This post contains affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we've used ourselves. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our affiliate disclosure.
We lived on Oahu for two years with a baby, which means we went to the beach a lot. After plenty of trial and error (and a few sunburned afternoons), this is what earned a permanent spot in our beach bag.
Nothing fancy. Just the gear that made beach days with little ones actually relaxing. Each link goes to the product on Amazon, where you can pick the size or color that works for you.
For where to use all this, see the best Oahu beaches for babies and toddlers.
The product links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
Shade: the most important thing you’ll bring
The Hawaiian sun is strong, and shade can be scarce on the beach. A shady spot is what keeps a baby happy (and napping) for more than half an hour.
- Beach tent with UPF 50+ shade. Sets up quickly, and the stakes and guy lines keep it put in the wind. Mesh side panels let the breeze through, so it doesn’t get too hot inside for a nap.
- Beach umbrella with a sand anchor. A big 8-foot umbrella that tilts with the sun. The anchor keeps it from flying away.
Sun protection
- Mineral, reef-safe sunscreen for kids. Hawaii bans sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect the reefs, so look for mineral (zinc oxide) formulas. This one is labeled Hawaii Act 104 compliant.
- Long-sleeve rash guards for kids. UPF 50+, and less sunscreen to apply (and fight over).
- Baby sun hat with a neck flap. Wide brim, quick-dry, and a drawstring so it stays on.
In the water
- Reusable swim diapers. Cheaper over a tour of beach days than the disposable kind. Pick the size that fits on the product page.
- Toddler water shoes. For rocky beaches like the one by our house, which was mixed with chunks of coral.
- A puddle-jumper style float vest for when they get a little braver. Always stay within arm’s reach.
Sand toys and comfort
- Sand toy set with a mesh bag. A bucket and shovel is really all they want. These buckets collapse flat to pack, and the mesh bag lets you shake the sand out before you leave.
- Sand-free beach blanket. Sand slides right off, which matters when you’re shaking it out in a parking lot.
- Quick-dry beach towels. Big enough to lie on, and they shake out sand-free.
Hauling it all (and keeping it cold)
- Collapsible beach wagon with big wheels. All-terrain wheels roll on sand. Carries the cooler, tent, toys, and a tired toddler on the way back.
- Soft-sided cooler backpack. Snacks and water on your back, hands free for the kids. You’ll need more of both than you think.
- Waterproof phone pouch so you can take photos at the water’s edge without worrying. It comes as a 2-pack, one for each parent.
Our quick packing list
Tent or umbrella · mineral sunscreen · rash guards · sun hats · swim diapers · water shoes · sand toys · sand-free blanket · towels · cooler with snacks and water · wagon · phone pouch · a change of clothes for everyone.
Moving to Hawaii? Start with what we wish we’d known before our PCS to Oahu.
