Visit The Aulani A Disney Resort & Spa
Families just like yours choose to retreat to Hawaii for a relaxing getaway. These getaways usually involve lazy beach days filled with sunshine and swimming. Understanding that Hawaii was the top destination of choice when not visiting an actual Disney theme park, Disney chose to create a paradise-like resort for families in Hawaii. They took a man-made lagoon in the Ko’Olina Resort and turned it into a massive tourist destination on the island of Oahu. Despite being a tourist destination, the area still respects Hawaii’s people and cultures. That is noticeable in every feature you will see at this resort. Let’s check out how to Visit The Aulani A Disney Resort & Spa! Visit The Aulani A Disney Resort & Spa The Aulani is approximately 35 minutes west of Honolulu. This makes it the perfect place to stay if you plan to visit Honolulu during your vacation. Accommodations at The Aulani There are 359 rooms and suites at The Aulani Disney Resort & Spa. All the accommodations have Hawaiian elements and wooden features. You can choose a room with a view of the ocean, pool, or gardens. I love the rooms with ocean views. There is nothing better than waking up to see the ocean every morning! Your autistic family will want to reserve one of the suites. This will give your family the space you all need for downtime. Plus, they have all the amenities you wish to while away from home. Some amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, a small refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, and a coffee maker. Swimming Pools at The Aulani The main pool area is called the Waikolohe Valley. It consists of two swimming pools that offer steps and zero-entry options. Your whole family will also want to enjoy the two water slides, lazy river, body slide, and tube ride. There is also a family pool called the Ka Maka Grotto. This misty grotto has an infinity edge that offers gorgeous sunset views. The Wailana Pool is adults-only. Kid-Friendly Activities at The Aulani A Disney Resort & Spa Younger children will love playing at the Menehune Bridge and Aquatic Play Area. Keiki Cove is another area for the little ones. It is a splash zone where the kids can search for the hidden Menehune, the legendary little people of the island. When you stay at The Aulani, you won’t need to go far to visit the beach. The Aulani Beach and Lagoon are only steps from your room. Your family can learn to paddleboard, snorkel, or boogie board. Head out on Maka’ika’i, the nature and wildlife tour. This tour is only held on certain days of the week. You will need to check the daily schedule to learn more. Other incredible kid-friendly activities include “Ohana movie nights and Mo’olelo fire pit storytelling. Aunty’s Beach House is the kids’ club at The Aulani. Childcare professionals and certified teachers are on staff to ensure your kids stay engaged and have fun. There is a secure check-in and check-out process for all kids between the ages of 4 and 12. You will need to pre-register your children for this kids club. I recommend doing that, even if you are unsure if your autistic child will attend. I can help make sure the staff is aware of your autistic child’s needs if I am the one planning your vacation at The Aulani. Dining at The Aulani One of the best dining experiences at The Aulani is the character buffet at the Makahiki. The food is perfect for autistic families. But the best part is Mickey, and his friends will be there to greet you when you arrive. There is no need to stand in long lines as you all wait your turn. Other mealtime options include Ama’Ama, Ulu Cafe, Off the Hook, and the Olelo Room. You don’t need to do a sit-down meal every time you are hungry. Your family can quickly grab something from the Wailana Pool Bar, Mama’s Snack Stop, or Little “Ophihi’s, a beachside kiosk. Don’t forget about Papalua Shave Ice, when you all need to cool down a little in the middle of the day. If you want a unique dining experience while staying at The Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, I recommend attending the KA WA’A. This luau features a buffet of local cuisine, traditional Hawaiian dance, and live music. Everyone can learn how to make a lei before the luau begins. And when it is your turn for the buffet, understand there will be options if you have picky eaters. The main buffet contains braised imu-style pork, haupia-coconut puddings, guava cakes, and tropical fruits. There is also macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, and Mickey-shaped pasta. Oh, and if there is a time when dining in a restaurant isn’t going to work for your family, you can order room service. It is available every day from 6 in the morning until 11 at night. There are so many other magical things you will experience when you choose to stay at The Aulani A Disney Resort & Spa while on the island of Oahu. I would love to make your Hawaiian vacation memorable for your autistic family. Contact me and let me take over the planning for you. I will use all my resources to ensure your family’s needs are met daily. I can even share tips about what you can do if something unexpected happens during your trip. Let’s chat today so you can relax at The Aulani sooner than expected!
Visit Disney’s Hilton Head Resort for an Autism-Friendly Vacation
Hilton Head, South Carolina, is a charming beach vacation destination that is quite autism-friendly. There are numerous resorts located in Hilton Head. However, one of my favorite autism-friendly resorts is Disney’s Hilton Head. This resort is located directly on the beach. This is perfect for those mornings, afternoons, and evenings when your autistic family wants to go for one more swim in the ocean! I am sharing all the fabulous things about Disney’s Hilton Head Resort today. This will ensure you know everything you need to know about this autism-friendly destination before you start planning your next family vacation. This will help you consider how to Visit Disney’s Hilton Head Resort for an Autism-Friendly Vacation! Visit Disney’s Hilton Head Resort for an Autism-Friendly Vacation What is Disney’s Hilton Head Resort? Disney’s Hilton Head Resort is located in Board Creek. It has its own private beach, but there are 12 miles of clean beaches and golf courses to explore. Maybe people think they must be a Disney Vacation Member to stay at this beautiful resort. That is not true! You don’t need to be a member to reserve a room at this resort. This entire resort has touches of Disney magic. Character meals, friendly cast members, and hidden Mickeys are only some things you will discover once you arrive. Accommodations at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort Spacious studio rooms, as well as one—and two-bedroom villas, are available at this Disney Resort. Each one comes with either a kitchenette or a small kitchen. Add in the balcony, and you may never want to leave! While you may not be in your room for long each day, at least you know you will have a comfortable space to return to when you need downtime. Activities at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort Kids of all ages will find something to entertain them at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort. There are a couple of different swimming pools to choose from. And one of them is located right next to the beach! Add in the heated pool at Disney’s Beach House, and you may need to try them all out before choosing your family’s favorite. Other incredible activities offered at this resort include: Dining at Disney’s Hilton Head Resort There is only one on-site restaurant at this Disney Resort. Signals that it is open for breakfast and lunch. If you are only searching for snacks, check out Tide Me Over. Walk up to the window, tell them what you want, and your family will be snacking away in no time! This restaurant may be closed during the off-season. If you choose to visit during those months of the year, you will want to plan accordingly. Tide Me Over is open daily, but double-check the hours of operation during your stay as it may close at 5 p.m. Disney’s Hilton Head Resort is the perfect option for a beach vacation that offers a touch of Disney while being autism-friendly. I would love to help you enjoy every minute of your autism-friendly beach vacation with your family by planning this trip for you. Let me show you how your autistic family can fall in love with this bit of paradise.
Visit Disney’s Vero Beach for an Autism-Friendly Vacation
Does your family love all things Disney? But do you prefer to skip the Disney theme parks occasionally and enjoy a more laid-back vacation? If you answered both questions, I would recommend Disney’s Vero Beach. This beautiful Disney Resort is open to everyone. It is an excellent place to unwind, relax, and let the kids have a little fun. Before you begin to think this resort sounds too good to be true for your autistic family, let me tell you a little bit about it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to Visit Disney’s Vero Beach for an Autism-Friendly Vacation! Visit Disney’s Vero Beach for an Autism-Friendly Vacation What is Disney’s Vero Beach? Disney’s Vero Beach is a resort located in the Vero Beach area of Florida, approximately two hours south of Orlando on the Atlantic Coast. The entire area reminds me of when Florida was a premier beach destination for families. This was long before it became known as the theme park capital of the country! So many people have mistakenly thought that you needed to be a Disney Vacation Club member to stay at this Disney Resort. That couldn’t be further from the truth! Everyone is allowed to reserve a room at Disney’s Vero Beach. Accommodations at Disney’s Vero Beach Disney’s Vero Beach has standard rooms as well as one —and two-bedroom villas. The villas are wonderful if you want an extra room or two for early risers or night owls. They can also be helpful when your autistic child needs some downtime. Of course, you will have more space in the main room of the villa as well. But honestly, the standard rooms are a good size too. The theme in all the guest rooms is nautical. So, you will feel like you are on the beach in Florida throughout your entire stay. The best part about the guest rooms, though, is there is free Wi-Fi. This is perfect when your autistic child needs a little downtime watching their favorite television show or movie. Or they want to play a game on their device. Activities at Disney’s Vero Beach There are so many things your autistic family will enjoy doing while staying at Disney’s Vero Beach. You will spend hours at the pool with the fantastic water slide. And I say obviously because I doubt anyone in your family will complain about getting to swim from sunup to sundown. Other unique activities that are included in your stay here include: You will also be given a list of community events that are being held during your visit. There is usually a small fee for those events, but they will add even more fun memories to your incredible vacation! Dining at Disney’s Vero Beach While every room at this Disney Resort has a kitchenette or kitchen, you don’t need to use it for every meal. Instead, you can choose to dine at any of the on-site restaurants. Wind and Waves Market is an excellent place to grab burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Walk up to the counter and place your order. Wind and Waves Grill is an option for a sit-down meal. This restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I recommend checking to see when the character meals will be held in this restaurant during your visit. You will discover that the character meals here are exactly like what you would experience at Disney World. Your kids will love having characters like Donald and Goofy visit your table as you all enjoy your meal. The Green Cabin Room is geared more towards adults. So, you may only be able to enjoy dining on the balcony here if you have someone to watch your kids. The same is true for the Wind and Waves Bar. Tour de Turtle One of my favorite events at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is the Tour de Turtle. During this event, sea turtles head to the beach to create their nesting habitats. Three different turtle species use Vero Beach: loggerheads, leatherbacks, and green turtles. This event usually begins at the end of July. That is when the turtles swim up to the shoreline to create their nests and lay their eggs. The sea turtle eggs will eventually hatch, and the baby sea turtles will go to the ocean. Learn more about the Tour de Turtle here. If you can time your family vacation accordingly, it is definitely a must-see event. Disney’s Vero Beach is not a massive resort. But there is plenty of space to have fun and enjoy all the amenities offered. I believe it is the perfect place for an autism-friendly vacation that includes touches of Disney. So, if you have been searching for an autism-friendly destination for your next family vacation, Vero Beach might be the answer. Contact me today, and let me show you how your family can get the most out of a Disney vacation without the hustle and bustle of the theme parks!
Are Ultra Low Cost Air Carriers Autism Friendly?
Are you in the process of planning an autism-friendly family vacation? Is searching for an affordable autism-friendly air carrier proving to be a challenge? Well, today, I am sharing my thoughts on the ultra-low-cost air carriers out there and whether or not they are autism-friendly. This should help you decide which air carriers you should choose for your next autism-friendly family vacation. Of course, I am also available to chat if you still have more questions about traveling with your autistic child. Are Ultra Low Cost Air Carriers Autism Friendly? The Most Autism Friendly Air Carrier Before I discuss ultra-low-cost airlines, let me share which airline is the most autism-friendly. There is only one Autism-Certified Airline in the world, JSX. This airline is not low-cost, though. It is a private airline that offers your autistic family the perks you need while traveling. Arriving at the airport 20 minutes before departure is easy. Passing through security is a breeze to reach the private hangar, where all the seats are business class. Once you land, you will be heading towards your hotel in no time since you won’t need to collect your luggage from the main baggage claim area. The Ultra Low Cost Air Carriers There are quite a few ultra-low-cost air carriers to choose from when traveling. The ones you will hear about the most include: All these airlines were designed to save you money so you can stay within your budget while traveling. You won’t find any frills when flying with these airlines, but they will usually get you to where you want to go. I will get into that last part a little more in a minute. What is important to note is airlines like Jet Blue, Southwest, Breeze, and Allegiant all have programs to assist autistic families like yours. Jet Blue offers disability seating, pre—and post-boarding, and so much more. Breeze is Autism Double-Checked Certified, a program similar to IBCCES. I am actually certified as an autism travel professional through both programs! Allegiant offers the Wings for Autism program. Extra Charges to Consider While Flying Ultra Low Cost Air Carriers Checked Bags Okay, so every airline except Southwest charges a fee for checked bags. Therefore, you shouldn’t be shocked about this charge. However, you need to be aware that these low-cost air carriers’ baggage fees depend on when you pay for your bags. For example, paying for your checked bags when you book your flight will only pay $30 per bag. If you wait until you reach the check-in counter on the day of your flight, you will pay $65. These low-cost air carriers also charge for carry-on luggage. So, don’t think you can escape the fee for checked luggage by simply shoving everything into a carry-on for your family. The carry-on fees are the same as the checked bag fees. They do not charge for personal items like purses, diaper bags, or briefcases. But you can’t pack a week’s worth of clothing and other items into those bags for vacation. Assigned Seats These air carriers also charge a fee if you want to choose your seats in advance when you are booking. You don’t need to pay to choose your seats in advance. However, if you don’t pay the fee, you may find that you are not sitting with your family. Since you are traveling with an autistic child, I recommend always paying for assigned seats on these air carriers. Knowing you can sit next to everyone in your family will give you peace of mind. In-Flight Services Once on the airplane, you shouldn’t expect any drink or snack service as you receive on regular airlines. If you ask for water, they will give you that. But if you want soda, juice, snacks, or anything else, you must pay for it. The flight attendants will happily charge your credit card for any purchases you make. Arriving at the Airport Everyone is always told to arrive at the airport 2 hours before their flight departure. This arrival time will be the same for ultra-low-cost air carriers. However, it is essential to note that these airlines do not operate 24/7 like the major airlines. So, if you have an early morning flight and want to arrive more than 2 hours early due to the long TSA security lines, you won’t find anyone at the check-in counter. There will be a sign stating that staff will be available 2 hours before their day’s first flight. My Experience with Frontier I booked a Frontier flight for my family from Colorado Springs to Los Angeles, which was $150 per person. I had booked this flight well in advance, and two months before our departure date, I received an email stating that our flight had been canceled. I was advised to call customer service to change my flight. When I called to change my flight, the customer service representative was quite rude. I guess most people cancel their flights altogether since it is common for these ultra-low-cost air carriers to cancel their flights. I also had to go to a different airport than where I had initially booked my flight. These carriers cancel their flights so often because they have a smaller fleet. Some airports decide they don’t want these airlines flying from their location any longer. Other times, the flights are canceled because they are overbooked. I ended up paying for our luggage after booking. The cost for our bags was $120. I also paid $25 per seat to guarantee we were all together. I could have paid less for the seats by sitting further back, but I wanted the extra comfort seats towards the front so we had more room during the flight. At the end of our trip, I felt like we saved a little money by flying Frontier. Before booking my flights, I knew I would be nickeled and dimed throughout the process. Yes, there were a few headaches along the way. Our one flight was canceled and
Where Can I Take My Autistic Child on Vacation for Spring Break?
Are you ready to make your 2021 vacations better than ever? I feel like we all are since everyone missed out on travel opportunities back in 2020. I completely understand if you are a little concerned about traveling with your autistic child though. But there are so many options when it comes to autism-friendly vacations. Therefore, I want you to remember that travel is for everyone! I could spend hours telling you about every destination and attraction you can visit with your family. But I thought I would focus my thoughts on taking a spring break vacation in either Georgia or Florida. Both these states offer warm weather during the weeks of spring break. They also have a plethora of autism-friendly options for you to choose from. I guarantee you will find plenty of opportunities your entire family will love! If you are already loving this list and you need some information or help planning a trip reach out right now and I’ll be more than happy to help! Spring Break Vacation in Georgia and Florida for Autistic Children There are so many autism-friendly places to visit for spring break in Georgia and Florida. Many of these places have trained their employees so they interact properly with families with autism. Once you add in all the other accommodations they have made to ensure you have a fabulous experience, you won’t be able to deny that traveling with your autistic child is possible. Autism-Friendly Attractions in Georgia The Children’s Museum of Atlanta There are two floors to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. Your family will love exploring the multiple exhibit areas. This museum is currently open every day except Wednesday. You are welcome to visit at any time, but I recommend going during their Sensory Friendly Sundays. The admission price is lowered for these sessions. The lights and sounds are also adjusted so your autistic child will not become overstimulated. Planning is crucial because you must purchase your tickets in advance for this event. Georgia Aquarium The Georgia Aquarium will make your visit extraordinary from the moment you arrive. They offer expedited entrances, quiet zones, and sensory bags to all their guests on the autism spectrum. The staff has been trained to help in difficult situations, so do not be surprised if they notice a meltdown beginning at the same time you do. They will do their best to ensure those meltdowns do not escalate by pointing you to the nearest quiet space or telling you about something going on that you can use as a distraction. The Georgia Ballet If your child loves ballet or the theater, you will be happy to know you can take them to the Georgia Ballet. The ballet has added sensory-friendly performances to its schedule. The productions they do are shortened to one hour. The house lights will also be on with minimal flashing lights. The sounds will be lowered, too, so no one gets overwhelmed. Tybee Island Tybee Island is the perfect option for spring break vacations with autistic children. The beach is lovely when you want to take advantage of the water. You can even kayak through the salt marshes if your children love to kayak. Add in the other attractions on the island and the nearby places to eat and shop, and you have a fantastic destination your entire family will love! Do you need some help planning this trip? Contact me, and I’ll be more than happy to chat with you about planning your next family vacation! Autism-Friendly Attractions in Florida Disney Theme Parks There are four Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida. They are Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. As we all know, each of these theme parks is crowded daily. And there is a lot of hustle and bustle, too. But Disney employees are excellent when accommodating families with special needs. Their program, DAS or Disability Access Service, will allow you to have your Magic Band scanned. Once your band has been checked, you can return to the ride at the end of your wait time. This program will eliminate any meltdowns that may come from you waiting in line for too long. LEGOLAND Florida LEGOLAND Florida has gone above and beyond when it comes to being autism-friendly. It is the only LEGOLAND park to partner with Autism Speaks. The entire park has multiple quiet spaces and rooms. One quiet space has numerous sensory-stimulating and hands-on activities. Every employee has received training in working with families with autism. Volunteers have received the same training. A Hero Pass is also available for people with autism. These passes ensure you won’t need to stand in line longer than necessary for any of the rides. SeaWorld Time at SeaWorld can be excellent for autistic children. SeaWorld offers an accessibility guide that shares which rides and attractions are best for your family. Their Ride Accessibility Pass ensures that you never need to wait in line for long for specific rides. You will be given specific times to go and ride each ride on the list. Beaches We all know how children with autism love to be in the water! A beach vacation is perfect for spring break vacations with autistic children because you get that relaxation component with the water. There are tons of beaches in the state of Florida. The best beaches in Florida include St. Pete Beach, Clearwater Beach, and Vero Beach. However, if you want a beach without many people, I recommend checking out the beaches on Sanibel Island and Captiva. The Florida Aquarium The Florida Aquarium is located in Tampa, Florida. This aquarium worked with the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities, or CARD, at the University of South Florida to create online storyboards. These storyboards can be used before your visit to show your autistic child what they can expect at the aquarium. You can also use break areas at the aquarium when your child gets overstimulated. Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park Zoo Tampa
Top Ten Autism-Friendly Places to Visit in 2021
You may think that travel is out of the picture in 2021 and beyond if you have a child or another family member with autism. However, I am here to tell you that travel is for everyone, and you can easily do a bit of autistic globetrotting to so many places! I can talk to you about how you can accomplish autistic vacations, and all you need to do is click here to contact me to get the conversation started. While you can choose anywhere in the world to travel, I recommend starting with a few of the more autism-friendly places in the United States. Top Ten Autism-Friendly Places to Visit in 2021 1. Park City, Utah Park City is a wonderful destination in Utah. You will find many accessible places to spend time during your autism-friendly vacation there. However, since this is a popular ski destination, I wanted to share a little more about that. Over at one of the ski resorts, you will find multiple adaptive ski programs that your entire family can take advantage of. So, pack those warm clothes if this is one of the autism-friendly activities you have been searching for! 2. St. Pete, Florida We all know that most people with autism love the water, which is why the beaches of St. Pete are an excellent autism-friendly vacation option. When you are not swimming at the beaches or your hotel’s pool, you may wander around your resort. One of St. Pete’s resorts has been certified through the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD). The staff at this resort has been specially trained to assist families with special needs. The resort also offers safety kits with outlet covers, corner cushions, door alarms, and more. Add in the KONK Club, which is short for Kids Only No Kidding Club, with sensory features and special dietary options at mealtimes, and you will find yourself relaxing more than worrying when you are on vacation in St. Pete. 3. San Antonio, Texas Every kid loves going to theme parks. Most theme parks can be overwhelming for kids with autism, though. Of the three theme parks in San Antonio, Morgan’s Wonderland is the best for children with special needs. Morgan’s Wonderland has long been called the Ultra Accessible Family Fun Park. Your entire family will love all the rides, the Wonderland Express and Depot, Music Garden, and Sensory Village. The best part is that children with special needs are always given free entry into this park. 4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee A vacation in Pigeon Forge must include a visit to Dollywood. This theme park has created a calming experience for even the most sensitive guests. When your family is not riding on the FireChaser Express, Lightning Rod, or Barnstormer, you can all wander along the creeks and trees on the property. And if the day gets a little out of control, the Sensory Room or Calming Corner at the water park can help everyone calm down. Of course, vacations in Pigeon Forge are not all about Dollywood. The expansive Smoky Mountains are waiting for you to explore, too, so contact me today, and let’s go over some of the amazing things you can do there! 5. Mesa, Arizona You may not know this, but Mesa, Arizona, was the very first city to become an autism-certified city through IBCCES. Practically every inch of Mesa has been designed to be autism-friendly, so you will never lack for finding things to do and see. Calming adventures can include Butterfly Wonderland, while more adventurous days must consist of tubing at the lower salt bend. Mealtimes will never be an issue in Mesa, thanks to all the autism-friendly restaurants waiting to serve you! 6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Myrtle Beach is another autism-certified center that is certified by IBCCES. This city has improved its autism-friendliness by partnering with CAN, the Champion Autism Network. Savannah’s Playground and WonderWorks are fantastic places your family will love while vacationing in Myrtle Beach. I recommend getting your CAN Card when you arrive in this area, though, because it will give you many other ideas and support options you may need while on vacation. 7. Lake Havasu City, Arizona When you are on vacation in Mesa, Arizona, you must take a little time to check out Lake Havasu City. This city is another autism-certified center, and it is full of autism-friendly things to do. Swimming is the number one activity at Rotary Community Park, but don’t rule out all the other fun activities you will discover during your visit. 8. The Berkshires, Massachusetts Sometimes, the best vacations are filled with low-key activities and lots of quiet time. You will find all that and so much more when you take the time to vacation in the Berkshires. There are plenty of hiking trails to tackle, as well as bodies of water for swimming and kayaking. Add in the local farms and businesses, and you will discover your own little piece of paradise away from home. 9. Mosca, Colorado You may have never heard of the Mosca area in Colorado, but I am sure you have heard about the Great Sand Dunes National Park. If your child with autism loves animals and the great outdoors, they will love everything about a vacation in Great Sand Dunes. This vacation will include lots of hiking, spotting wild animals, and, of course, sandboarding on the dunes. 10. Madison, Wisconsin The city of Madison employs an autism expert to ensure families with autism are welcomed with open arms. On vacation in Madison, you can visit museums, explore parks, and create art. The local theater also offers autism-friendly options every month. You will never feel out of place or stressed out. These are the top ten autism-friendly places to visit in 2021. I would love to help you create an autism-friendly vacation for your family at one of these destinations. We can pack any vacation with autism-friendly activities while making sure you are staying in
Can Hawaii be an Autism Friendly Vacation Destination? Let Me Show You Why the Answer is YES!
With its phenomenal natural beauty, Hawaii appeals to families with autism. All you need to do is look from the majestic Ko’olau Mountains to the awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park to see that it is a destination you would love to visit. The good news is that Hawaii is low-sensory, safe, and comfortable. You won’t be spending time on the islands hanging out in shopping malls as your kids get overstimulated. Instead, your days will be spent on the sandy beaches. At those beaches, you will go snorkeling with tropical fish and even watch the lava flow from a nearby volcano. During those times you need to be out of the sun, you can visit the local museums, aquariums, and historical attractions. Many of those places offer hands-on activities that will keep your family engaged and happy. Hawaii offers so many things for families with autism that you will wonder why this gorgeous destination hasn’t been on your list of places to visit sooner! This post contains affiliate links, I earn a small commission if you decide to purchase something, this helps me keep blog posts like this one and running the site! Can Hawaii be an Autism Friendly Vacation Destination? Let Me Show You Why the Answer is YES! Getting to Hawaii Hawaiian Airlines can be helpful to guests flying with a person with autism. But it would be best if you were prepared to ask for it and even solve issues independently. I will give you recommendations before your trip. I will also ensure that you have a private transfer set up so you can get to your accommodations from the airport quickly after your arrival. Learn more about how Hawaii can be an Autism Friendly Vacation Destination. The Best Islands for Kids O’ahu On the island of O’ahu, you will find multiple family-friendly accommodations near Waikiki Beach. My personal favorite is the Ko’Olina Resort. This resort has one of the most family-friendly lagoons on all the islands combined. My son loved visiting the Ko’Olina Lagoons. The waves were gentle, so he could enter the water without being restricted by a life jacket. If we let him, he would have spent every day snorkeling and enjoying the beach. Don’t forget to protect your dream trip with travel insurance from Yonder. Whether it’s a sudden change in plans, unexpected medical emergencies, or any other hiccups that might come your way, Yonder has you covered. It’s peace of mind that lets you fully enjoy your adventure, knowing you’re protected if anything comes up! The lagoons are also an excellent place for kayaking and paddle boarding if you love to do those adventures. We often went back to the lagoons for lunch and dinner some days. It was such a calm location that we could relax and enjoy the ambiance while eating amazing local foods. Plus, at night, the sunsets were incredible! All the things you will want to see and do on the island of O’ahu are less than a half day’s drive away, too. So, you can easily spend one day hiking Diamond Head and another snorkeling at Hanauma Bay or visiting the Iolani Palace. You must not forget to have a little shaved ice over at Matsumoto’s on the North Shore. It is a perfect place to stop after you have visited the Polynesian Cultural Center. One of the best places to visit in O’ahu is the Honolulu Zoo. Over one thousand animals can be seen in their natural habitats. The Waikiki Aquarium is the country’s third oldest aquarium, making it a must-visit destination during your vacation. One of the most unique museums we found on the island of O’ahu was the Bishop Museum. The exhibits change often, which is perfect for the locals. My son and I loved the fact that all the exhibits were interactive. This museum was created to allow people to truly experience the exhibits instead of looking at them. If you have the time and plan your trip accordingly, you can even participate in the available children’s programming. If time allows, you must check out the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial when on vacation in O’ahu. You can see the memorial from the shoreline of the island. So, if you don’t have enough time to squeeze this attraction into your schedule, you can at least see it from a distance. But if you can, I recommend adding this Pearl Harbor attraction to your itinerary. I will work with you to make it possible if this is a must-see on your list. Maui When vacationing in Maui, I recommend renting a family-sized condo on the leeward shoreline. This location will mean gorgeous sunrises and sunsets and plenty of time near the water. The sunrise is also a must-see at the top of the Haleakala volcano. A favorite road trip in Maui is the Road to Hana. This sixty-four-plus-mile journey is beyond breathtaking. There are so many attractions to see when you make this drive. Most are little parks, lookouts, waterfalls, and areas where you can take short hikes. This road trip can bring you an entire day, and you will want to ensure you have your camera and either a charger or extra batteries. One thing to note is motion sickness is possible during the Road to Hana journey. Therefore, if you have a family member prone to motion sickness, you may want to skip this adventure! I know firsthand about this since my oldest son got very ill on our drive back to Kahului to catch our flight back to O’ahu. Other items on your must-do list for Maui include taking a whale-watching cruise, learning about the ocean at the Maui Pacific Ocean Center, and smelling the lavender over at Ali’i Kula Lavender. Kaua’i It is all about the outdoors during a vacation on the island of Kaua’i. The baby beaches will let your little children get wet while your older kids will love learning how to surf. One of the first places you must