Maui is known as the "Valley Isle," offering pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, tropical rainforests, and aloha spirit. From sunrise at Haleakalā to the Road to Hana, from snorkeling in Molokini to luaus, we'll help you create an accessible itinerary that accommodates your health and wellness needs.
Destination Name: Maui
Key Highlights to Mention:
Primary Airport/Gateway: Kahului Airport (OGG) - Maui's main airport
Flight Routing from Atlanta: No direct flights. Common connections: (1) Via Los Angeles or San Francisco (11-13 hours total), (2) Via Seattle or Phoenix (12-14 hours), (3) Via Dallas or Houston (13-15 hours). OGG open-air terminal, fully accessible, wheelchair assistance available, accessible restrooms, laid-back atmosphere.
Airport to Hotel Transportation: OGG central to island. To Wailea/Kihei (30 min, $60-80 taxi), to Kaanapali/Lahaina (45 min, $80-100), to Hana (2.5 hours - not recommended). Rental car strongly recommended for exploring Maui - accessible vans available with advance booking from major companies. Resort shuttles limited. Taxis expensive for regular use.
Public Transportation Overview: Very limited public bus (Maui Bus) - not practical for tourists, minimal accessibility. Rental car absolutely essential for exploring Maui. Accessible van rentals available from major companies (reserve well in advance). Taxis expensive and limited. Uber/Lyft available in resort areas but not reliable islandwide. Many attractions remote - need own transportation.
Private Transportation Options: Private accessible van with driver for specific tours (Road to Hana, Haleakalā) if not comfortable driving. [Expedia Ground Transport Link]
Luxury Transportation Options: Private accessible vehicle with Hawaiian cultural guide for customized island tours, exclusive experiences, flexible scheduling.
Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation #1 - Name: Aston Kaanapali Shores
Mid-Range Hotel #1 - Price Per Night: As low as $245/night
Mid-Range Hotel #1 - Special Features: Beachfront resort on Kaanapali Beach, accessible rooms with roll-in showers, beach wheelchairs available, multiple pools with accessible entry, on-site restaurants, full kitchens in rooms (save on meals), beautiful grounds with accessible paths, friendly staff, good value for Maui.
Mid-Range Hotel Recommendation #2 - Name: Maui Coast Hotel (Kihei)
Mid-Range Hotel #2 - Price Per Night: As low as $210/night
Mid-Range Hotel #2 - Special Features: Accessible hotel in South Maui, near beaches and shops, accessible rooms, two pools with lifts, free parking, on-site restaurant, central location for touring, more affordable area of Maui, refrigerators in rooms, comfortable and reliable.
14-Night Stay Estimated Total: Around $3,570 for mid-range hotel (Maui expensive)
Include Luxury Accommodation Tier?: Yes
Luxury Hotel Recommendation - Name: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
Luxury Hotel - Price Per Night: Starting at $850/night
Luxury Hotel - Special Features: Luxury beachfront resort on Wailea Beach, accessible rooms and suites with ocean views, beach wheelchairs provided, world-class spa (accessible treatments), multiple pools with zero-entry, award-winning restaurants, snorkeling right from beach, kids' program, adult-only pool, concierge arranges accessible activities, exceptional service, impeccable accessibility standards, Hawaiian luxury at its finest.
Activity #1: Haleakalā sunrise - summit of dormant volcano (10,023 ft), spectacular sunrise above clouds, requires advance reservation (recreation.gov), accessible viewing areas at summit, 2-hour drive from coast (start 3am), bring warm clothes (40°F at summit), incredibly moving experience, can explore Haleakalā National Park after sunrise
Activity #2: Road to Hana - legendary 64-mile coastal drive, 600+ curves, 50+ bridges, waterfalls, beaches, scenic stops, full-day adventure, accessible stops include Twin Falls, Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach (paved access), Seven Sacred Pools (Oheo Gulch - accessible viewing), drive slowly and enjoy, or book accessible guided tour
Activity #3: Beach time - Wailea Beach (calm, accessible path), Kaanapali Beach (accessible, beach wheelchairs at resorts), Kamaole Beach Parks (accessible facilities), perfect sand, warm water, snorkeling, accessible beach mats at some locations, stunning sunsets, relaxing Hawaiian vibe
Activity #4: Molokini Crater snorkel - crescent-shaped volcanic crater, pristine snorkeling, accessible boats available (check with tour operators - transfers required), tropical fish, clear water, morning tours best, 3-4 hours, or snorkel from accessible beaches, incredible underwater visibility
Activity #5: Traditional luau - Old Lahaina Luau or Feast at Lele (both accessible), imu ceremony (underground oven), Hawaiian feast, hula performances, fire dancing, cultural experience, reservations essential, evening activity, authentic Hawaiian tradition, deeply cultural
Activity #6: Iao Valley State Park - lush valley with iconic Iao Needle rock formation, accessible paved path to viewing area (0.6 miles), botanical garden, rainforest setting, cooler temperatures, historical significance (ancient battle site), 30 minutes from Kahului, peaceful and beautiful
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Island time - embrace slower pace. Early starts rewarding (sunrise activities, beat crowds). Mornings cooler for activities. Lunch 12-1pm. Afternoons beach or pool time. Late afternoon drives or sunset viewing. Dinner 6-7pm. Luaus start around sunset (6-7pm depending on season). Plan 1-2 major activities per day - distances longer than they appear. Road to Hana full-day commitment. Beach days for recovery. Sun strong - reapply sunscreen frequently. Stay hydrated. Respect ocean - rip currents dangerous.
If you're looking for adventure, look no further than Everybody Travels. From hiking and biking to rafting and zip-lining, we offer a range of adventure activities that will get your adrenaline pumping. Get ready to explore the great outdoors.
Maui expensive - budget carefully. Long flight from mainland - factor in jet lag. Strong sun - burn risk high. Ocean conditions vary - rip currents dangerous, respect warnings. Road to Hana challenging drive (narrow, winding) - consider guided tour. Haleakalā sunrise VERY cold despite tropical location. Rental car essential - limited without. Some beaches have sharp coral - water shoes recommended. Whale season (December-April) amazing but most crowded. Hurricane season June-November (rare but possible).
Internal Notes: Emphasize rental car necessity - Maui not walkable like Waikiki. Beach wheelchair availability varies by resort - verify. Haleakalā sunrise reservation system changes - confirm current process. Road to Hana accessibility mixed - guided accessible tours best option. Partner with tour operators experienced in accessibility (Accessible Maui Tours). Molokini boat accessibility varies - verify specific boats. Some luaus more accessible than others - Old Lahaina and Feast at Lele best. Update whale watching season info. Consider adding Lanai or Molokai day trips (ferry accessibility mixed).
