Maui Packing List for Families Vacationing with Young Kids

Your Maui packing list doesn’t have to be stressful! Planning a family trip to Hawaii can be thrilling, especially if you’re traveling with babies and young children. Ensuring everyone has a memorable, stress-free experience starts with packing smart. Here’s a detailed guide to the must-have items for families with young children on a Maui adventure.

1. Making Travel Easier with Practical Airport and Travel Items for Kids

• Baby Carrier: Our first kid was a carrier lover. He wanted to be carried everywhere. Navigating the airport with infants and toddlers, for us, was best done with this LÍLLÉbaby carrier. It’s lightweight, breathable and, most importantly, ergonomic. I had a hard time navigating those cute little wraps and slings and needed something I could whip on and off quickly, the Lillebaby fit the bill. With some practice, it’s also very easy to breastfeed with and has a handy cover for added privacy if desired. Our daughter, who I’d assumed would love those close snuggles, hated being strapped to us. This lightweight stroller was perfect for travel both to the mainland and inter-island.
  
• Collapsible Bassinet/Changing Table: I consider myself pretty minimalist with kid gear. Traveling to Australia with our toddler and a 6-month-old, however, brought around some genuine deep thinking in to what we could do to make life easier. This backpack is a diaper bag, convertible bassinet, and will allow you to change your infant as well as give them a place to chill if they don’t want to be on our lap or in a stroller.
  
• Foldable Potty Seat: We used this fold-and-go potty seat for our young kids in airport bathrooms and paired it with this toilet seat cover which soothed my anxiety taking our sensory-seeking toddler to a public restroom.
  
• Antibacterial Wipes: Wipes are great for the plane, and travel sanitizer can be clipped inside your purse or diaper bag for easy access.

2. Maui Packing List Essential: Reef-Friendly Sun Protection

• Reef-Friendly Sunscreen: Hawaii’s reefs are vulnerable to a slew of toxic chemicals. Choose a reef-friendly sunscreen that won’t compromise the environment. We love these local brands:
  • Mama Kuleana
  • Raw Love Sunscreen
  • Little Hands Hawaii
    
• Sun Hats: Wide-brimmed hats offer extra shade for sensitive faces, and many come with chin straps for a secure fit on windy beach days. This kids’ swim hat served us well in the Maui sun.
  
• Rash Guard: Rashies with UPF protection add an extra layer against UV rays without needing to reapply sunscreen as frequently. This long sleeve swimsuit is a super cute option for girls, and using a high-visibility rashguard in colors like flourescent yellow adds visibility for extra in-water safety.
  
• Sunglasses: Look for kid-friendly, durable sunglasses with UV protection for eye safety. These kids’ sunglasses come in a bunch of colors and the strap means… maybe, just maybe… they won’t be lost within two hours of landing.

3. Comfortable Clothing & Footwear

• Light Layers: Maui’s weather is typically warm, but light jackets or hoodies are great for going upcountry or enjoying a whale watching tour where it can get super windy.
  
• Slippahs and shoes: Essential footwear for visiting Maui! You’ll only need sneakers if you plan to go hiking.
  
• Extra Outfits: I am horrific at math, but I did learn mom math. Pack a shirt for every day you’ll be on Maui, then double it 😉 I’m a total control freak with packing, and these packing cubes come in handy for organizational purposes as well as keeping everything compact.

4. Hydration and Snacks on your Maui Packing List

• Reusable Water Bottles: You don’t need to drop coin on a package of bottled water at Costco when you arrive. Stash a stainless steel water bottle in your checked luggage for each person and you’re good to go. Tip: fill each bottle with small clothing items to save space, and throw a straw cleaner in there too! Thank you for helping keep plastic out of Maui’s landfill! This 40oz waterbottle is my absolute favorite and very well priced!
  
• Favorite Snacks: We typically have an entire bag dedicated to snacks. It seems excessive, but the last thing you want is to be caught in the airport or rental car line with hangry kids and family. Keep in mind you can’t bring fresh fruit in to Hawaii. Opt for dried fruit and veggies and packaged snacks that everyone will enjoy.

5. Maui Packing List: Staying Connected

• Chargers: Don’t forget chargers for each of your electronics.

6. Items for Peace of Mind

• First Aid Kit and Medicine: We know that the one time we forget the Tylenol, someone’s going to spike a high fever at midnight. A small first aid kid with travel sized medicines and even a kids’ thermometer does great things for peace of mind when travelling. Items like this are readily available on island, but it’s best to have them on hand to avoid the extra travel.
  
• Portable Nightlight: If your kids are used to a nightlight, bringing one along can help them feel more comfortable in a new environment. I bring a couple of these whenever we travel.
  
• Baby Proofing Away from Home: When our babies were young I carried a few of those plastic outlet covers when we travelled. It may seem silly but popping them in made me feel more comfortable as they explored their new room and surroundings. Just don’t forget them when you go!
  
• White Noise Machine or App: If your child is a light sleeper, a portable white noise machine or phone app should be on your Maui packing list to make nap time easier.

8. Additional Tips for Families Traveling to Maui

• Plan for Sun Protection: Maui’s UV index is high year-round, so reapply sunscreen often, especially after swimming or beach play. Please note, however, that you shouldn’t enter the water immediately after applying sunscreen. Apply at least 20 minutes before going out (before the car ride or walking down the beach usually works well).
  
• Opt for Beach Days in the Morning: Many beaches on Maui are calmer in the mornings, which is perfect for families with young kids.
  
• Pre-Order Groceries: Many services deliver groceries to your accommodation. We love Instacart for Costco delivery – who wants to wait in line with young kids when you could be enjoying the sunshine?! Stock up on snacks, water, and any baby essentials before you arrive.

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With this essential Maui packing list, you’re set to enjoy a wonderful family vacation in Maui! Preparing in advance can give you peace of mind so that you can focus on enjoying the time spent exploring, making memories, and soaking in the island’s beauty. We hear a great way to do the latter is booking a photoshoot in Wailea or West Maui with Love and Water Photography – water you wading for?

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