Planning for your Maui vacation with kids and starting to think about your Maui packing checklist? Keep scrolling for the best packing list for Maui you’ll find!
This go-to Maui packing list for stress-free family holidays was written by Hawaii travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Okay so two days before our last Maui trip, I’m tearing apart the garage looking for my oldest son’s prescription goggles.
They were somewhere under clothes in the laundry room (which, why?) and I seriously almost gave up and ordered new ones for $80.
That’s when it hit me: I’ve been to Hawaii over 40 times and I STILL pack like it’s my first trip.
Look, most Maui packing lists are written by people who went once and Googled “what to pack for Hawaii.”
You can tell because they include weird stuff like 47 different types of bags or portable fans or whatever.
I’m going to tell you what actually matters. And more importantly, what’s a complete waste of suitcase space.
The Rules Changed and Nobody Talks About It
Before you pack anything, you need to know Maui has some pretty specific laws now. Getting this wrong will mess up your first day, I promise.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (Yes, It’s Actually the Law)
Hawaii banned oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens back in 2021. But here’s what most tourists don’t know: Maui County went even further in October 2022 and banned the USE of ALL non-mineral sunscreens.
Not just the sale. The actual use.
Translation: if you show up to a snorkeling tour with your regular Coppertone, tour operators will make you throw it away. I’ve watched this happen. It’s awkward.
You need mineral sunscreen. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. That’s it.
Can you buy it on Maui? Yes. Will it cost you $13 for a tiny 6-ounce bottle at Foodland? Also yes.
Better option: order it now and pack it in your checked bag. I’ll tell you which brands actually work in a minute (because some mineral sunscreens are terrible).
Plastic Bags Are Banned (Bring Your Own)
Maui banned single-use plastic bags years ago. This seems small until you’re standing at Safeway checkout with $200 worth of groceries and nowhere to put them.
I keep 3-4 foldable shopping bags in my suitcase. They take up like 2 inches of space. And honestly, I use them for everything: beach days, dirty laundry, bringing home the 47 bags of coffee we somehow always buy.
Haleakala Sunrise Needs Reservations or They’ll Turn You Away
This one. THIS ONE gets people every time.
You need advance reservations to see sunrise at Haleakala. They’re $1.50 per car. You can book them 60 days ahead on Recreation.gov.
Without a reservation, park rangers will literally turn you around at 3am after you drove up a mountain in the dark. I watched this happen in 2021 to a family from Texas. The kids were crying. It was brutal.
Don’t be that family.
What to Wear on the Plane (I Have Thoughts)
Living in Seattle, we’re always leaving cold weather. So my family wears fleece jackets and long pants on the plane even though it looks ridiculous when we land in 85-degree Maui.
But you know what? Airports are freezing. Airplanes are freezing. And those fleece jackets? You’ll need them for Haleakala anyway.
Wear your bulkiest shoes. For us that’s hiking shoes. Saves a ton of suitcase space.
Skip flip flops on the plane. I know it’s tempting but luggage falls on people’s feet more than you’d think.
Carry-On Bag: What You Actually Need
I used to overpack our carry-ons like we were going on a cross-country flight with no food service and broken entertainment systems.
Now I know better.
Bring Way More Snacks Than You Think
Flights from the West Coast take 6 hours. East Coast? 10+ hours. Most airlines quit serving real meals years ago.
We pack nuts, jerky, granola bars, crackers. So many crackers. Because kids get hangry at 35,000 feet just like they do everywhere else.
Last trip my youngest ate three bags of pretzels and two granola bars before we even took off. Plan accordingly.
Water Bottles Are Non-Negotiable
Everyone needs their own water bottle. We use Hydro Flask because my kids have dropped them approximately 10,000 times and they still work.
Here’s why this matters: flight attendants come by with drinks maybe twice on a 6-hour flight. Those tiny cups are gone in two sips. And trying to get a refill when the cart isn’t out? Good luck.
We just pour the free drinks into our water bottles. Done.
Good Headphones Changed My Life
I’m not being dramatic. My Bose noise-cancelling headphones were a birthday gift a few years ago and they’re worth more to me than jewelry.
My kids have them now too because we fly to Hawaii constantly. They watch movies, sure. But honestly? The noise cancellation alone is worth it. You arrive less exhausted.
You don’t even need to play anything. Just turn on the noise cancellation and suddenly flying is tolerable.
These are the kid version and they actually hold up.
Pack Your Electronics in Your Carry-On or Regret It
Laptop, iPad, Nintendo Switch, camera, whatever. It all goes in your carry-on.
Checked luggage gets tossed around like beach balls. Your $800 camera doesn’t belong down there with everyone’s dirty socks.
Also bring portable battery packs because airplane USB ports are pathetic. They take like 6 hours to charge an iPad.
These portable chargers actually work. Unlike some I’ve wasted money on.
Oh, and if you want more details on airplane packing, I covered this in episode 17 of my podcast. I basically talk through my entire carry-on.
What to Actually Wear in Maui (It’s So Casual)
Maui is the most laid-back place. Like, people wear swimsuits to lunch. Nobody cares.
You’ll see shorts, tees, tank tops, sundresses everywhere. Even at restaurants that would require business casual anywhere else.
Pack comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Because Maui’s red dirt WILL stain your white linen pants. Don’t test me on this.
Pack More Swimsuits Than You Think
Bring 2-3 swimsuits per person minimum. One dries while you wear the other.
We do matching family swimsuits sometimes for photos and honestly the boys think it’s fun. Plus the pictures look amazing.
Cover-Ups If You’re Staying at a Resort
You can’t just walk through a resort lobby in a bikini. Well, you can, but you’ll feel weird.
I pack a couple lightweight dresses that work as cover-ups. They dry fast and take up no space.
Hats and Sunglasses (The Sun Is Brutal)
The Maui sun is no joke. Bring a wide-brimmed hat.
My kids refuse to wear hats no matter what I do, so we’re extra paranoid about sunscreen on them. Pick your battles, right?
December to March Gets Chilly (No, Really)
Maui winter means temperatures drop into the 60s at night. That’s not Seattle-cold but it’s cold enough that you’ll want long pants and a sweater.
I always pack a couple maxi dresses and lightweight cardigans for winter trips.
Rain happens more too. Bring a packable rain jacket. The ones that fold into their own pocket are perfect.
Babies and Toddlers Need Extra Stuff (Obviously)
Traveling with little kids? Pack enough clothes for your whole trip plus extras for blowouts and food incidents.
Bring your own diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, pacifiers, meds. Yes you can buy all this on Maui. But it’s expensive and you don’t want to spend your first vacation day hunting down Target.
SPF Swimwear Saves Your Sanity
Rash guards and SPF swimsuits are amazing with little kids. They provide sun protection so you’re not wrestling a squirmy toddler every 45 minutes to reapply sunscreen.
Don’t Forget Swim Diapers
If you’re staying at a resort with a pool and your kid is in diapers, you need swim diapers. Regular diapers in pools create… situations. Don’t learn this the hard way.
Water Shoes for Toddlers
Walking toddlers need sandals and water shoes. Regular flip flops don’t protect their feet at rocky beaches.
My kids are older now and still wear their water shoes. They’re that useful.
I have a whole guide to beach essentials for babies if you need more help.
Beach Day Essentials (Skip the Junk)
Most packing lists go crazy with beach gear. You don’t need 47 items.
Here’s what actually matters:
Reef-Safe Sunscreen (I’ll Keep Saying It)
Only mineral sunscreens work on Maui now. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: mineral sunscreens are harder to rub in. They leave a white cast. Some are thick and gross.
But these brands actually work well:
- ThinkSport – My favorite. Rubs in better than most.
- Blue Lizard – Good for sensitive skin but pricey.
- Sun Bum Mineral – Decent. Not my favorite but it works.
- CeraVe Mineral – Cheap at Target. Leaves more white cast.
We’ve tested all of them. ThinkSport is worth the extra $3.
Full reef-safe sunscreen review here.
Those Reusable Bags Again
I already mentioned these but seriously. Get foldable bags and pack them now.
You’ll use them for groceries, beach trips, dirty laundry, souvenirs. Everything.
Beach Bag or Backpack
You need something to carry your beach stuff. I prefer a beach backpack over a tote because my hands stay free.
Make sure it has wet/dry compartments. Wet swimsuits and phones don’t mix.
Road to Hana Packing (It’s an All-Day Thing)
Road to Hana is incredible but it’s also an all-day commitment with waterfalls, beaches, hiking, maybe cliff jumping if your kids are brave.
Pack a swimsuit, towel, water shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, hat. Basically everything.
Food is huge. We bring a cooler bag with sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. There are fruit stands along the way so bring cash for fresh bananas or coconut candy.
Don’t count on restaurants. Most good stops don’t have food nearby.
My Road to Hana stops guide and Road to Hana tips have all the details.
Haleakala Sunrise Packing (Everyone Gets This Wrong)
Everyone. EVERYONE makes the same mistake: they forget how cold it gets up there.
Haleakala summit is over 10,000 feet. Temperature drops about 3 degrees per 1,000 feet of elevation. Do the math. It’s 30+ degrees colder than sea level.
At sunrise? We’re talking 30s and 40s. Sometimes colder.
I watched tourists shivering in shorts and tee shirts. One woman was literally crying she was so cold. Her husband gave her his jacket and then HE was miserable.
Pack long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a warm jacket. Down jackets work great and pack small.
Bring blankets from your hotel too if you can. You’ll use them.
Also snacks and water because there’s literally nothing for sale up there and you can’t leave to get food without missing sunrise.
Complete Haleakala guide here.
Hiking Essentials (Please Don’t Hike in Flip Flops)
Maui has amazing hiking but people show up in flip flops and wonder why they’re slipping everywhere.
Wear actual shoes. Hiking shoes or hiking sandals. Save the flip flops for the pool.
Bring bug spray (Maui can be buggy depending on the trail), sunscreen, a hat, and way more water than you think you need.
This natural bug spray works for sensitive skin without smelling terrible.
Snorkeling Gear (Buy vs. Rent)
If you’re snorkeling at beaches on your own, buying your own gear is usually cheaper than renting multiple days.
You need a swimsuit, rash guard, snorkel set, and water shoes.
Grocery stores on Maui sell snorkel sets too if you’d rather buy after you land. Sometimes they’re cheaper there, sometimes Amazon is cheaper. Check both.
Mask defogger is useful if fogging makes you crazy. I don’t bother with it anymore but my husband swears by it.
Tours usually provide equipment but having your own means you can snorkel whenever you want.
Best snorkeling beaches on Maui.
Luau Outfits (Dress Up a Little)
Luaus are fun and most people dress up slightly. Not fancy. Just not beach clothes.
For guys: Khaki shorts or pants with a polo shirt or Aloha shirt.
For women: Sundress or maxi dress works. Solid colors or tropical prints both look good.
For kids: Pretty much anything. We put our boys in Aloha shirts sometimes and they look cute.
Skip heels. Some luaus are on grass and you’ll be uncomfortable.
Family Photo Outfits (If You’re Doing That)
More families are booking professional photographers on Maui. It’s easy and you get actual family photos where everyone’s in it.
Most families dress up a bit:
- Guys/boys: collared shirts
- Women/girls: dresses
All white looks amazing on Maui beaches. Aloha prints work too.
Want to save $20? Use my Flytographer link.
Buy fresh flower leis the morning of your shoot from a local flower shop. Haku leis (flower crowns) look incredible in photos.
More photo tips and how to save money.
Stuff Tourists Always Forget (Learn From Me)
Based on my trips and talking to other families, these get forgotten the most:
Prescription items: Prescription goggles, contacts, medications, glasses. Pack these WEEKS before your trip. Don’t be me frantically searching the garage at 11pm.
Phone charging cords: Bring extras. Hotel rooms never have outlets where you need them.
Ziplock bags: Perfect for keeping phones dry, storing wet swimsuits, packing snacks.
First aid kit: Band-aids, Neosporin, Tylenol, Benadryl. You’ll need at least one of these.
Hair ties: Long hair needs to be up on beach days.
After-sun care: Aloe or good moisturizer. Even with perfect sunscreen application (ha), Maui sun is intense.
Hand sanitizer: Still useful. Beach days then lunch? You’ll want it.
5 Packing Mistakes That Ruin Your First Day
I talked about these mistakes in detail on episode 58 of my podcast. Quick version:
Mistake 1: Packing banned sunscreen. Tour operators confiscate it. Awkward.
Mistake 2: No warm clothes for Haleakala. You’ll freeze and be miserable.
Mistake 3: Forgetting reusable bags. First grocery trip becomes a mess.
Mistake 4: Packing new white clothes. Maui’s red dirt stains permanently. Bring older clothes.
Mistake 5: Waiting until the last minute to pack. Start gathering items weeks ahead, especially prescription stuff.
Here are the common Hawaii travel mistakes first-time visitors make.
What NOT to Pack (Save Your Space)
Leave these home:
Too many shoes – 2-3 pairs max per person
Beach towels – Hotels provide them
Hair dryers/straighteners – Hotels have them
Formal clothes – Maui is casual everywhere
Heavy books – Load your Kindle
More than 1 week of clothes – Do laundry if staying longer
Every item should earn its spot. If you’re questioning it, leave it home.
Quick Packing Lists by Activity
Beach Days
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Swimsuits (2-3 per person)
- Water shoes
- Beach bag
- Towels (or use hotel)
- Hats, sunglasses
- Snacks, water
- Wet/dry bags
Road to Hana
- Swimsuit and towel
- Water shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Bug spray
- Cooler with food
- Cash for fruit stands
- Waterproof phone case
Haleakala Sunrise
- Warm jacket
- Long pants
- Closed-toe shoes
- Blankets
- Snacks and coffee
- Reservation confirmation
- Camera
Hiking
- Real shoes (not flip flops)
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Water (more than you think)
- Small first aid kit
Snorkeling
- Swimsuit and rash guard
- Snorkel set
- Water shoes
- Towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
Luaus
- Nice-ish outfit
- Comfortable shoes
- Light jacket (chilly after sunset)
Buy After You Arrive vs. Bring From Home
Buy on Maui:
- Beach chairs (if you want them)
- Beach umbrellas
- Boogie boards
- Fresh flower leis
- Groceries for meals
- Extra snorkel gear if needed
Bring From Home:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (cheaper)
- Prescription items
- Specialty gear
- Electronics
- Medications
- Your kids’ favorite snacks
More on what to bring vs. buy.
About Visiting Maui in 2026
Maui is completely open and actively welcoming visitors in 2026.
Here’s what people don’t understand: the 2023 Lahaina fires affected a specific area. Most of Maui was untouched.
All the major resorts (Ka’anapali, Kapalua, Wailea, Kihei), Road to Hana, Haleakala, beaches – everything is open and operating normally.
Lahaina town’s historic core is still closed for rebuilding. But Lahaina Harbor reopened for boat tours. Several restaurants came back including Mala Ocean Tavern, Star Noodle, and Aloha Mixed Plate.
The best way to support Maui’s recovery is to visit, spend money at local businesses, and be respectful.
Tourism supports 75% of Maui’s jobs. Visitors aren’t hurting the recovery. They’re funding it.
What to Do Next
Okay so you know what to pack. Now you need to plan what you’ll actually DO when you get there.
Grab my complete Maui travel guide. It covers where to stay, best beaches, kid-friendly restaurants, everything. I made it for families who want to skip hours of research.
Start packing early. Like, now. Don’t be me searching for prescription goggles at 11pm two days before your flight.
Make a list of stuff you need to buy – reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, portable charger – and order it this week.
Hawaii trips involve a lot of decisions. But you’ve got this.
Questions People Actually Ask Me
Which Hawaiian island is best for young kids?
Maui hands down. Calmer beaches than Oahu, tons of kid stuff to do, more relaxed pace than Honolulu. Plus amazing family resorts with kids clubs and pools. We love Maui with kids.
Can I use regular sunscreen in Hawaii in 2026?
Nope. Hawaii banned oxybenzone and octinoxate sunscreens statewide in 2021. Maui County banned USE of all non-mineral sunscreens in October 2022. Only mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) work now.
How many swimsuits should I pack?
Pack 2-3 per person minimum. One dries while you wear another. Super important with kids who basically live in swimsuits.
Do I actually need water shoes?
Yes. Many Maui beaches are rocky or have coral. Water shoes protect your feet and make exploring tidepools way better. Essential for kids.
What’s Maui weather like in winter?
Warm during the day (75-85°F) but evenings in winter (December-March) can drop to 60s. Pack long pants and a light sweater. More rain too, so bring a rain jacket.
Can I bring my own snorkel gear?
Yes. Often cheaper than renting. You can also buy snorkel sets on Maui at grocery stores or beach shops if you don’t want to pack them from home.
How early do I book Haleakala sunrise reservations?
Book up to 60 days ahead on Recreation.gov. Popular dates (weekends, holidays) sell out fast. Book early or you’re out of luck.
Is Maui safe after the Lahaina fires?
Yes. Maui is safe and open in 2026. 95% of the island was unaffected by the August 2023 fires. All major resorts, beaches, and activities operating normally. Only Lahaina historic core remains closed for rebuilding.
Want more Maui help? Check out my 5-day Maui itinerary, best Maui luaus, where to get shave ice, and best Maui farmers markets.
