Here’s how to plan a memorable trip to Hawaii.
Not everyone has the luxury of spontaneity — to fly by the seat of their pants, booking last-minute trips and making plans as they go. For travelers with disabilities and chronic health conditions, advanced planning is crucial for safety and ease. I live with a neurological condition that, when triggered, can mimic the symptoms of a stroke. Here are my tips for accessible and inclusive travel in Hawaii.
Note small details make a big difference.
Ask questions before booking. For me, this means inquiring about potential triggers such as high altitude, as well as the physical demands of activities and emergency services, in the planning stages.
Asking questions upfront serves an additional purpose: It can help you weed out unqualified tour operators or properties. If they can’t answer your questions or seem annoyed that you’ve inquired, that’s a good indicator of their capacity for compassion and problem-solving.
Marika Devan, creator of Clumsy Girl Travels, recommends overplanning down to the smallest details: “Plan your transfer to and from the airport. Call tour operators to ask if their tour is accessible. Pick some restaurants you want to eat at and see if they are accessible.” Even for a short trip to Hawaii, planning can mean gathering an overwhelming amount of information. Devan’s solution? Keep everything organized in a spreadsheet.
Enlist expert assistance.
Work with an accessible travel provider such as Wheel the World or reach out to companies like The Arc of Hilo, a nonprofit organization on the Island of Hawaii (also referred to as the Big Island) that provides a range of services to people with disabilities. The latter aims to create more accessible experiences in a place where the rugged landscapes and remote location can be understandably intimidating to some travelers. “The island is rich with diverse adventures,” says Robert Efford, CEO of The Arc of Hilo.
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