OVERVIEW

Kona, Hawaii, is also known as “The Big Island of Hawaii.”  It is the largest island in the chain of the Hawaiian Islands (part of the United States). It is not only a beautiful area, but offers a variety of accessible things to do. The Kona community is very supportive for anyone with a disability and welcomes visitors of all abilities. There are training centers for people with mobility impairments who would like to participate in disabled Iron Man competitions, at least one accessible community snorkeling group, and accessible horseback riding, just to name a few.

 LANGUAGE

The official language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

KONA : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Kona International Airport: At the Kona airport there are no jetbridges. All boarding of passengers is done from the tarmac via stairs. People with mobility impairments will be assisted on the plane typically via lift or aisle chair. Passengers with mobility impairments should contact their airline ahead of time to arrange assistance.

For people who have a hearing impairment the Kona International Airport is equipped with Text Telephones (TTYs).

The Kona International Airport has both wheelchair accessible restrooms with accessible stalls and family/companion restrooms. The family restrooms are located in the following areas:

• North Terminal, east of security checkpoint
• South Terminal, south of security checkpoint
• Ground Transportation Building

Add your accessible travel knowledge about airports for this destination.

FERRY

Add your accessible travel knowledge about ferry services for this destination.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

RENTAL VEHICLES

“At the airport the rental car agencies can get you hand controls (free, but order in advance by phone) or Wheelchair Getaways (800-638-1912) rents wheelchair vans (pricey at about a $100 a day plus pick up charges, but worth it is that is what you need). My recommendation for airport transport is Speedi Shuttle (877-242-5777) – friendly service, portable ramp to get any chair into their modern vans with lots of room.”  Lew, 9/7/10

Add your accessible travel knowledge about rental vehicles for this destination.

SHUTTLE

Speedishuttle, LLC: Speedishuttle is ADA accessible. Accessible shuttles should be made 48 hours in advance. When making a reservation state that you require a shuttle van with a ramp if required. The company has a portable ramp and needs time to install the ramp before pick-up.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about shuttle services for this destination.

TAXI

Add your accessible travel knowledge about taxi services for this destination.

KONA : Accommodations

HOTELS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about hotels for this destination.

Condos

Accessible Ocean Front Condo on the Kona Coast: This 2 bedroom ocean front condo is located in Kanaloa at Kona and offers wheelchair accessibility throughout. Some of the features include a lift, a roll in shower, and air conditioning, to name a few. It’s a perfect vacation place for you and your family and is just a short walk to the beach.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about condo rentals for this destination.

KONA : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about sightseeing tours for this destination.

ACTIVITIES

Blue Sea Cruises: Blue Sea Cruises is a glass bottom boat that offers an incredible view into the underwater world, amazing sunsets, and dinner cruises. Note that wheelchairs must be stored on dock during the cruise. For more details contact Blue Sea Cruises.

Body Glove Whale Watching and Sunset Cruises: At the back of the boat there is a ramp for easy wheelchair and water access.

Canoe Paddling: There is a special outrigger canoe paddling adventure for people with disabilities offered on the last Sunday of each month. For more details email: brianwwjd2001@aol.com

“Canoe paddling focused on wheel chair users is sponsored by Kalamaku (official ministry of Mokuaikaua Congregational Church). Its a special outrigger canoe paddling experience for people with disabilities, launched from an easy-entry beach near the Kona pier and King Kamehameha Hotel into the calm waters of Kona bay. Reach at 808-937-3208, or email brianwwjd2001@aol.com. Wheelchair paddlers – this was created just for you.” Lew, 9/7/10

Accessible Horseback Riding: See the beautiful Island by horseback riding. If you’ve never ridden a horse, a physical therapist is on hand for lessons. Book lessons in advance. Wondering how to board the horse access is made easy via ramp.

Jack’s Diving Locker: Jack’s Diving Locker offers accessible scuba diving through PADI and HAS (Handicapped Suba Association) certified instructors. Arrangements should be made well in advance. Contact them for more details.

Snorkeling at Kahalu’u Bay: Kahalu’u Bay offers the best snorkeling on the island for people with disabilities, and for families with children. It’s the only beach on the island with protected, calm waters, which are relatively shallow and surrounded by sea life.

Sunlight on Water: Sunlight on Water offers wheelchair accessible boat tours to watch dolphins and whales or to swim with the dolphins or manta rays.

“For great dolphin and whale watching snorkel cruises during the day and manta rays at night its Sunlight On Water cruises and Capt. Mike ((808) 896-2480, with strong arms available to swim with you and get you into and out of the water.” Lew, 9/7/10

Sports: “if you want to be active and exercise, the spirit of support for Ironman helps you there too. On a personal coaching level I can recommend Eric Nielsen (a physical therapist, triathelete and swim-run-bike coach, at http://coachericneilsen.com/ ” Lew, 9/7/10

Swimming: Located in Kona, there is an Olympic size pool aquatic center that is accessible for people with disabilities – there is plenty of staff to assist people into the water.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about activities for this destination.

RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

“Although many sites, stores and restaurants are still not accessible on the Kona side, many are and the community support for wheelchair users is amazing on the Big Island – mostly due to the true spirit of Aloha that is part of the Big Island’s proud heritage.” Lew, 9/7/10

Add your accessible travel knowledge about restaurants and nightlife for this destination.

KONA : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Add your accessible travel knowledge about hospitals and medical services for this destination.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Big Island Medical: Big Island Medical supplies medical equipment for rent to travelers visiting Kona resorts. Big Island Medical rents and sells oxygen, mobility devices, Hoyer lifts, and electric beds to name a few.

“For your own transport you can rent scoters and other accessible items from Big Island Medical (808-323-3313).” Lew, 9/7/10

Add your accessible travel knowledge about medical equipment rentals for this destination.

KONA : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about precautions for this destination.

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Disabled Adventures Hawaii: ”For more activities Disabled Adventures Hawaii is a great resource, with info on snorkeling, whale watching, surfing lessons, horseback riding.” Lew 9/7/10

Add your accessible travel knowledge about additional links for this destination.

OVERVIEW

Maui is the second largest island in the volcanic chain of Hawaiian Islands and a great place for a disabled holiday. The beautiful lush, green landscapes on Maui are breathtaking, and nature lovers will be able to enjoy a variety of accessible activities on the beautiful island. Overall, Maui is relatively wheelchair accessible compared to other islands in the Pacific and is a relaxing destination for mature travelers and physically challenged travelers.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the US dollar.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

MAUI : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Kahului Airport, OGG: The Kahului Airport has two levels. The second level is accessible by elevator. The building is a modern airport with air conditioning, a jet bridge, and an accessible bathroom with wide stalls and grab bars. There is not a companion bathroom available at this airport. Wheelchairs are on hand upon request, however arrangements should be made with your airline ahead of time if you require an aisle chair, or transfer assistance. There are porters available at this airport to also assist with luggage.

For people who have hearing difficulties, TTY’s are available at the Kahului Airport. The text telephones are located at the ticket lobby, next to the gift shop, and in the baggage claim area.

You can find more accessible information at the Kahului Airport Government website.

“Maui is a relatively small airport that has an easy flow.  After passing though security you go up an elevator to the secured area for flights.  There is easy access to baggage claim.  Handicapped parking is plentiful and pretty close.  Many direct flights into Maui from US and Canada.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

Add your accessible travel knowledge about airports for this destination.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Add your accessible travel knowledge about ground transportation for this destination.

TAXI

Maui has a robust taxi network on the island. The storage space in the taxi is large enough to store a manual wheelchair. At this time, Maui does not have taxis equipped with ramps or lifts to serve people who utilize a power wheelchair or scooter.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about taxi services for this destination.

RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

Wheelchair Getaways: Wheelchair Getaways offers accessible rental vans equipped with a ramp for rent on the island of Maui. For convenience, the company offers pickup and delivery for a fee, and emergency service. Note that Wheelchair Getaways vans in Maui have manual ramps.

Wheelers Van Rentals: “Wheelers Van Rentals has accessible vans available for rent on Maui equipped with a power ramp.” Bruce, 5/10/2010

“Maui is quite rural, so having an accessible rental van is a nice to have so that you can explore and see more of the island.  There are two accessible van rental companies on island.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

Add your accessible travel knowledge about van rental services for this destination.

SHUTTLE

Add your accessible travel knowledge about shuttle services for this destination.

BUS

Maui Public Bus Transit System: “The Maui Public Bus Transit is wheelchair accessible.” –Bruce, 5/4/2010

Add your accessible travel knowledge about bus services for this destination.

TRAIN (Light Rail)

Add your accessible travel knowledge about train services for this destination.

FERRY

Add your accessible travel knowledge about ferry services for this destination.

MAUI : Accommodations

HOTELS

Maui Accessible Condo: “Wheelchair accessible 2 bedroom 2 bathroom ground floor condo with roll in shower.  Owner is a C5/6 quad and had the property set up for his needs.  The condo has a roll under sink, levered handles on doors, remote control ceiling fans and drapes.  The condo sits 100 feet away from the ocean.” – Bruce 5/4/2010

Add your accessible travel knowledge about hotels for this destination.

MAUI : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Polynesian Adventure Tours: The Polynesian Adventure Tour company is located on Maui, and other Hawaiian islands. The tour company has a tour bus that is equipped with a lift for people who utilize a mobility device. Tour arrangements should be made well in advance.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about sightseeing tours for this destination.

ACTIVITIES

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge: “Parts of the Wildlife refuge is wheelchair accessible, but it can be a bit bumpy. The National Bird Sanctuary has an accessible boardwalk which is quite long. You can watch endangered Hawaiian Stilts and Hawaiian Coots.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

 Accessible walkway in Wailea: “This is a wonderful accessible pathway in front of the beautiful resorts in Wailea. There is public parking with handicapped stalls at this park and nearby Ulua park. All beaches are public on Maui so enjoy these beautiful beaches and stay a while.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

 Enchanting Floral Gardens: “The Floral Gardens are wheelchair accessible. It’s a beautiful 8 acre botanical garden. The garden is paved, and has somewhat steep walkways through the garden. It’s a bit rundown but still my favorite on island.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

 Maui Ocean Center: “The aquarium is just down from our accessible condo. It’s an incredible place to see what is living in the oceans around Maui without getting wet.  It’s very accessible and wheelchair friendly.  Minimum of 1/2 day to see everything and with the close proximity to our condo I recommend getting a weekly pass so you can scoot back at will and really explore it.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

 Accessible Sea Kayaking: “Sea kayaking is an incredible way to enjoy the water and it is accessible.  Ron Bass has taken me and many of my renters out over the years and the reviews are good.  Actually it was a lot of fun.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

Add your accessible travel knowledge about activities for this destination.

RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Add your accessible travel knowledge about restaurants and nightlife for this destination.

MAUI : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Add your accessible travel knowledge about hospitals and medical services for this destination.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Gammie HomeCare: Gammie HomeCare is located on the Island of Maui and they provide medical rental equipment and supplies. They also have a beach wheelchair for rent if you’re looking to relax on one of the wonderful beaches in Maui. Gammie HomeCare also provides delivery service for convenience.

Add your accessible travel knowledge about medical equipment rentals for this destination.

MAUI : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

“Maui is a world class destination with incredible views and gorgeous weather.  As with anyplace theft does occur but it usually opportunistic.  Lock your car and condo doors and use common sense.”  - Bruce, 5/4/2010

 “September and October can get a bit toasty so drink a lot and avoid getting over heated.”  - Bruce, 5/4/2010

 “My name is Bruce Bernhardt and I own the accessible condo mentioned above.  I am a C5/6 quad and have owned my condo on Maui since 1991, so I know the accessibility of Maui.  It is good with curb cuts and other basic accessibility although you’ll run into older stores which have stairs.  Sand and wheelchairs don’t do well together, so access to beach and other natural areas are limited in many areas but that’s just part of our life.  More than enough places and activities to keep you busy and entertained so you don’t feel short changed on the Maui experience.”  - Bruce, 5/4/2010

Add your accessible travel knowledge about precautions for this destination.

OTHER USELFUL LINKS:

Add your accessible travel knowledge about other useful links for this destination.

OVERVIEW

The State of Hawaii is made up of a chain of volcanic islands, and is most widely known by the eight main islands: Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi . Hawaii is relatively wheelchair accessible and the State of Hawaii has provided helpful information on their website to assist with travel plans for people with physical mobility challenges.

AbilityTrip recognizes that many local destinations have taken the initiative to provide information to assist physically challenged travelers While we cannot endorse the information on these sites we encourage you to check them out and submit any thoughts or feedback on AbilityTrip.com. Also, if you have a recommended site for any location, please let us know so that we can add it to our catalogue of destinations.

Disability and Communication Access Board – department of health – State of Hawaii

Add your accessible travel knowledge about Hawaii