hat for Hawaii is always a good idea when considering what to bring. There are different types of hats (I opt for a baseball hat) but having a good bucket hat or straw hat is the best option. Hawaii’s tropical climate means intense sunlight and a sun hat provides essential shade to protect children’s sensitive skin from harmful UV rays. This helps prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage. My favorite hats to bring are the Roxy baseball hats but sun bucket hats are also great for kids.
18. Bug Spray
The Big Island of Hawaii, like many tropical destinations, is home to various insects and bugs. Some are harmless and some can bite, so packing bug spray is advisable. Is this something I can buy bug spray when we get there? Certainly! We beelined at Walmart when we arrived so if you are so inclined, wait to buy it there (though Hawaii’s grocery costs were higher than my home state of Colorado). Below is a list of some of the critters you may encounter:
- Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes can be present, especially in areas with standing water. It’s advisable to use mosquito repellent, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Biting Midges: These tiny insects can be found near beaches and coastal areas. They are known for their irritating bites. Applying insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants can help protect against them.
- Centipedes: Some areas, particularly in lush and wooded regions, may have centipedes. While their bites can be painful, they are not usually dangerous. Taking precautions like shaking out shoes and clothes before putting them on can help avoid encounters. We had a couple of these in our bathroom!
- Ants: Hawaii has various ant species. While most are harmless, some can deliver painful bites. Keeping food sealed and stored properly can help prevent ant infestations.
19. First Aid Kit
An essential item for beach activities with kids is a first aid kit. Despite the beautiful sandy beaches on the Big Island, the presence of rough lava rocks increases the likelihood of scrapes. While our kids were fortunate not to have any scrapes, my husband managed to scrape his stomach on the rocky ocean floor.
20. Beach Bag
Finally, consider adding a beach bag to your packing list for the Big Island of Hawaii. We overlooked bringing this item and had to make do with cloth grocery Walmart bags. The beach bag should accommodate your essentials, including a water bottle, sunscreen, beach towels, blankets, and dry clothes. You can also buy these here at a little extra cost if you don’t want to take up the packing space.
21. Motion Sickness Medication
Does spending a lot of time on boats and cars make you queasy? You’re not alone! You may want to think ahead and pack these if you or your kiddos are prone to motion sickness.
22. Waterproof Beach Case for Credit Cards & Keys
Protect your credit card, car keys, and hotel keys from theft during water activities at the beach with a waterproof case. These cases are not only suitable for your car keys but also provide a secure and waterproof enclosure for other essentials like credit cards, driver’s licenses, air pods, cash, coins, and other small items. Keep your valuables protected and dry in any weather or adventure.
Do I need to bring Snorkel Gear to Hawaii?
No, you really don’t and this is a personal choice. We chose not to because we are inexperienced at snorkeling and we didn’t want to use up the luggage space or spend the money on buying gear. We didn’t even end up snorkeling as we found our kids just really were not that into it. There are reasons you may opt to bring your gear, fit, hygiene, and convenience being a few.
What if I forget to pack something for Hawaii?
There are numerous places to find what you need in the Hawaiian Islands. Firstly, there is a large Walmart in Kailua Kona on the Big Island. We did our grocery shopping here a few times. Hawaii is also known for the ABC Stores, which are convenient stores offering beach gear, sunscreen, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.
What do I need to pack for the flight?
Click here for the top things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii for Free!
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