Are you planning your first trip to Hawaii with a baby and don’t know where to start? Keep scrolling for all the top Hawaii travel tips from a mom who has done it many times!
This guide to Hawaii with a baby 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.
I’ll be honest with you. The first time I flew to Hawaii with a baby, I was a mess.
I was heading to Maui solo with my little one, planning to meet my mom (who lives on Kauai) a few days later. Between lugging our bags, managing a squirmy baby, and navigating the rental car situation, I was completely overwhelmed.
And I made a huge mistake. I rented a car seat from the rental car company because I figured there was no way I could handle everything on my own.
That car seat was disgusting. Like, actually dirty. I’ve brought my own car seat on every single trip since then, no matter how much extra effort it takes.
Real talk: Hawaii with a baby is totally doable. I’ve done it multiple times now as a professional tourist who’s visited Hawaii over 40 times. But you need to know what actually works versus what sounds good in theory.
Let me share what I’ve learned from my many trips taking babies to the islands.
Heading to Hawaii with a toddler? Read THIS first!
Why You Should Actually Take Your Baby to Hawaii
Look, I get it. The idea of flying 6+ hours with a baby sounds terrible. But hear me out on why this is actually the perfect time to go.
No school schedule stress. Once your kids hit preschool, pulling them out for a Hawaii trip gets complicated. Right now? You can visit during the best times when everyone else is stuck at school.
I always recommend traveling mid-April to June or September to mid-December. Way less crowded, and you’re not paying those crazy school break prices.
Lap babies fly free. Your baby can sit on your lap during the flight and you save hundreds of dollars. That’s a pretty sweet deal.
Just bring a good baby carrier in your carry-on so your arms don’t fall off from holding them the whole time.
Most activities are free for babies. Tours, luaus, attractions. Most of them don’t charge for babies under 2. Some you’ll need to hold them on your lap, but the savings really add up.
Babies are ridiculously portable. Car seat, stroller, baby carrier. Your baby can go basically anywhere you go. They’ll probably even nap on the go, which means you can actually explore instead of being stuck at the hotel all day.
Plus you don’t need an extra bed. They can sleep in a crib or co-sleep with you.
Hawaii is super baby-friendly. People in Hawaii absolutely love babies. You won’t get those annoyed looks you sometimes get at fancy restaurants on the mainland. Just avoid the honeymoon spots and you’re golden.
Flying to Hawaii with a Baby (Without Losing Your Mind)
The flight. Let’s talk about the flight.
It’s long. From the West Coast it’s 6 hours. From anywhere else? Even longer.
Here’s what actually helps.
Book Direct Flights
If you’re flying from the West Coast, do NOT book a connection. I don’t care if it saves you $50. That layover in Honolulu when you’re trying to catch an inter-island flight with a tired baby? Not worth it.
The worst part of flying with a baby is sitting on the plane waiting to take off while your baby gets fussy. Having to do that twice is asking for trouble.
Should You Bring a Car Seat on the Plane?
Totally up to you. If you’re buying a seat for your baby anyway, it can be nice to strap them in their familiar car seat for part of the flight.
Just know that airlines can make it difficult even though they’re supposed to allow it. Make sure your seat is FAA approved and know your rights.
Want to check your car seat instead? It’s free! I recommend getting a car seat bag to protect it. Sometimes we even stuff extra diapers or clothes in there for padding.
We usually check it at the ticket counter so we don’t have to lug it through the airport.
Do You Need a Stroller in Hawaii?
Depends on where you’re staying and what you’re doing.
If you’re at a resort with paved paths or staying in Waikiki near restaurants and shops, a stroller is super helpful. Same goes if your baby naps well in the stroller.
But here’s the thing I learned: my babies HATED the beach. They hated the sand. They wanted nothing to do with it.
If we’d known that ahead of time, we wouldn’t have bothered with the stroller. We ended up spending way more time at the pool anyway, where they were happy as clams.
What to Actually Pack in Your Carry-On
Use a backpack. You need your hands free at the airport.
I put mine under the seat in front of me for easy access during the flight. Here’s what goes inside:
- 2 bottles if you’re using formula (in case you can’t wash the first one)
- Nursing cover to block out distractions
- Baby snacks (teething crackers are good)
- A few new quiet toys
- Indestructible books (board books are too bulky)
- Extra outfit for baby (blowouts happen)
- Extra bibs and burp cloths
- Wipes and diapers in a separate bag
- Pacifier and lovey
Renting a Car with a Baby
Unless you’re staying in Waikiki, you need a car. Hawaii’s not set up for getting around without one.
Hawaii law requires babies to be in a car seat. You can read the official rules here.
Now, about that car seat rental from my first solo trip. Learn from my mistake.
Your baby is already used to their own car seat. It’s familiar. And you know it’s clean and the right size.
The only time I’d say rent a car seat is if you’re flying solo with a baby and literally cannot manage all the stuff. Otherwise, bring your own.
You can rent a car through Discount Hawaii Car Rental and they’ll have recommendations for where to get baby gear if you need it.
Where to Stay: Resort vs Hotel vs Vacation Rental
This is a big decision that affects your budget and your sanity.
Resorts
Real talk: most resort kids clubs don’t take babies. They usually start at age 3 to 5, depending on the resort. Disney Aulani’s kids club starts at age 4. So you’re paying for amenities you can’t use yet.
BUT. Resorts have great pools (which my babies loved way more than the beach), on-site restaurants, and sometimes luaus. Everything’s right there, which is super convenient for naps and early bedtimes.
Good options for babies: Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oahu, Grand Hyatt Kauai, Grand Wailea on Maui.
Hotels
Hotels usually just have a room and a pool. Maybe a bar but not usually a full restaurant.
They’re more budget-friendly than resorts. Some good picks: Embassy Suites Waikiki, Maui Coast Hotel, Aston Islander on the Beach on Kauai.
Vacation Rentals
This is my favorite option with babies.
You get a full kitchen for making baby food or storing breast milk. Separate bedrooms so you can put baby down early and then actually enjoy your evening on the lanai.
And parking is almost always free, which adds up when you’re at a resort.
We use VRBO for our rentals. Having that kitchen and extra space makes such a difference with a baby.
Baby Gear Rentals in Hawaii
Don’t want to bring everything? You can rent pretty much any baby gear you need in Hawaii.
Cribs, strollers, high chairs, toys, beach gear, you name it.
Here are the companies operating in each area:
Oahu: Paradise Baby Co, BabyQuip, Traveling Baby Company, Aloha Keiki Rentals
Maui: Baby Rentals Maui, Akamai Mother’s Rentals, Maui Vacation Equipment, No Ka Oi Baby Rentals, Nana Enterprises
Kauai: Kauai Baby Rentals, Babylicious, Nana’s Baby & Beach Gear Rentals
Big Island: Traveling Baby Company, BabyQuip
They’ll deliver right to your hotel or rental. Super convenient.
What to Actually Do in Hawaii with a Baby
Okay, so you’ve made it to Hawaii with your baby. Now what?
The good news? Babies don’t need special activities. As long as places allow babies, you can take them basically anywhere.
Oahu with a Baby
Oahu is one of my favorite islands for babies. So many activities and great shopping.
Ko Olina Lagoons. The water here is super calm and perfect for babies who want to dip their toes in. Way better than the open ocean when you’re dealing with a little one.
Dole Plantation. They have a cute train ride and you can get Dole Whip!
Easy hikes. There are tons of easy Oahu hikes you can do with a baby carrier. Just bring water and sun protection.
Waikiki Beach. Great for people watching and the water is calm. One of the top things to do in Honolulu with kids.
Want more detailed Oahu planning help? Check out my Oahu travel guide for families or sign up for my free 7-day email course on how to plan a trip to Oahu.
Maui with a Baby
Maui is super laid back. Perfect for mixing beach days, pool time, and a few adventures.
Maui Ocean Center. This aquarium is really cool. Indoor and outdoor exhibits, cultural programming throughout the day. Adults are around $55. Get tickets here.
Road to Hana. If your baby naps in the car, this is perfect. Lots of stops along the way to get out and explore.
Iao Needle. One of my favorite easy hikes on Maui. You can hold your baby or use a carrier.
Haleakala Crater. If your baby wakes up early anyway (and let’s be real, they will), head up for sunrise. It’s stunning.
Need help planning your Maui trip? My Maui travel guide for families has everything you need, or sign up for my free 7-day email course on planning a Maui trip.
Kauai with a Baby
My mom lives on Kauai, so we’ve spent a lot of time there with babies. It’s super chill.
Kilohana Plantation Train Ride. This is ALWAYS a hit. The train goes through a farm where you can feed animals mid-way through. Around $23 for adults, $16 for kids 3-12, and babies under 3 are free.
Kamalani Playground. Baby swings! Plus a full playground for older siblings.
Kauai Bike Path. Paved path up the East Coast. Perfect for strollers or renting bikes with a baby trailer.
Poipu Beach Park. One of our favorite kid-friendly beaches. Calm water and usually sunny.
Kauai Food Tour. The portions are big enough to share with older babies who are eating solids. Check prices here.
My Kauai travel guide for families has tons more ideas, or grab my free 7-day Kauai email course.
Big Island with a Baby
The Big Island feels a bit more off-the-grid, which some families love.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This is the top thing to do on the Big Island with kids. Ask rangers about the best hikes for babies.
Kona Coffee Farm Tour. More for tired parents than babies, but hey, you need good coffee. Find tours here.
Kona Farmers Market. Great way to try local Hawaiian fruit and grab tasty baked goods.
Kamakahonu Beach (Kam Beach). One of the best kid-friendly beaches in Kona because the waves are so calm.
Akaka Falls. Easy waterfall to get to, totally worth a stop.
Check out my Big Island travel guide for families or my free Big Island email course.
Should You Take Your Baby to a Luau?
People always ask me this.
Luau tickets are expensive. Even though your baby gets in free, you’re still dropping a chunk of change.
It really depends on your baby’s temperament.
Both my kids loved luaus when they were babies. The dancing, the music, all the activity. They were totally mesmerized.
But here’s the reality: they both fell asleep partway through. We either put them in a carrier or the stroller for the rest of the show.
If you’re on the fence, skip the luau and hit up a free hula show instead. Shopping malls in Hawaii usually have them.
Top luaus: Oahu, Kauai, Maui, Big Island
Easy Beach & Pool Days
Here’s what I learned after multiple Hawaii trips with babies: sometimes the simplest days are the best.
Hit the beach in the morning with your beach essentials for babies. Bring sand toys or a little inflatable.
Although fair warning? My boys wanted nothing to do with the sand. We spent way more time at the pool, which was totally fine.
Get shave ice. Every island has amazing options. Babies love this sugary treat. Our favorites on Maui, Kauai, and Oahu.
Take stroller walks on the paved paths. Good for nap time.
Go shopping. There are adorable baby boutiques where you can find Hawaiian clothing, toys, and Hawaiian children’s books.
Where to Buy Baby Stuff in Hawaii
Forgot something? Lost the last pacifier? Hawaii has you covered.
Oahu: Baby Emporium, Hopscotch, Mila’s Closet, Carter’s, Target, Walmart, Nordstrom, TJ Maxx
Maui: Droplets, Sea La Vie, Nuage Bleu, Carter’s, Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx
Kauai: Kokonut Kids, Ivy & Co., Target, Walmart, Macy’s
Big Island: Crib, Target, Walmart, Macy’s, TJ Maxx
Check out my full post on the best baby stores on Oahu for more details.
How to Actually Plan Your Hawaii Days
This is where people mess up. They try to do too much.
You’re on vacation with a baby. Lower your expectations and you’ll have a way better time.
Here’s what actually works:
Breakfast. Go out to eat. Babies who aren’t on solids yet are easy at breakfast. Plus you get good coffee.
Morning activity. Schedule your one paid tour or activity in the morning when babies are happiest and you have the most energy.
Lunch. Pack a picnic or eat out. Outdoor seating is your friend.
Nap time. Either head back to the room or plan a car nap during a scenic drive. When my kids were really little, we’d do morning nap in the car but afternoon nap at the hotel.
Afternoon. Leave this totally unscheduled. Pool time, quiet time, whatever you need.
Dinner. Eat out if baby seems good. Get takeout and eat on the lanai if they’re cranky. Waiting for the check with a melting-down baby is not fun.
Bedtime. If you’re in a vacation rental, put baby down early and enjoy the lanai kid-free with dessert or cocktails. In a hotel, we usually co-sleep and all go to bed together.
One activity per day max. Don’t book multiple paid activities in one day. And book them early in your trip in case of weather cancellations.
What About the Time Change?
Hawaii is 2-3 hours behind the West Coast, 5-6 hours behind the East Coast.
Your baby will probably adjust faster than you will.
But be prepared for super early wake-ups, especially that first morning. Babies who sleep on the plane might not sleep well the first night.
We try to stay up as late as we can those first few nights to adjust. But mostly, we just accept that we’re early risers in Hawaii.
Which is actually great. You can hit the beach before it gets crowded and grab breakfast before the rush.
Get Professional Photos
One of my favorite things is booking a Flytographer session for our Hawaii trips.
Babies change so fast. Having professional photos from this trip is something you won’t regret.
Plus it takes the pressure off trying to get good vacation photos yourself. You can just enjoy the moment.
We use these for our Christmas cards and print them to hang at home. It’s a nice reminder of our trips.
Save $20 on Flytographer with my link.
What to Pack for Hawaii with a Baby
Start gathering items a few weeks before your trip. That gives you time to order anything online or shop for what you’re missing.
Try everything on your baby first. They grow so fast and you don’t want to pack stuff that doesn’t fit.
Pack These:
- Enough diapers and wipes for your whole trip (or plan to buy more there)
- Baby food pouches if your baby eats them (way cheaper from home)
- Baby Tylenol, diaper rash cream, other meds
- Swim diapers (required for pools)
- SPF rash guards and swimsuits (bring a few so they have time to dry)
- Sun hat
- Reef-safe sunscreen for babies 6 months+ (you can buy in Hawaii too)
- Lightweight clothes (shorts, shirts, dresses, lots of onesies)
If you’re staying somewhere with a washer/dryer, pack enough for half your trip and do laundry mid-way.
Buy in Hawaii:
- Sand toys (no point lugging them in your suitcase)
- Pool floaties and baby inflatables
- Hawaiian clothing for luaus or photo shoots
- Hawaiian baby books
Nice But Not Essential:
- Sun tent for shade
- Sand-free beach mat
- Travel towels for waterfall hikes
- Portable high chair that clips to tables
Planning Your Hawaii Baby Vacation
Okay, you’ve got all the info. Now you need to actually plan this trip.
I know it feels overwhelming. Choosing an island, booking flights, finding the perfect place to stay, figuring out what to do each day.
This is exactly why I created my Hawaii travel consultation service. As a Hawaii travel expert who’s been there over 40 times (many with babies), I can help you plan the perfect trip without the stress.
Want to do it yourself? I’ve got resources to help.
My detailed travel guides walk you through everything:
Or sign up for one of my free email courses that break down the planning process step by step:
And if you’re planning to visit Disney Aulani specifically (which has amazing pools that babies love), check out my Aulani planning email course.
You can also listen to my podcast, Hawaii Travel Made Easy, where I share tons of Hawaii travel tips and tricks.
FAQs About Hawaii with a Baby
When’s the best time to visit Hawaii with a baby?
Mid-April through June or September through mid-December. That’s shoulder season with better prices and fewer crowds. Basically avoid school breaks.
Which Hawaiian island is best for babies?
Honestly? Whichever one YOU want to see. Your baby won’t care.
For first-timers, Oahu or Maui are great. Been before? Try Kauai or the Big Island.
All islands have calm beaches, good restaurants, and baby-friendly activities.
Do I need a passport for my baby?
Only if you’re traveling from outside the U.S. Hawaii is a U.S. state, so no passport needed for domestic travelers.
What about a babymoon?
Hawaii is perfect for a babymoon. It’s Zika-free, no passport required, and tons of resorts offer prenatal spa services.
Check out my pregnancy packing list for Hawaii.
Bottom Line on Hawaii with a Baby
Taking a baby to Hawaii is totally doable. I’ve done it multiple times, including solo.
The key is setting realistic expectations. Don’t over-schedule. Accept that some days will be pool days instead of beach days (and that’s fine). Build in flexibility for naps and cranky moments.
Bring your own car seat. Pack the essentials but buy stuff like sand toys there. Book one activity per day max.
And remember that this age is actually perfect for Hawaii. They fly free, most activities are free for them, and they’re portable enough to tag along on pretty much anything you want to do.
If you need help planning, book a consultation with me. I’ll help you figure out which island to visit, where to stay, and what to do with your baby.
Now go book that trip. You’ve got this.
Related Posts:
- First Trip to Hawaii? Read This First
- Where to Find Vacation Babysitters in Hawaii
- Hotel vs Condo: Which Is Better?
- Renting a Car in Hawaii: What You Need to Know
- Ultimate Guide to Hawaii with Toddlers
Join my Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to connect with other families planning Hawaii trips!
Love this post about traveling to Hawaii with a baby? Get my tips for planning your first trip to Hawaii, where to find vacation babysitters in Hawaii, deciding between a hotel or condo, and tips for renting a car in Hawaii.
P.S. Join our Hawaii Travel with Kids Facebook group to get connected with other families planning a trip to Hawaii!
