Beaches & Islands · Best Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Big Island Hawaii packing list for families
The Big Island packs beach days, rain forest, and a cool volcano summit into one trip, sometimes all in the same day. Your bags need to cover sunshine, rain, and sweater weather.
Photo by Tell Death I'm Busy on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Hawaii: Big Island
- The island has very different climates. Kona is sunny and dry, Hilo is green and rainy, and the volcano park is cool. Pack for all three.
- Hawaii law bans sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate. Bring mineral sunscreen from home so you're not hunting for it on arrival.
- Drive times are longer than they look on the map. I like splitting the stay between the Kona side and the Hilo or volcano side.
Best timeApr–May, Sep–Oct
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Hawaii: Big Island
This time of year
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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.
Light rain jacket and fleece for the volcano parkKristina's pickIt's cooler and often wet at the Kīlauea summit.
Shoes6
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Water shoes for lava rock beachesMany beaches have sharp lava rock at the water's edge.
Closed-toe hiking shoesLava trails are rough and uneven.
Beach & pool14
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 maskThe Kona coast has calm, clear snorkel spots.
Adventure2
Bug spray
Small flashlightHandy for evening volcano viewing and lava tubes.
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 & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
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
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the kids
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Hawaii: Big Island 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 | 81°F 27°C | Warm and sunny in Kona, with more rain on the Hilo side and cool nights up at the volcano. | Humpback whale season. January through March is the peak, and boat tours often spot them. |
| February | 81°F 27°C | Warm and sunny in Kona, with more rain on the Hilo side and cool nights up at the volcano. | Humpback whale season. January through March is the peak, and boat tours often spot them. |
| March | 81°F 27°C | Warm and sunny in Kona, with more rain on the Hilo side and cool nights up at the volcano. | Humpback whale season. January through March is the peak, and boat tours often spot them. The Merrie Monarch Festival brings world-class hula to Hilo the week after Easter. |
| April | 82°F 28°C | Pleasant and drier, with fewer crowds before summer. | Humpback whale season. January through March is the peak, and boat tours often spot them. The Merrie Monarch Festival brings world-class hula to Hilo the week after Easter. |
| May | 83°F 28°C | Pleasant and drier, with fewer crowds before summer. | |
| June | 85°F 29°C | Warmest and sunniest on the Kona side, with calm water for snorkeling. | Calm summer seas make the Kona coast easiest for snorkeling with kids. |
| July | 85°F 29°C | Warmest and sunniest on the Kona side, with calm water for snorkeling. | Calm summer seas make the Kona coast easiest for snorkeling with kids. |
| August | 86°F 30°C | Warmest and sunniest on the Kona side, with calm water for snorkeling. | Calm summer seas make the Kona coast easiest for snorkeling with kids. |
| September | 86°F 30°C | Still warm with quieter beaches. Rain picks up on the windward side by November. | |
| October | 85°F 29°C | Still warm with quieter beaches. Rain picks up on the windward side by November. | |
| November | 83°F 28°C | Still warm with quieter beaches. Rain picks up on the windward side by November. | The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates the harvest with farm tours and tastings. |
| December | 81°F 27°C | Warm and sunny in Kona, with more rain on the Hilo side and cool nights up at the volcano. | Humpback whale season. January through March is the peak, and boat tours often spot them. |
Questions families ask
Hawaii: Big Island with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Hawaii: Big Island with kids?
The best time is Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Warm and sunny in Kona, with more rain on the Hilo side and cool nights up at the volcano.
What's the weather like in Hawaii: Big Island?
Typical daytime highs range from about 81°F (27°C) in January to about 86°F (30°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Hawaii: Big Island?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Hawaii: Big Island?
None. Hawaii: Big Island uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Hawaii: Big Island with kids?
The island has very different climates. Kona is sunny and dry, Hilo is green and rainy, and the volcano park is cool. Pack for all three.
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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.