Hawaii, known for its spirit of aloha, extends its warm welcome not just to some, but all travelers. The island of Maui, part of this beautiful archipelago, is no exception. With its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, Maui is a destination that everyone should have the opportunity to experience.

Embracing Diversity in Paradise

In Hawaii, diversity is celebrated and inclusivity is the norm. This ethos extends to travelers with accessible needs. The Hawaii State Department of Health has compiled a comprehensive list of resources for travelers with disabilities, ensuring they can enjoy their Hawaiian adventure to the fullest.

Accessible Beaches and Trails

Maui offers selected beach parks that are accessible to everyone. For a comprehensive list of these locations, travelers can contact the County of Maui’s Department of Parks and Recreation. These efforts ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the island’s stunning natural beauty.

Airline Assistance

Most airlines provide assistance to passengers with accessible needs through their skycap (porter) service. They are able to transport personal wheelchairs, including folding, collapsible or non-folding manual wheelchairs, electric/battery-powered wheelchairs and electric-powered carts.

Getting Around in Maui

Maui is incredibly accessible given that it is a part of the US and must abide by the accessibility guidelines set out by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). There are several accessible forms of transportation on the island including accessible van rentals and an accessible taxi service. The County of Maui Department of Transportation provides ADA paratransit service through the Maui Bus. Paratransit service is available within corridors whose boundaries extend three-fourths of a mile on each side of each fixed Maui Bus route.

If you’re planning on exploring the island, you might want to consider renting a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for the freedom to travel on your own schedule. Companies like Wheelers provide wheelchair-accessible vans that can be delivered right to the airport or your hotel.

Accessible Activities in Maui

Maui offers a range of activities that are wheelchair-accessible. You can witness a traditional luau with dinner and drinks in Kihei, explore underwater life at Maui Ocean Center in Maalaea, or even book a helicopter tour and experience the island from the sky. There are also several shopping centers such as Whalers Village and The Shops at Wailea that are wheelchair-accessible.

Traveling with Aloha

Traveling with aloha means traveling with love and compassion. It means respecting the land and its people. It means supporting local businesses and considering participating in unique volunteer opportunities throughout the islands.

In conclusion, Maui is not just a paradise because of its natural beauty, but also because of its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey in this welcoming paradise!