Beaches & Islands · Best Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Maui packing list for families
Sea turtles, whale season, and a sunrise above the clouds. Maui has a little of everything, so it pays to pack thoughtfully. Here's our family list, adjusted for when you're going.
Photo by Andrew Bain on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Maui
- Hawaii only allows reef-safe sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate. Buy mineral before you go.
- If you're doing Haleakalā sunrise, the summit is near freezing. Pack a real coat and warm layers, and ask your hotel for blankets.
- Plan long-haul days with a nap. The time change from the East Coast is a big one for kids.
What I learned on our trip
- For Haleakalā sunrise, ask your hotel for a stack of blankets. There's no need to pack your own, but do pack a real coat.
Best timeApr–May, Sep–Oct
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
What to wear in Maui with kids
Maui is resort casual. Swimsuits and cover-ups most of the day, with sundresses and linen for dinner. The exception is Haleakalā, where sunrise at about 10,000 feet is near freezing, so bring a real warm layer.
For the grown-ups
- Cover-up dress, beach to lunch
- Linen pants or shorts, for dinners out
- Packable puffer, for Haleakalā sunrise
For the kids
- UPF rash guards, less sunscreen on wiggly kids
- Water shoes, lava rock entries
- Warm layer, the summit is cold
Don't forget
- Mineral reef-safe sunscreen, required by Hawaii law
- Kids' snorkel mask, turtles near shore
- Sun hats, strong tropical sun
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Your packing editLinen & Luggage · free family packing lists at linenandluggage.com
Maui
This time of year
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Warm layers and hats for Haleakalā sunriseThe summit is cold before dawn.
Shoes3
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool15
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Sand-free beach towel
Kids' snorkel mask
Rash guardsStrong summer sun.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech15
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Maui weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 80°F 27°C | Mild and sunny on the south shore, with a few more showers on the north side. | It's humpback whale season, peaking January through March. You can often spot them right from the beach. |
| February | 80°F 27°C | Mild and sunny on the south shore, with a few more showers on the north side. | It's humpback whale season, peaking January through March. You can often spot them right from the beach. |
| March | 81°F 27°C | Mild and sunny on the south shore, with a few more showers on the north side. | It's humpback whale season, peaking January through March. You can often spot them right from the beach. |
| April | 82°F 28°C | Warm, dry, and sunny. Trade winds keep it comfortable. | It's humpback whale season, peaking January through March. You can often spot them right from the beach. |
| May | 84°F 29°C | Warm, dry, and sunny. Trade winds keep it comfortable. | |
| June | 86°F 30°C | Warm, dry, and sunny. Trade winds keep it comfortable. | Summer brings the calmest snorkeling on the south shore. Turtles are everywhere. |
| July | 87°F 31°C | Warm, dry, and sunny. Trade winds keep it comfortable. | Summer brings the calmest snorkeling on the south shore. Turtles are everywhere. |
| August | 88°F 31°C | Warm, dry, and sunny. Trade winds keep it comfortable. | Summer brings the calmest snorkeling on the south shore. Turtles are everywhere. |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Warm, dry, and sunny. Trade winds keep it comfortable. | Summer brings the calmest snorkeling on the south shore. Turtles are everywhere. |
| October | 87°F 31°C | Warm, dry, and sunny. Trade winds keep it comfortable. | |
| November | 84°F 29°C | Mild and sunny on the south shore, with a few more showers on the north side. | Holiday season on Maui means lights in the palm trees and big family crowds. Book early. |
| December | 81°F 27°C | Mild and sunny on the south shore, with a few more showers on the north side. | It's humpback whale season, peaking January through March. You can often spot them right from the beach. Holiday season on Maui means lights in the palm trees and big family crowds. Book early. |
Questions families ask
Maui with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Maui with kids?
The best time is Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Warm, dry, and sunny. Trade winds keep it comfortable.
What's the weather like in Maui?
Typical daytime highs range from about 80°F (27°C) in January to about 88°F (31°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Maui?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Maui?
None. Maui uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Maui with kids?
Hawaii only allows reef-safe sunscreen without oxybenzone or octinoxate. Buy mineral before you go.
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Shop the edit
Kristina's edits for this trip
Hand-picked collections to shop alongside this list, so you're not hunting for each piece.
7 picks
Beach & Pool Week
Swim, sun, and pool-day pieces for a beach week with kids.
Shop the edit 5 picksLuggage
The bags I'd actually buy for a family trip.
Shop the edit 7 picksThe Luxury Travel Edit
What I'd pack for a five-star stay.
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Want the whole trip handled?
I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.