Beaches & Islands · Best Apr–Oct
Lanai packing list for families
Lanai is small and quiet, with few shops, so what you pack is what you have. Plan ahead and you get calm snorkeling, dolphins in the bay, and a slower pace than the bigger islands.
Photo by Bret Lowrey on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Hawaii: Lanai
- Lanai has only a few small shops, mostly in Lanai City. Bring enough swim diapers, sunscreen, snacks, and kid medicine for the whole stay.
- Lanai City sits upcountry and is noticeably cooler than the beach, especially at night. Pack a sweatshirt even for a summer trip.
- Hulopoe Bay is a marine preserve with calm water most of the year. Spinner dolphins often swim in during the morning, so we head to the beach early.
Best timeApr–Oct
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Hawaii: Lanai
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
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 sweatshirtUpcountry evenings in Lanai City run cool.
Shoes2
Sandals
Water shoesTide pools at Hulopoe have rough lava rock.
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 setKristina's pickHulopoe Bay is one of the best family snorkel spots in Hawaii.
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
Health & toiletries5
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion-sickness bandsThe ferry from Maui and off-road jeep rides can be bumpy.
Documents & tech1
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For the grown-ups
- Linen shirt or linen set
- A white cover-up dress
- Leather slides for dinner
For the kids
- Seersucker or linen shorts
- Matching-print swimsuits
- Soft cotton sundress
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Month by month
Hawaii: Lanai 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 and mostly sunny at the coast, with more passing showers and cooler upcountry nights. | Humpback whale season, with whales often visible from shore and on the ferry from Maui. Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. |
| February | 80°F 27°C | Warm and mostly sunny at the coast, with more passing showers and cooler upcountry nights. | Humpback whale season, with whales often visible from shore and on the ferry from Maui. Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. |
| March | 81°F 27°C | Warm and mostly sunny at the coast, with more passing showers and cooler upcountry nights. | Humpback whale season, with whales often visible from shore and on the ferry from Maui. Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. |
| April | 82°F 28°C | Warm and dry, with calm water and fewer visitors. | Humpback whale season, with whales often visible from shore and on the ferry from Maui. Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. Calm, clear water and quiet weeks, a lovely time to snorkel Hulopoe Bay. |
| May | 84°F 29°C | Warm and dry, with calm water and fewer visitors. | Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. Calm, clear water and quiet weeks, a lovely time to snorkel Hulopoe Bay. |
| June | 85°F 29°C | Hot, sunny, and dry, with occasional south swells reaching Hulopoe Bay. | Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. |
| July | 86°F 30°C | Hot, sunny, and dry, with occasional south swells reaching Hulopoe Bay. | Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. |
| August | 87°F 31°C | Hot, sunny, and dry, with occasional south swells reaching Hulopoe Bay. | Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. |
| September | 87°F 31°C | Hot, sunny, and dry, with occasional south swells reaching Hulopoe Bay. | Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. Warm water and quieter weeks after summer break. |
| October | 86°F 30°C | Warm and quieter, with rain starting to return late in the month. | Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. Warm water and quieter weeks after summer break. |
| November | 84°F 29°C | Warm and mostly sunny at the coast, with more passing showers and cooler upcountry nights. | Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. |
| December | 81°F 27°C | Warm and mostly sunny at the coast, with more passing showers and cooler upcountry nights. | Humpback whale season, with whales often visible from shore and on the ferry from Maui. Spinner dolphins often visit Hulopoe Bay in the morning. |
Questions families ask
Hawaii: Lanai with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Hawaii: Lanai with kids?
The best time is Apr–Oct. Warm and mostly sunny at the coast, with more passing showers and cooler upcountry nights.
What's the weather like in Hawaii: Lanai?
Typical daytime highs range from about 80°F (27°C) in January to about 87°F (31°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Hawaii: Lanai?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Hawaii: Lanai?
None. Hawaii: Lanai uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Hawaii: Lanai with kids?
Lanai has only a few small shops, mostly in Lanai City. Bring enough swim diapers, sunscreen, snacks, and kid medicine for the whole stay.
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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.