Kauai Able Prom at Royal Sonesta celebrates people with special needs

At the Royal Sonesta Kauai Resort in Nawiliwili, Able Ministries hosted its 12th annual Able Prom, welcoming 112 total attendees and rolling out a waiting red carpet for prom-goers, coordinator Ana Munoz said. The event, held Feb. 7, 2026, carried the theme "A Night to Remember" and aimed to honor individuals with special needs while providing a safe, inclusive and joy-filled prom experience.

Munoz described the evening inside the Royal Sonesta as full of fanfare and celebration: "There were escorts, paparazzi, great music, dinner, an inspirational message, and lots of dancing," she said. Photo coverage for the night was shared by Ana Munoz, who also coordinated logistics for attendees and volunteers.

The evening began with pre-prom grooming at Lihue Missionary Church, where female attendees had makeup and hair done by volunteer professionals from community businesses. After hair and makeup, attendees had light refreshments and a pre-prom talk while waiting for The Kauai Bus to pick them up and transport them to Royal Sonesta, where a waiting red carpet greeted arrivals.

Ana Munoz has led the event for more than a decade. "Munoz first coordinated the special needs event 11 years ago, and continues to spearhead efforts that started as a 'small act of love that has grown by leaps and bounds each year,'" the coordinator said. Munoz also noted the event’s continuing growth and community roots.

Organizers had anticipated 75 VIP participants this year, and Munoz provided the detailed tally: "This year, we anticipated 75 VIP participants, and 112 total attendees, including Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, when including our trained helpers. This number continues to grow each year." The count included trained helpers and the array of volunteers who escorted guests throughout the evening.

Support for the prom came from County of Kauai, the Hawaii Community Foundation, Orly’s Patisserie, Hoike Media Kauai and Lihue Missionary Church, along with "so many dedicated volunteers from across the island of Kauai," Munoz said. The event’s format combined community fundraising and in-kind support to cover transportation, grooming, a plated dinner and entertainment for attendees.

Able Prom’s purpose remained focused on celebration and dignity. Munoz summarized that "These incredible VIPs are celebrated once a year through Able Ministries," and added that "Our incredible team pours their hearts into making this the most cherished Able event of the year." She said the prom "reflects dignity, belonging and true community," a mission that drew attendance from across Kauai and included public figures among supporters. Photo courtesy of Ana Munoz.