Family Beach Essentials: What to Pack for a Perfect Day in Hawaii
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The kids might be back in school, but we’re still chasing that vitamin D every chance we get. With the heat lingering, there’s just something about beach days in Hawaii that feels like the ultimate reset—sun on your skin, toes in the sand, and the soothing rhythm of waves rolling in. Whether it’s a weekend outing or a quick after-school escape, beach outings have quickly become one of our favorite ways to enjoy family time.
That said, let’s be honest—beach days with kids (and all the essentials that comes with them) are rarely effortless. After testing out a variety of coolers—my husband may or may not have a growing collection—plus tents, sun protection, and kid essentials, we’ve finally found a setup that works. It’s made beach days feel less like a mission and more like the escape they’re meant to be—so good, we keep going back for more.
Our tried-and-true favorites for family beach days that are fun, comfortable, and as low-stress as possible. Yes, we really use it all.
Perfect for toddlers and young kids who are still building confidence in the water. We decided to get one for our daughter so she wouldn’t have to cling to us the entire time—because let’s be real, carrying a squirmy, excited toddler in the water gets exhausting, especially when they want to stay in forever. The vest gives her the freedom to splash and play safely, while giving us a bit of a break (and peace of mind!).
Sun protection is non-negotiable. We stick with long-sleeve rashguards and a hat to keep her covered and protected from UV rays. It also saves us from reapplying sunscreen every 15 minutes.
She actually loves the fun patterns, so it's a win-win. There are plenty of stores to choose from, but I mostly shop at Target, Gap, Old Navy and for the latest one, we picked up some stuff from Rip Curl.
Even with UV-protective rashguards and hats, sunscreen is still a must. We make sure to reapply regularly—especially on exposed areas like the face, neck, hands, and feet. It’s one of those non-negotiables for beach days, no matter how covered up your kid is.
Simple works best. A shovel, bucket, and some sea creature molds keep her busy for a long time—while setting up, resting, or just enjoying the view. No need to overpack the toy bag!
I know, even when we already have drinks in the cooler, it’s just easier for the kids to sip from their own water bottles. We actually carry them everywhere—it makes staying hydrated on the beach so much simpler.
Of course, don’t forget to bring snacks! Hungry kids and beach days don’t go well together :) We pack simple, easy-to-eat snacks that won’t get sandy to keep everyone happy and full—because playing in the water uses up a lot of their energy…
Quick to set up and an absolute lifesaver when the sun gets intense. We’re a family of three, and our tent is roomy enough for lounging, snacking, and sneaky naps. Plus, it holds up surprisingly well in the wind—definitely more reliable than just an umbrella.
After testing a few, we finally found one that keeps drinks icy cold, fits a full beach-day lunch and snacks, and isn’t too heavy to carry. We usually pack fruit, juice boxes for the kids, and something fizzy for the grown-ups. We’ve tried brands like Igloo, Yeti, Pelican, and RTIC — in all different sizes.
Reliable beach coolers we’ve been using in rotation…
We bring a beach blanket when we’re planning a quick dip and don’t want to haul a lot of gear. This one has been with us for years and is still in perfect shape. It folds up compactly like a shoulder bag, making it super easy to carry around.
We haven’t used our beach chairs much lately since we mostly relax in our tent now. But having comfy, low-slung chairs for quick breaks between swims is definitely a nice-to-have. They’re easy to carry and totally worth bringing along.
We usually bring a few different sunscreens on beach days—there’s one that smells like coconut that’s definitely a hit. We also carry a face spray for easy reapplication, plus a special formula for our daughter. These are the ones that work for all of us: easy to apply, gentle on skin, and most importantly, safe for the ocean. Sunscreen that doesn’t sting the eyes? Instant favorite.
Wagon - easy to carry everything in one trip, plus our daughter loves riding in it
Aftersun Moisturizer - soothes and hydrates skin after sun
Baby or Hand wipes - always useful, no exceptions
Poncho towel - great as an easy cover-up and perfect for quick changes
Plastic bag for garbage - because you can never have too many
Beach Day Essentials: Why They Matter
When everyone is comfortable, protected from the sun, and not hangry, you actually get to relax. Your little ones can explore, play, and make memories without constant interruptions or meltdowns.
These are just our must-have beach items that truly make our days at the beach something we all look forward to—not just the moment we arrive, but the whole experience. Yes, bringing all the gear and cleaning up afterward can feel like a lot of work, but we actually enjoy it. It makes for simple, fun, stress-free days by the water.
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