Not everyone has the luxury of being able to improvise – to spur of the moment, book a trip last minute, and plan on the fly. For travelers with disabilities or chronic illnesses, advance planning is essential for safety and peace of mind. I live with a neurological disorder that, when triggered, can cause symptoms similar to those of a stroke. Here are some tips to make Hawaii accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Remember, it’s the little details that make a big difference.
Ask questions before booking. For me, this means inquiring during the planning stage about potential triggers such as altitude, the physical demands of the activity, and emergency services.
Asking questions up front also serves another purpose: it helps you weed out unqualified tour operators and accommodations. If they can’t answer your questions or seem upset that you have inquired, it’s a good indicator of their caring and problem-solving abilities.
Mallika Devan, founder of Clumsy Girl Travels, recommends meticulously planning every detail. “Plan your transportation to and from the airport. Call the tour operator and ask if the tour is handicap accessible. Pick a few restaurants you want to eat at and see if they’re handicap accessible.” Planning even a short trip to Hawaii requires gathering a huge amount of information. Devan’s solution is to organize everything in a spreadsheet.
Get professional help.
Courtesy of Wheel The World
Work with accessible travel companies like Wheel the World, or contact businesses like The Arc of Hilo, a nonprofit on Hawaii Island (also known as the Big Island) that offers a variety of services to people with disabilities. The latter aims to provide a more accessible experience in a place where the rugged terrain and remote location can make some travelers uneasy. “The island is full of adventures,” says Robert Efford, CEO of The Arc of Hilo. “We want to open it up to people who want to travel to the Big Island but don’t know what they can and can’t do.” (If you’re heading to Hilo, the SCP Hilo Hotel is pet-friendly, offers locally made products, and collaborates on a variety of activities, including beach cleanups, and serves up a healthy sip of Big Island Booch Kombucha upon arrival.)
You can also visit the Go Hawaii website and contact the Hawaii Tourism Authority for advice.
Find a comprehensive base.
All hotels in Hawaii must comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but some go beyond the basics to create a more inclusive environment. It’s worth inquiring about specific services and amenities, like beach wheelchairs and in-hotel care (check out Kohala Coast Urgent Care at the Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, which offers walk-in service as well as mobile service for room-bound visitors).
Enjoy on-site ocean views and sunset dining at venues like Mina’s Fish House at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, La Vie at The Ritz-Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach (book a Friday night to savour modern French cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients while watching the fireworks), Hualani’s restaurant at Timbers Kauai serves up a creative farm-to-table menu, and Hui Hui at Kaanapali Beach Hotel (try Chef Laulau if you’re craving a taste of Hawaii).
Some venues don’t require you to go far to experience entertainment. For example, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has a very intimate atmosphere with over 80 shops and services, 18 restaurants, lounges and bars, several of which offer live local music. You can also find local music at many other accessible venues across the state, such as Tiki’s Grill & Bar at Twin Fin and Queen’s Break at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. Others, such as the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, offer wheelchair-accessible shuttles to entertainment hubs like Lahaina and Maui Nui Luau.
Courtesy of Four Seasons
Many properties offer cultural and educational programming on-site, so be sure to inquire about free or extra activities that fit your needs. These could be stargazing at Turtle Bay Resort and Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, wood carving and manta ray talks at Mauna Kea Resort, painting and drinking at Red Salt Restaurant at Koa Kea Resort, Mai Tai demonstrations at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Hawaiian ribbon lei making at The Bay Club, Kings Land and Kohala Suites, ukulele lessons at Kaanapali Beach Hotel, or sound healing and hula sessions at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.
Don’t forget to ask about pools and water sports. Duke Kahanamoku Lagoon at the Hilton Hawaiian Village offers Waikiki Beach water activities for travelers of all skill levels. The lagoon is saltwater-fed but separated from the ocean, meaning there are no currents. Water sports like stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking are safe to enjoy. If you want to snorkel but want or need calm waters, King’s Pond, a 1.8 million-gallon saltwater aquarium pool at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, is the place to be.
Surfing is also available at Turtle Bay Resort. “We’ve taken guests with special needs, such as those who are visually impaired, out surfing,” says Kaikea Elias, former professional surfer and managing partner of Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience at Turtle Bay Resort. “For guests who use wheelchairs, we can also offer customized surfing lessons and SUP tours based on their individual needs.”
Of course, there are plenty of spots around the island to relax by the pool and enjoy the views, including the Prince Waikiki’s adults-only elevator-accessible infinity pool.
For an elevated experience, Espacio is the place to be. With just nine suites, the service is impeccable and amenities are tailored to each guest’s needs. Enjoy private dinners, grocery delivery, in-suite shopping and accessibility features like TDD machines, private elevators, smart home technology and private balconies with Jacuzzis. Guests also have access to the hotel’s restaurant, Mugen, and a private rooftop with sweeping ocean views. Memorable experiences include the Rooftop Champagne & Caviar Hour and Mugen’s 9-course tasting menu.
Book an accessible, inclusive adventure.
Julie Caron/Getty Images
Hawaii is a paradise for nature lovers and culture and history buffs, and from mauka (mountain side) to makai (ocean side), there are many possibilities to experience the richness of the islands.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island has many accessible trails, including Maunalaha on Oahu, Ohai on Maui, Kealahele Makale and most of Haakumamanu (the Sulfur Pit) on Kauai. Additionally, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has maps in Braille and ASL interpretation is available for planned programs if requested at least two weeks in advance. The Visitor Center screens open-captioned films and has plenty of 508-compliant online resources, including the new Mauna Loa Story Map. You can also stay at the park’s Volcano House and enjoy views of Halemaumau Crater from the lodge and paved trails (the lodge does not have an elevator, so request an ADA room on the first floor if necessary).
Check AllTrails for details on wheelchair accessible trails, and contact your state or national park office for up-to-date information on accessible experiences.
Or consider a guided tour to some of Hawaii’s most beloved sites, like Haleakala on Maui, a favorite of Wheel the World founder and CEO Alvaro Silverstein. “Watching the sunrise from the top of Haleakala offers spectacular, otherworldly views and Hawaiian memories that will stay with you for a lifetime,” says Silverstein. Wheel the World has designed its Haleakala Sunrise Tour to include an interpretive guide and accessible transportation to make it easier for people with mobility issues to navigate this sacred site.
Kauai Hiking Tours offers driving tours that allow non-hikers to enjoy Kauai’s colorful scenery, including Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast.
If you have a historic site on your list, contact the place to find out about its accessibility features. Silverstein recommends the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, which has a variety of handicap-friendly amenities, including a wheelchair-accessible boat tour to the Arizona Memorial and museum exhibits with wheelchair-accessible seating and assistive hearing devices.
If you’re interested in surfing or outrigger canoeing, author and disability rights attorney Haben Girma recommends AccesSurf, a Honolulu-based organization that offers services and programs for people with disabilities, including surfing sessions, swim clinics for the disabled, and canoe days.
Provided by: The Arc of Hilo
Ark of Hilo offers free paddling lessons for people with disabilities every Wednesday and Saturday from noon to 3 pm. With the help of sponsors, volunteers, experienced paddlers and a safety team, the organization plans to hold the first Inclusive Hilo Canoe Race in June 2022, with plans for June 2023. People with disabilities are welcome to participate in the event. Spectators and competitors can register on the Hilo Canoe Race site.
On Oahu, all-terrain wheelchairs are available at several beaches, including Ala Moana Beach Park, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Kailua Beach Park and Kualoa Regional Park. Contact the City/County Honolulu Parks and Recreation Department at (808) 768-3027 to inquire about availability.
On Kauai, all-terrain wheelchairs are available at some beaches, including Lydgate Beach Park, Poipu Beach Park and Salt Ponds Beach Park. Contact the Kauai County Parks and Recreation Department at (808) 241-4460 before traveling. For information about accessible beach parks on Maui and Hawaii Island, contact the respective Parks and Recreation Departments at (808) 270-6138 and (808) 961-8311.
Courtesy of Maui Ocean Center
If you want to discover what’s under the sea, head to the Maui Ocean Center. The aquarium and oceanography center features live coral and native marine life exhibits, a 54-foot underwater tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays, the “Hawaiian Humpback Whales” exhibit, and a wheelchair-accessible viewing area in Turtle Lagoon. There are also Braille signs throughout the park.