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. Bring warm layers and blankets.
- Plan long-haul days with a nap. The time change from the East Coast is a big one for kids.
Best timeApr–May, Sep–Oct
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
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-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
Clothing5
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Warm layers and hats for Haleakalā sunriseThe summit is cold before dawn.
Shoes1
Sandals
Beach & pool10
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 mask
Rash guardsStrong summer sun.
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 things15
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
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
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech1
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
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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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.