What to Pack for a Summer Family Trip to Kauai

Hawaii's Reef Act 104 bans oxybenzone and octinoxate, and this oil-free SPF 50 leaves both out while staying water-resistant for 80 minutes of swimming. The vitamin E formula goes on without the heavy white cast of most mineral options.

A 20% zinc oxide formula that's fragrance-free and gentle enough for the littlest member of the crew. Layer it for full coverage and you'll skip the sunburn entirely on long beach days.

A pure zinc oxide formula with no chemical actives, so it clears Hawaii's reef rules with room to spare. The 3-ounce tube is a smart pick for sensitive faces and TSA-friendly carry-ons.

At 6.5 pounds with a 9-by-9-foot canopy, it shades the whole family and packs into a carry-on-friendly bag. Sand-filled anchor bags hold it steady in the trade winds without a single stake.

The 11-by-11-foot footprint is the move for bigger families or anyone who wants room for chairs and a cooler underneath. The UPF 50+ nylon-lycra blend is rated well beyond standard sun protection.

Just 4 pounds and a 7-by-7-foot canopy make this the easy grab for a quick snorkel stop or a baby's nap shade. The stake-less, sand-anchor setup goes up in minutes on any beach.

Leakproof and tough enough to ride in the trunk between beaches, it holds a full day of cold drinks and snacks for the family. The closed-cell foam keeps ice far longer than an ordinary soft cooler in Kauai's heat.

The backpack straps free up your hands for kids and gear on the walk down to the sand, and it fits most overhead bins for the flight over. The wide MagShield mouth makes grabbing a juice box one-handed easy.

A sling-it-over-your-shoulder personal cooler for short trips and tide-pool walks when you don't need the big haul. Same YETI insulation in a format that travels light.

Kauai's reefs at Tunnels and Po'ipu reward bringing your own gear, and this set's antifog, UV-coated lens delivers a clear 180-degree view. The universal-fit hypoallergenic silicone skirt seals comfortably for hours.

A full mask-snorkel-fins kit with quick-release straps that's genuinely easy to get on squirmy feet. It packs into an included travel bag, so it tucks right into a checked suitcase.