During a recent weekday visit to We Rock the Spectrum Honolulu, a small line was already beginning to form for its 11 a.m. opening. Owner John Ross greeted each keiki and their family members with a smile, while swapping parenting stories about bath and play time.
“We're Honolulu's first sensory-safe gym designed specifically for children with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders — and a place where every child, neurotypical or not, is genuinely celebrated,” said Ross, who opened the franchise with his wife, Marissa Cayetano Ross, in November of 2025.
While his wife grew up in the Islands, he moved to Oʻahu from Washington in 2005, though, originally from Massachusetts.
The heart behind the pair’s first business venture is in part for their children: Kai, 11, was diagnosed with autism at an early age and Lily, 7, “is neurotypical,” John Ross said, adding with a laugh that she is “very empathetic and understanding when working with him, but they’re still siblings no different than anyone else.”
The overall goal of We Rock the Spectrum Honolulu is to provide a space for kids of all abilities “to play with a purpose,” meaning to exercise and stimulate their senses for physical, emotional and social development. Ross likened it to a watering hole that “gives all families common ground.”
He adds: “A big part of this place is that opportunity to share because I think a lot of people have similar challenges but don’t have somewhere to discuss it.”
One of the walls in the gym reads: “Finally a place where you never have to say I’m sorry.”
The motto was coined in 2010 by We Rock the Spectrum Founder and CEO Dina Kimmel, who opened the first kids gym brand in California, created the franchise model a few years later and has since expanded to more than 150 locations across the globe.
In Honolulu, Ross notes that the 7,600-square-foot gym features 12 pieces of therapeutic equipment — from a zip line and monkey bars to swings, trampoline and rock wall — used to help keiki with coordination, confidence, balance and building strength. It also has several areas dedicated for reading, arts and crafts, field trips and parties, and emotional and behavioral support.
Ross said in the year ahead, he’s most excited to grow his team and community partnerships, while fostering individual growth. “We’re still getting the word out that we are here. … The concept on inclusion only happens with more awareness.”
“My hope in the long run is to encourage kids to play side by side now, so that their later exposures in life are kind interactions.”
Metered street parking is available in addition to a neighboring lot at Hawai’i Opera Theatre (848 S. Beretania St.).
All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during Open Play for up to two hours. Hours and pricing vary. For more information and weekly schedules, check Facebook and Instagram or call 808-864-7625.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
