Kona, Hawaii, USA

KONA : Overview

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

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FERRY

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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

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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.

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TAXI

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KONA : Accommodations

HOTELS

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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.

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KONA : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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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: [email protected]

“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 [email protected] 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.

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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

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KONA : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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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

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KONA : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

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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

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