Cruises & Expeditions · Best Apr–May & Sep–Oct
Hawaii cruise packing list for families
A Hawaii cruise packs four very different islands into one week, from rainy Hilo to sunny reef days and a cold volcano summit. Packing for each island's weather is what makes it easy.
Photo by Pascal Debrunner on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Hawaii Cruise
- Most families I work with choose the week-long interisland itinerary that starts and ends in Honolulu. Round trips from the West Coast add several sea days each way, and some stop in Mexico, so check document rules if you go that route.
- Weather changes island to island. Hilo is often rainy, and Haleakalā's summit is cold before dawn, so pack a rain jacket and a warm layer even for a tropical trip.
- Haleakalā sunrise needs an advance reservation from the park, and so do some popular beaches and trails. Book the ones you care about as soon as your windows open.
Best timeApr–May & Sep–Oct
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Hawaii Cruise
This time of year
Shop this list
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-on8
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
Clothing7
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Formal-night outfit
Packable rain jacketHilo and the windward sides see frequent rain.
Warm hoodie for summit sunriseHaleakalā's summit can be near freezing at dawn.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Beach & pool9
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
Kids' snorkel maskKristina's pickReef snorkeling is a highlight on every island.
Adventure1
Dry bagFor boat tours, beaches, and sudden showers.
Little ones4
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
Little things14
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.
Tap 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
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion-sickness bands
Documents & tech4
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Magnetic hooks for the cabin
Power strip without surge protectionCruise lines don't allow surge protectors.
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
The outfit edit
Nautical
White, navy, signal red, sand
For photos
- Navy and white with a red accent
- Sail-away on deck
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Hawaii Cruise 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 | Warm with more showers and big surf on north shores | Humpback whale season, often visible from the ship and from shore Big-wave season on north shores, best watched from a safe distance |
| February | 80°F 27°C | Warm with more showers and big surf on north shores | Humpback whale season, often visible from the ship and from shore Big-wave season on north shores, best watched from a safe distance |
| March | 81°F 27°C | Warm with more showers and big surf on north shores | Humpback whale season, often visible from the ship and from shore |
| April | 82°F 28°C | Warm, drier, and calmer between winter and summer crowds | Humpback whale season, often visible from the ship and from shore Merrie Monarch hula festival in Hilo, the week after Easter |
| May | 84°F 29°C | Warm, drier, and calmer between winter and summer crowds | |
| June | 86°F 30°C | Hottest and driest, with steady trade winds and calm south shores | Summer break, when sailings and excursions book up early |
| July | 87°F 31°C | Hottest and driest, with steady trade winds and calm south shores | Summer break, when sailings and excursions book up early |
| August | 88°F 31°C | Hottest and driest, with steady trade winds and calm south shores | Summer break, when sailings and excursions book up early |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Hottest and driest, with steady trade winds and calm south shores | Aloha Festivals celebrations with music and hula in September |
| October | 86°F 30°C | Warm and still mostly dry before winter rains begin | |
| November | 84°F 29°C | Warm with more showers and big surf on north shores | Big-wave season on north shores, best watched from a safe distance |
| December | 81°F 27°C | Warm with more showers and big surf on north shores | Humpback whale season, often visible from the ship and from shore Big-wave season on north shores, best watched from a safe distance |
Questions families ask
Hawaii Cruise with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Hawaii Cruise with kids?
The best time is Apr–May & Sep–Oct. Warm with more showers and big surf on north shores
What's the weather like in Hawaii Cruise?
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 Hawaii Cruise?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Hawaii Cruise?
None. Hawaii Cruise uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Hawaii Cruise with kids?
Most families I work with choose the week-long interisland itinerary that starts and ends in Honolulu. Round trips from the West Coast add several sea days each way, and some stop in Mexico, so check document rules if you go that route.
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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.