What age groups do Hawaii autism schools serve?

Hawaii autism schools and programs serve a wide range of ages: Pacific Autism Center focuses on ages 3-13, Horizons Academy of Maui serves preschool through young adulthood, Hawaii DOE programs serve students ages 3-20, and ABA providers such as ABC Group Hawaii and Malama Pono Autism Center support children through early adulthood. Assets School and Variety School of Hawaii typically serve school-age children and teens.

Do autism schools and programs in Hawaii accept insurance?

Public school autism services are provided at no cost through the education system and do not require health insurance. Some ABA therapy providers, such as Malama Pono Autism Center, ABC Group Hawaii, and Aloha ABA, may accept certain health insurance plans for behavioral services. Families should check directly with each provider and their insurance company to confirm coverage, co-pays, and any limits on services.

How do I apply to autism schools and programs in Hawaii?

For public schools, contact your local Hawaii DOE school or district office and request an evaluation for special education under IDEA. If your child is found eligible, the IEP team will help determine services and placement. For private schools such as Assets School, Variety School of Hawaii, or Horizons Academy of Maui, visit their websites, complete application forms, share recent evaluations, and schedule a tour or meeting. For ABA providers, contact the clinic directly to discuss referral, assessment, and funding or insurance options.

Can my child get both public school and private autism services in Hawaii?

Yes. Many families in Hawaii use a combination of supports, such as having their child attend a public school with special education services during the day and receiving ABA, speech therapy, or occupational therapy from private providers after school or during breaks. When combining services, it is helpful to coordinate communication between the school team and outside providers so goals are aligned and your child is not overwhelmed.

Schools

Best Autism Schools in Hawaii for Your Child in 2026

Q: What are the best autism schools in Hawaii?

Some of the most commonly recommended autism-focused schools and programs in Hawaii include Assets School and Variety School of Hawaii in Honolulu, Pacific Autism Center's inclusion preschool and Elementary Learning Center, Horizons Academy of Maui in Haiku, and Hawaii DOE special education programs with autism support across the islands. Families also frequently use ABA providers such as Malama Pono Autism Center, ABC Group Hawaii, and Aloha ABA alongside public or private schools.

Q: Are autism schools in Hawaii free?

Autism and special education services provided through Hawaii public schools are free for eligible students ages 3-20 as part of the Hawaii Department of Education. Private schools and therapy centers, including Assets School, Variety School of Hawaii, Horizons Academy of Maui, and ABA providers, charge tuition or service fees, although some may offer scholarships, financial aid, or accept health insurance for portions of therapy.

TL;DR – Best Autism Schools in Hawaii

Hawaii has a small but strong set of autism-focused schools and programs, mainly on Oahu and Maui, plus statewide public-school special education services through the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE). Top options include Assets School and Variety School of Hawaii in Honolulu, Pacific Autism Center’s inclusion preschool and elementary programs, Horizons Academy of Maui, and ABA therapy providers such as Malama Pono Autism Center, ABC Group Hawaii, and Aloha ABA that families often combine with public-school placements. When choosing, compare age range, therapies offered, class size, staff expertise, and transition planning to find the best fit for your child.

Introduction

Finding the right autism school in Hawaii can be challenging because services are spread across several islands and offered by a mix of public schools, private schools, and therapy centers. This guide brings those options into one place so you can quickly understand what each program offers and which families they are best suited for.

You will find details about full-time autism-friendly schools, inclusion and early intervention programs, and center-based ABA services that support children on the spectrum from early childhood into young adulthood. At the end, you will see practical tips and an FAQ section to help you move from research to action for your child in Hawaii.

Public School Autism Support in Hawaii

Hawaii DOE Special Education & Autism Services (Statewide)

The Hawaii Department of Education provides special education and related services, including autism support, for eligible students ages 3–20 in public schools across the state. Support is delivered through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), school-based behavioral health, and autism programs organized by complex areas on each island.

Key points:

Cost: Free as part of your child’s public education under IDEA.
Ages: 3–20 (preschool, elementary, middle, and high school).
Services: IEPs, specialized instruction, related services, behavior supports, and sometimes access to autism specialists.
Where to start: Contact your local public school or HIDOE district office and request an evaluation for special education if your child does not already have an IEP.

Public school may be a good fit if your child benefits from a neighborhood school setting and can manage in larger environments with the right supports and accommodations.

Private Autism-Friendly and Special Education Schools in Hawaii

Assets School (Honolulu, Oahu)

Assets School in Honolulu is an independent K–12 school that specializes in educating students with language-based learning differences, including dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Students benefit from very small class sizes and highly individualized instruction in a supportive environment.

Island / Location: Honolulu, Oahu (two campuses).
Ages / Grades: Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Strengths: 8:1 typical student–teacher ratio, strength-based curriculum, focus on self-advocacy and confidence for students who struggle in traditional settings.
Considerations: Private tuition; families often explore scholarships or financial assistance.

Assets may be especially helpful for autistic students who are verbal, have average or above-average intelligence, and need a supportive, low-stress environment with teachers who understand learning differences.

Contact Information:

Address (K-8): 1 Ohana Nui Way, Honolulu, HI 96818

Address (High School): 913 Alewa Drive, Honolulu, HI 96817

Phone: (808) 423-1356

Website: https://www.assets-school.org

Variety School of Hawaii (Honolulu, Oahu)

Variety School of Hawaii is a nonprofit, non-graded, multidisciplinary school specifically designed for students with challenges in socialization, communication, and peer relations, including high-functioning autism and other developmental and learning differences. The school integrates specialized teachers, therapists, and technology to deliver an individualized educational program.

Island / Location: Honolulu, Oahu.
Ages: Typically serves ages 5–21 through a non-graded structure.
Strengths: Strong focus on social communication, anxiety, sensory needs, and transition to traditional schools when appropriate.
Programs: School-day curriculum plus after-school and summer enrichment options.

Variety School is a strong option for autistic students who need more intensive social and communication support than typical schools can provide, in a smaller, structured environment.

Contact Information:

Address: 710 Palekaua Street, Honolulu, HI 96816

Phone: (808) 732-2835

Email: info@varietyschool.org

Website: https://www.varietyschool.org

Pacific Autism Center (Honolulu, Oahu)

Pacific Autism Center runs an inclusion preschool for children ages 3–6 and an Elementary Learning Center for children 6–13 who need intensive instruction and are not yet able to be fully included in mainstream classrooms. The program is designed to build communication, learning readiness, and behavior regulation in a supportive environment.

Island / Location: Honolulu, Oahu.
Ages: Preschool (3–6) and elementary (6–13).
Services: Inclusion-style preschool, intensive elementary program, small groups, and individualized teaching.
Strengths: Early, autism-focused intervention with clear structure and routine.

Pacific Autism Center is particularly valuable for young children who need intensive support to build foundational communication and learning skills before moving into less restrictive settings.

Contact Information:

Address: 670 Auahi Street, Suite A-6, Honolulu, HI 96813

Phone: (808) 523-8188

Website: https://www.pacificautismcenter.com

Horizons Academy of Maui (Haiku, Maui)

Horizons Academy of Maui offers individualized experiential education from preschool through young adulthood for students with learning diversities, including autism and other developmental differences. Programs emphasize life skills, community integration, and a tailored curriculum that helps students build confidence and independence.

Island / Location: Haiku, Maui.
Ages: Preschool through young adulthood (up to about 21).
Strengths: Highly individualized curriculum, focus on independence, and community-based experiences.
Considerations: Families from other islands must consider travel and housing; tuition applies.

Horizons Academy is a good choice if you live on Maui or can relocate and want a program that blends academics with strong life-skills training.

Contact Information:

Address: 2680 Wai Wai Place, Kihei, HI 96753

Phone: (808) 575-2954

Website: https://www.horizonsacademy.org

Autism Therapy and ABA Programs That Support Schools

Malama Pono Autism Center (Oahu & Maui)

Malama Pono Autism Center provides autism diagnosis, assessment, and ABA-based treatment services for children and their families on Oahu and Maui. The center uses evidence-based practices and multidisciplinary care to support communication, behavior, and daily living skills.

Locations: Primarily on Oahu, with services also available on Maui.
Services: Assessments, ABA therapy, caregiver training, and coordinated support.
Mission: To support families in Hawaii impacted by autism with high-quality, research-based care.

Families often combine Malama Pono services with public school placements or private schools to create a more complete support system for their child.

Contact Information:

Address (Oahu): 100 Kahelu Ave, Suite 110, Mililani, HI 96789

Address (Maui): 41 E Lipoa St, Suite 29, Kihei, HI 96753

Phone: (808) 625-3000

Website: https://www.malamaponoautism.com

ABC Group Hawaii (Oahu)

ABC Group serves children with autism spectrum disorders from 12 months through early adulthood, offering intensive behavioral treatment programs based on ABA principles. Programs are typically individualized and may include early intervention, social skills training, and parent coaching.

Location: Oahu.
Ages: 12 months through early adulthood.
Strengths: Long age span, ABA-based, strong emphasis on individualized programming.
Considerations: Not a traditional academic school; families may need to coordinate with DOE or private schools for academics.

Like Malama Pono, ABC Group typically functions as a therapy provider rather than a full-time academic school, so families coordinate these services with DOE or private school programs.

Contact Information:

Address: 99-870 Iwaena St, Aiea, HI 96701

Phone: (808) 277-7736

Email: info@autismbehaviorconsulting.com

Website: https://www.abcgrouphawaii.com

Comparison Table – Best Autism Schools and Programs in Hawaii (2026)

School / Program	Island / Location	Ages / Grades	Type	Highlights
HIDOE Special Education & Autism	Statewide	3–20	Public school special education	Free, IEP-based services, behavioral supports in neighborhood schools.
Assets School	Honolulu (Oahu)	K–12	Private special education school	Only K–12 school in Hawaii specializing in language-based learning differences, small classes.
Variety School of Hawaii	Honolulu (Oahu)	~5–21 (non-graded)	Nonprofit special education school	Designed for autism, anxiety, and communication challenges, multidisciplinary approach.
Pacific Autism Center	Honolulu (Oahu)	3–13	Inclusion preschool & learning center	Early, autism-focused inclusion preschool and intensive elementary program.
Horizons Academy of Maui	Haiku (Maui)	Preschool–young adult	Private experiential school	Individualized academic and life-skills program with community integration.
Malama Pono Autism Center	Oahu & Maui	Children–early adulthood	ABA therapy center	Autism diagnosis, multidisciplinary ABA services, strong family support.
ABC Group Hawaii	Oahu	12 months–early adulthood	ABA-based treatment programs	Intensive individualized ABA for communication and behavior.

How to Choose the Right Autism School or Program in Hawaii

First, list your child’s strengths, support needs, and sensory profile. Then, match them to programs that serve your child’s age range. Ensure these programs offer the necessary level of structure and therapy. For example, a young child who needs intensive early intervention may be best served by an inclusion preschool like Pacific Autism Center plus ABA. An older child who needs a small, autism-friendly school might fit better at Variety School or Assets.

Important questions to ask schools and centers include class size, teacher training in autism, access to speech and occupational therapy, behavior support policies, and how progress is monitored and communicated to families. It is also wise to ask about transition support, whether that means moving to less restrictive settings, preparing for high school, or planning for life after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Autism Schools in Hawaii

What are the best autism schools in Hawaii for 2026?

The top autism schools and programs in Hawaii commonly considered by families include:

Oahu (Honolulu and nearby):

Assets School – K–12 private school for students with learning differences, including autism.
Variety School of Hawaii – Non-graded school for students with social, communication, and learning challenges.
Pacific Autism Center – Inclusion preschool and Elementary Learning Center for ages 3–13.
DOE Special Education Programs – Public autism services through local schools.

Maui and Neighbor Islands:

Horizons Academy of Maui – Individualized experiential education from preschool to young adulthood.
ABA providers such as Malama Pono Autism Center and ABC Group Hawaii (Oahu & Maui) used alongside public or private schools.

Are autism schools in Hawaii free or paid?

Public programs through the Hawaii DOE are free of charge for eligible students, including autism services provided under IDEA.

Private schools and centers such as Assets School, Variety School of Hawaii, and Horizons Academy of Maui charge tuition and fees, though some may offer:

Scholarships or financial aid
Sliding-scale assistance
Payment plans or third-party funding options

ABA therapy providers may accept health insurance for some services, but academic tuition is usually separate.

What services do autism schools in Hawaii provide?

Most Hawaii autism schools and programs provide a combination of educational and therapeutic services, such as:

Education: Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), small classes, modified curriculum.
Therapies: ABA, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills groups.
Sensory supports: Sensory-friendly classrooms and structured routines.
Life skills: Daily living skills, community-based instruction, and pre-vocational training.
Family support: Parent training, counseling, and resource referrals.

How do I choose the right autism school or program in Hawaii?

When choosing a program, focus on these key factors:

Match to your child: Age range, support needs, sensory profile, and learning style.
Staff expertise: Special education credentials, autism-specific training, ABA or therapy experience.
Therapy access: Onsite or coordinated speech, OT, and behavioral services.
Environment: Class size, noise level, safety, and predictability of routines.
Transition planning: Support for moving to mainstream classes, high school, or adulthood.

Schedule visits, ask to observe classrooms when possible, and talk with other parents about their experiences.

Can my child get both public school and outside autism services in Hawaii?

Yes, many families combine supports. A child may attend a public school with special education services and receive private ABA, speech, or OT after school or during breaks.

When combining services, communicate with both the school and outside providers so goals are coordinated and your child is not overwhelmed.

DrorAr101

My name is Adi, and I am the proud parent of Saar, a lively 17-year-old who happens to have autism. I have created a blog, 101Autism.com, with the aim to share our family's journey and offer guidance to those who may be going through similar experiences. Saar, much like any other teenager, has a passion for football, cycling, and music. He is also a budding pianist and enjoys painting. However, his world is somewhat distinct. Loud sounds can be overwhelming, sudden changes can be unsettling, and understanding emotions can be challenging. Nevertheless, Saar is constantly learning and growing, and his unwavering resilience is truly remarkable.