Hawai‘i is known for its welcoming spirit, called aloha. This is not a generic welcome, but a genuine message infused with the spirit of inclusiveness to all travellers. Maree Robinson-Olsson, Hawaiʻi Tourism Oceania’s Campaign & Tourism Executive, and mum of a child with special needs, shares insights into just how accessible Hawaiʻi is.
If you’ve been, you know that experiencing the wonders of Hawaiʻi is a gift that lifts the soul. And thanks to Hawaiʻi’s commitment to aloha and inclusiveness, it is a gift ready to be unwrapped for every traveller who is inspired to travel there.
Read on to discover Maree’s insights into accessible hotels, vehicles, and tours across the Hawaiian Islands.
ADA-compliant hotels
Did you know that all hotels in Hawaiʻi are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements? They are, and they’re welcoming of service animals!
That’s not all, several beaches and parks offer all-terrain wheelchairs and easy access, and there are many opportunities to experience interactive, sensory delights for those with intellectual disabilities.
Access to Hawaiʻi’s beaches and trails
If you’re looking for a beach in Oʻahu with access for all-terrain wheelchairs, there are several on offer.
In Waikīkī, head to Ala Moana Beach Park, Fort DeRussy Beach, and Sans Souci Beach. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Nature Preserve, Kailua Beach Park, Kuaola Regional Park, and Pōkaʻī Bay Beach Park also offer beach access for all.
Being in the ocean is good for the soul and there are organisations that help facilitate ocean access for those with disabilities, such as AccesSurf. This free program is held once a month and is open to anyone with a physical or cognitive disability. This includes both local residents and visitors.
Featuring assisted swimming and floating, as well as surfing, specialised equipment and trained volunteers ensure participants can enjoy the happiness and freedom of a day at the beach. Be it surfing, swimming, or just hanging out on the beach and soaking up the sun!
Check if your visit aligns with AccesSurf’s events here. For accessibility information for other islands, click here.
Sensory Opportunities
At O’ahu’s Turtle Bay Resort everyone has the chance to surf. “We have taken guests with special needs, including blind guests, surfing,” says Kaikea Elias, of the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience at Turtle Bay Resort. “We are able to offer guests who use a wheelchair customised surf lessons or SUP tours, based on individual needs.”
Of course, you’ll find plenty of spots around the islands to relax at the pool and enjoy the view. Like at Prince Waikiki’s adults-only, lift-accessible infinity pool!
At the Maui Ocean Centre, watch backflipping rays, fierce ‘ulua (giant trevally), and watchful sharks survey their domain. The 750,000-gallon tank is the largest in the state, teeming with hundreds of fish, numerous rays, and different species of sharks.
There is also an amazing 3D immersive experience where Maui Ocean Centre’s Sphere breaks the deep-sea barrier and brings you eye-to-eye with Maui’s humpback whales in their realm! The staff are on hand to advise if the 3D experience would be suitable for those in your party with higher sensory issues.
Take a wheelchair accessible Whale Watching Tour in Maui from December to April with a dedicated wheelchair bay (with epic views) available on the first deck. Boarding assistance is available, and there is an accessible restroom on board with a large stall and grab bars. Book this impressive tour through Wheel the World.
Paddle to explore Maui’s inspiring views of the Makena Coastline and rising green hills of Haleakalā on an Adaptive Kayaking tour. All instruction and special needs accommodations are available from the friendly kayak guides, ensuring a relaxing and magical time on the water. With any luck turtles will be along to increased the wow-factor! Book this kayaking adventure with Wheel the World.
Getting Around
Travellers with disabilities who wish to do drive can rent hand-controlled cars from Avis and Hertz. Take note: hand-controlled car numbers are low across Hawaiʻi, so book well in advance.
Need a van? Wheeler’s Van Rentals of Hawaiʻi services all four islands with vans with side entry ramp, tie-downs, and seat belts. Plus, there’s the option to remove the passenger seat so that the wheelchair passenger has a front row seat to all of Hawai’i’s beauty.
Airline assistance
Most airlines provide assistance to passengers with special needs. They can transport personal wheelchairs, including folding, collapsible or non-folding manual wheelchairs, electric/battery-powered wheelchairs and electric-powered carts. Be sure to let your airline know in advance so they are prepped on the day.
In my experience, many airlines are also accommodating to those with sensory needs, and can work out a plan for maximum comfort in the terminal and during the flight. Again, contact them with as much notice as possible.
Learn more
Find more information on accessibility on the Hawaiian Islands on the Go Hawaiʻi website.
